Canada's Cancer Care Gap: Access, Equity, and the Needs of Survivors

OTTAWA, ON – November 20, 2025 – A new report from Breast Cancer Canada paints a complex picture of cancer care in the country, highlighting advancements in treatment alongside persistent challenges in access, equity, and long-term support for survivors. While innovative therapies are emerging, the report reveals a growing gap between approval and availability, and a critical need for more comprehensive post-treatment care.

The Growing Wait for Life-Saving Therapies

The report details that seven new breast cancer therapies received Health Canada approval in the past year, but the average time for patients to actually access these treatments remains stubbornly above 12 months. This delay, according to the report, is due to a complex and often protracted process involving health technology assessments, price negotiations, and provincial funding decisions.

“The current system is failing patients,” said a healthcare policy analyst, speaking on background. “We’re approving innovative drugs, but then creating barriers to access. It’s incredibly frustrating for both patients and oncologists.”

The lengthy wait times are not unique to breast cancer. Similar delays plague access to new therapies for other cancers, raising concerns about Canada falling behind other developed nations. The report suggests that Canada's multi-layered review process is significantly slower than those in countries like the United States and several European nations.

Ontario is piloting a new program, FAST (Funding Accelerated for Specific Treatments), designed to expedite access to breakthrough cancer drugs. The program bypasses some of the traditional funding approval stages, which early indications suggest, may substantially reduce wait times. “It’s a positive step,” stated a patient advocate. “But we need to see similar initiatives adopted across all provinces.”

Regional Disparities in Access and Clinical Trials

The report also sheds light on significant regional disparities in access to cancer care. While some provinces offer more comprehensive coverage and faster access to new therapies, others lag behind, creating a postcode lottery for patients. This disparity extends to access to clinical trials, which are often concentrated in larger urban centers with robust research infrastructure.

“There’s a clear inequity in access to cutting-edge treatments,” explained a researcher specializing in cancer disparities. “Patients in rural or remote areas often have to travel long distances to participate in clinical trials, or may not have access to them at all.”

Only 55% of Canadians currently have access to advanced cancer treatments through clinical trials, and this access is unevenly distributed across the country. The report calls for greater investment in research infrastructure and increased efforts to ensure that clinical trials are accessible to patients regardless of their location.

Beyond Treatment: The Overlooked Needs of Survivors

While advancements in treatment have led to improved survival rates, the report emphasizes the critical need for more comprehensive post-treatment care and support for survivors. The report reveals that a staggering 72% of patients feel unprepared to manage the risk of cancer recurrence.

“People are so focused on getting through treatment that they don't think about what comes after,” said an oncology nurse. “They need support with managing side effects, emotional well-being, and navigating the fear of recurrence.”

The report highlights a gap in coordinated post-treatment care, with many survivors falling through the cracks. It calls for integrated survivorship programs that address the physical, emotional, and practical needs of patients after treatment. This includes access to psychological support, nutritional counseling, and resources for managing long-term side effects.

One survivor shared, “It’s like you’re thrown back into ‘normal’ life after treatment, but you're not the same person. You're dealing with a lot of anxiety and uncertainty. You need ongoing support to navigate that.