Cancer Doesn't Stop For COVID-19

The pandemic has affected numerous hospital services across the province, but our Regional Cancer Care Northwest team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) has not missed a beat. They have continued to see new patients and provide timely treatment for cancer patients living in Northwestern Ontario.

“We initially saw a decrease in the number of patients due to the pandemic and a reduction in screening and surgical services. However, in the last quarter of the year, we experienced a surge as these services are catching up,” said Dr. Margaret Anthes, the clinical lead for radiation oncology at TBRHSC. “I would encourage eligible individuals to take part in cancer screening now that the services are once again available.”

Cancer screening services were halted for three months beginning in March 2020. Patients who were due for screening during this time had their appointments rescheduled. Cancer screening services restarted in July 2020, but unfortunately, numbers have not returned to normal. For example, monthly screening mammogram volumes in the northwest region in 2021 are approximately 20% less than in 2020.

“We continue to promote cancer screening because it’s better to treat the cancer at an early stage. Even in a pandemic, it’s important to carry on with routine cancer screening,” says Anthes. “For example, a colon cancer screening test is easy to complete since the test can be sent to you by mail, and for cancer screening tests that need to be done in-person, such as mammograms and Pap tests, you can be confident that when you are visiting these clinical settings, they are following COVID-19 guidelines and you will be safe.”

Since the start of the pandemic, Dr. Anthes’s practice has changed to include a combination of virtual (video and phone calls) and in-person appointments. This mix has improved the efficiency of the clinic and reduced wait times between appointments. Many of the patients have also expressed their appreciation of this new appointment method.

“It’s important for our patients to have their appointments on time and know that their healthcare team is keeping up with their care. For our patients in the region, virtual visits have allowed them to access care without having to travel to Thunder Bay,” Anthes explains. “By starting with a phone call, we can assess who needs to come into the clinic and who we can help virtually.”

Angela Saunders has worked alongside Dr. Anthes for 15 years as her primary nurse. Working in the clinic, Saunders has missed seeing patients in-person but has seen benefits to virtual visits during the pandemic.

“With COVID-19 restrictions, it’s tough for patients when they can’t bring a care partner or family member to their appointment. So virtual visits have been great,” Saunders says. “When we phone patients, their families can be present and have the opportunity to ask questions.”

Don’t let the pandemic stop you from attending medical appointments and seeking care if it’s urgent. Whether you are attending a virtual appointment or coming to the Cancer Centre for an in-person appointment, this team will be ready to help. “We’re never too busy to see patients. We want to see you if it’s necessary,” says Saunders. “If you have any concerns at all, do not hesitate to call us. Don’t feel like you have to wait for your next appointment.” For more information about Regional Cancer Care Northwest, please visit tbrhsc.net/programs-services/ regional-cancer-care.