Ontario is going to make it faster for cancer patients to access new cancer drugs.
A pilot program proposes to expedite patient access to high-priority cancer drugs that are approved by Health Canada.
The program, called Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments, or FAST, program, will run for three years.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones says it will make Ontario the first jurisdiction in Canada to fast-track patient access to breakthrough cancer drugs.
“Through this historic program, patients will be connected to life-saving and life-extending treatments up to a year sooner, reducing delays and improving access to cutting-edge cancer care for years to come,” says Jones.
Jones says currently, patients are waiting for as long as two years to access new publicly funded medicines, a full year longer than patients in many other countries.
Dr. Bettina Hamlin, Chief Executive Officer of Innovative Medicines Canada, says the FAST program will be a milestone for healthcare in Ontario and for patients accessing life-changing treatments.
“The FAST program represents a bold step forward in modernizing how new medicines reach the people who need them,” says Dr. Hamlin.
“It will bring cancer patients access to new treatments one year earlier. This could extend life, improve quality of life, and in some cases even offer a cure.”
Hamlin says the program could also be a catalyst to strengthen Ontario’s position as a global hub for life sciences and innovation, helping to attract new investment into the sector.
Kimberley Carson, Chief Executive Officer with Breast Cancer Canada, says timely access to new treatments will be welcomed by those facing breast cancer.
“When someone’s faced with a breast cancer diagnosis, every single day is crucial,” says Carson.
“Ontario continues to drive the systemic change that we need across Canada to provide the best cancer care to all patients.”
Dr. Keith Stewart, Vice President of Cancer and Laboratory Services at the University Health Network, calls the announcement a hopeful day for cancer patients.
“Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. Even as we celebrate improved survival rates, a growing and aging population means an expected higher overall number of cancer cases moving forward,” says Dr. Stewart.
“Today, it is even more important then that your announcement offers to accelerate access to the latest and most promising treatment for patients in Ontario and hopefully across Canada, making available new and exciting treatments and advancements in cancer care earlier, saving and extending lives in the process.”
Researchers predict nearly 250,000 new cancer diagnoses in Canada each year, while the World Health Organization foresees a 77% rise in new cancer cases by the year 2050.
