Urgent Need to Strengthen Canada's Oncology Workforce Amid Advanced Cancer Treatments

Rapid progress in cancer treatments has significantly improved patient outcomes, but it has also highlighted the urgent necessity to bolster Canada's cancer care workforce. According to an analysis published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, a fundamental transformation in cancer care is underway, necessitating immediate action to meet increasing demands.

Dr. John Walker, an oncologist affiliated with the University of Alberta and Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, emphasizes that while advances like targeted molecular therapy, immunotherapy, and innovations in radiation oncology have vastly improved long-term survival rates—for instance, achieving a 10-year survival rate of 52% in melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy—the complexity of these treatments demands more frequent clinical visits and meticulous management of potential adverse effects.

These advances have led to better outcomes but also resulted in a rise in the number of patients requiring specialized care. The current healthcare resources and care models in Canada are not yet sufficient to address this evolving landscape.

To tackle these challenges, the authors recommend several strategies:

• Increasing the number of oncologists through expanded medical school placements and encouraging more graduates to specialize in oncology.
• Developing a team-based approach to care involving general practice oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, oncology nurses, and clinical pharmacists.
• Growing the pool of healthcare providers like nurse practitioners and nurses with specialized oncology training.
• Optimizing resource use by evaluating the benefits and risks of therapies to ensure efficient allocation.

Furthermore, the authors highlight the importance of avoiding unnecessary post-treatment assessments where data do not support improved outcomes, thereby conserving resources and reducing patient burden. As the landscape of cancer care continues to evolve, the healthcare system must adapt quickly to provide sustainable, high-quality care.

In a related opinion, Dr. Andreas Laupacis stresses the importance of addressing physician shortages across specialties through the creation of interdisciplinary, team-centered clinics. He advocates for appropriate funding and support for these models to ensure equitable access to high-quality care across Canada.

Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts from government, healthcare institutions, and clinicians. As cancer treatments advance and survival rates improve, the healthcare system must evolve to sustain this progress and meet the growing needs of Canadian patients.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-sea-cancer-requires-urgent-action.html