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Cancer referral and treatment activity 2010-2015: a population-based study from Vancouver Island
P Savage1, C Holloway1, G Lindsay1
1BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver Island, Victoria, BC.
Current Oncology (Toronto, Ont.)
|January 5, 2017
Summary
Cancer treatment activity significantly increased between 2010-2015, with intravenous chemotherapy rising over 50%. This data highlights the growing workload for oncology services and informs future cancer care planning.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Cancer treatment landscape has evolved significantly since 2005 with new drugs.
- Limited data exists on the impact of these changes on oncology service workload.
- This study examines cancer treatment activity on Vancouver Island from 2010-2015.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the changes in cancer treatment activity and workload.
- To provide data for future healthcare planning.
Main Methods:
- Reviewed population-based cancer treatment data from BC Cancer Agency databases.
- Included new patient referrals, radiation courses, chemotherapy cycles, IV chemotherapy visits, and oral anticancer drug prescriptions.
- Data analyzed for the period 2010-2015.
Main Results:
- Vancouver Island population grew by 2.8%; new referrals increased by 17.7%.
- Radiation courses rose by 6.1%.
- Intravenous (IV) chemotherapy activity surged: new courses up 52.1%, total attendances up 62%. Oral anticancer prescriptions increased by 22.9%.
Conclusions:
- Substantial increases in cancer therapy activity observed, particularly in IV chemotherapy and oral anticancer treatments.
- The findings underscore a growing demand on oncology services.
- This data is valuable for planning future cancer care provision.
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