The Use of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) for Cancer Across Canada: Time for a National Strategy
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On Monday, February 27, 2012, TRIUMF/AAPS released a report surveying the utilization of PET imaging technolgoy for clincial care of cancer across Canada.
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Cancer is a growing challenge to Canadians and an increasing burden on healthcare budgets. A ground-breaking report released today suggests that access to, and utilization of, leading-edge medical-imaging technology for the diagnosis, staging, and monitoring of cancer treatment varies widely from province to province, putting cancer patients in some areas at a distinct disadvantage.
The technology, called Positron Emission Tomography, is often coupled with Computerized Tomography (CT) and is known as PET/CT imaging. PET imaging is already widely used and integral to cancer care in most developed nations, and increased utilization of this technology could provide more clinically-effective and cost-effective treatment for cancer patients in Canada. A nationally coordinated strategy to take up this technology and standardize its use could bring Canada back to the forefront of global cancer care.