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- Title
The emergency department is no place to be told you have cancer.
- Authors
Grewal, Keerat; Varner, Catherine
- Abstract
This article discusses the increasing trend of patients receiving a cancer diagnosis in emergency departments in Canada. Despite overall declines in cancer incidence and mortality, the absolute number of people receiving a cancer diagnosis is expected to increase due to population growth and aging. The lack of access to primary care and long wait times for diagnostic imaging contribute to this issue. Patients who receive a cancer diagnosis in the emergency department often have worse outcomes and face challenges in terms of privacy, follow-up, and treatment plans. The article suggests implementing single-entry referral models and navigation programs to improve access to specialist follow-up and streamline the diagnosis of suspected cancer. Additionally, expanding access to diagnostic clinics for suspected cancers may help ensure timely work-up and management. The article emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues to prevent the loss of gains made in cancer outcomes.
- Subjects
HOSPITAL emergency services; EMERGENCY room visits; EMERGENCY physicians; MEDICAL care; PATIENTS' attitudes; ACCESS to primary care
- Publication
Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), 2024, Vol 196, Issue 18, pE626
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1503/cmaj.240612