Healthcare
AMA worried about shortage of oncologists
May 24, 2024 | 6:00 AM
-
Share on Facebook
-
Share on Twitter
- Copy Link
The head of the Alberta Medical Association says Alberta does not have enough oncologists.
In a letter to members, Dr. Paul Parks says the rate of cancer is higher than population growth, adding less access to rural and general care, coupled with interruptions in screening caused by the pandemic, means more people coming to emergency with advanced cancer that could have been treated earlier.
The letter also says that the population in Alberta is getting bigger and older, adding to the need for more cancer specialists.
Dr. Parks goes on to say Alberta has about the same number of cancer specialists it had a decade ago, and no new spaces have been created. He adds spaces have to be funded first before any new oncologists can be recruited.
