The best possible care, regardless of where you live
February 27, 2019
Women with ovarian cancer deserve the best possible care, regardless of where they live. This is why Ovarian Cancer Canada and community members are working to address the critical issue of a shortage of gynecologic oncologists in Saskatchewan.
After patients were informed in October of 2018 that two gynecologic oncologists in Saskatoon – Dr. Christopher Giede and Dr. Anita Agrawal – would be on long-term leave and leaving the province respectively by year-end, patients expressed concerns, fear and anxiety about how their care would be impacted. These fears are well-warranted, especially considering that another gynecologic oncologist in Regina is also set to take leave in June of this year, leaving the province with only one specialist to address patient needs and care.
Speaking up, taking action
Ovarian Cancer Canada representatives, women living with ovarian cancer, and patient advocates have joined together in focused efforts to escalate and give voice to concerns over this doctor shortage. This includes meetings held with the Honourable Jim Reiter, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Greg Ottenbreit, Minister of Rural and Remote Health, and also Premier Scott Moe. We’ve also held meetings with the Leader of the Opposition, Ryan Meili and NDP Health Critic, Vicki Mowat. The Ministry of Health has also met with Dr. Giede and Dr. Agrawal about their experiences.
Following collective advocacy efforts, some positive and hopeful developments are taking place. Temporary specialist care has been secured until the end of March (with a possible extension after that period if necessary). A nurse navigator has been hired in Saskatoon to help patients navigate the system as well as provide help with temporary care. Advocates also urged the province’s College of Medicine to pursue two fellowships with a focus on training in gynecologic oncology. One candidate has been interviewed for a position in Regina, with the fellowship to be completed in June. There will also be an external review of the gynecologic oncology program, set to be completed by April of this year.
Keeping focus on the issue
While these steps and measures are helpful, this is an issue that will require steady focus and attention in the months to come.
“A delegation of women affected by ovarian cancer told their stories to bring decision makers face to face with anxieties that accompany disruptions to the health system,” said Stephanie Gosselin, Regional Director for Saskatchewan and Manitoba. “We won’t stop advocating until our gynecologic oncology program is back to full capacity.”
Stay up-to-date with more news and developments about Ovarian Cancer Canada’s focus on this issue and more at ovariancanada.org.
A reminder – research is key
Time is of the essence. With ovarian cancer being the most fatal women’s cancer in the country, donations we receive are put to work in the area they are needed most – research and advocacy.
If you are concerned about the status of ovarian cancer research funding in Canada, send a letter to your federal elected representative and encourage them to speak directly to the Minister of Finance about this urgent women’s health issue. Ovarian Cancer Canada’s online tool makes it easy for you to get a message to your rep in minutes.
Already sent a letter? Encourage your friends and family to do the same by reading your letter aloud for a social media video – be sure to tag Ovarian Cancer Canada in your post. At meetings and get-togethers, share why funding for ovarian cancer research is important to you and invite people to go to ovariancanada.org to have their say.
Your donations help advance research through Ovarian Cancer Canada’s direct financial contributions and advocacy efforts like this one. Please give generously.