Extended wait for cancer test results stressful for northern Ont. woman
Linda Luyt, a survivor of endometrial cancer, receives an annual Pap test to ensure she’s still cancer-free.
But now, results that usually take between three to six weeks are taking much longer – adding stress that she doesn’t need.
"The Pap test is the only definitive way to find out if my cancer has come back," Luyt said.
"So if it’s taking four to six months to get those results, I’m looking at February or March to find out if I’m still cancer-free."
She said the Ontario Ministry of Health needs to create clear guidelines for laboratories to follow for cases such as hers.
"Things have to change in women’s health," Luyt said.
"It’s not fair to women and it’s not even fair to their doctors to be put on the spot where they can’t even treat patients who have a problem ... in a timely fashion."
At Queen's Park this week, Nickel Belt MPP France Gélinas demanded to know what the government is doing about the delays.
"Our community lab services have been privatized -- we used to have quite a few, now most of it is dominated by one provider called LifeLabs," Gélinas said.
"And the number of complaints is through the roof."
In response to a request from CTV News, LifeLabs released a statement that said, in part, that demand for testing far exceeds its capacity.
"The current demand for Pap tests exceeds the current provincial capacity, creating a backlog in the system," the statement said.
"The situation is not only an Ontario-specific issue. Many provinces and countries are also seeing increased turnaround times for Pap testing due to a number of factors."
Those factors include increased demand for testing and a global shortage of qualified staff.
In its statement to CTV News, the Ministry of Health said they are spending "historic" amounts of money on the health care system.
"We’re investing $300 million in 2022–2023 as part of the province’s surgical recovery strategy, bringing the total investment to approximately $880 million since the start of the pandemic," the statement said.
"The Ministry of Health is in constant contact with community labs and Ontario Health to discuss Pap test turn around times and are monitoring lab’s plans to return Pap test turnaround times to normal service levels."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.