Every hour, 27 Canadians are expected to be diagnosed with cancer.[1] Nearly half will hear these words in their lifetime.[1]
Thankfully, people are also living longer with cancer, further escalating the need for support. [1]
We all know the importance of cancer research and medical treatment. However, those living with cancer know that the steps to recovery, the mindset of living well, and the hope of living longer with cancer, all require support and resources beyond the medical umbrella.
Over 650 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer every day[2]. In addition to dealing with pain, nausea and fatigue, many are worried about their families, finances, jobs and future. For many, significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges persist for years after diagnosis, and for some, the situation seems unrecoverable.
More than one in two patients with cancer report they have symptoms causing distress during treatment. Of these: [3]
2 in 3 cancer survivors experience difficult times after treatment ends. Of these: [3]
Cancer also has a substantial economic burden. One-third of individuals experienced a high financial burden caused by expenses related to their care. Overall, an average of:[1]
The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the financial, emotional, and physical issues for people coping with cancer. Cancellations and long delays in screening and treatment have resulted in patients being diagnosed with more complex and difficult cancer cases, often in later stages than would have been the case pre-COVID. Pandemic-related declines in diagnosis and treatment could result in at least 21,247 more cancer deaths than predicted between 2020-2030.[4]
Wellspring offers programs and services that meet the identified needs of those living with cancer.
The emotional distress of a cancer patient with unmet emotional needs can escalate to significant levels where it can compromise adherence to therapy, increase utilization of other healthcare services and elevate costs for care.[5]
Wellspring has devoted its work to address these non-medical impacts of cancer. Research shows cancer patients who participate in the types of programs offered at Wellspring experience improved mental health resulting in higher quality of life and lower healthcare costs.[6]
In other words, Wellspring’s programs and supports benefit cancer patients, caregivers and their families, and reduce the strain on healthcare resources.
Your generosity opens doors and improves the lives of those living with cancer.
Wellspring Cancer Support charges no fees and receives no core government or hospital funding. Programs and operations are made possible only through the generosity of donors like you.
Sources:
[2] Canadian Cancer Society. Cancer statistics at a glance. Available from: https://cancer.ca/en/research/cancer-statistics/cancer-statistics-at-a-glance
[3] CPAC: Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control Companion Data, Priority 5: Deliver information and supports for people living with cancer, families and caregivers (2020). Available at: https://s22457.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CSCC-Companion-Data-Priority-5-EN.pdf
[4] Malagon (2021), https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.33884
[5] Fitch, M.I. (2008) Supportive care framework. Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 1 (18) 6-14. Doi:10.5737/1181912×181614 http://www.canadianoncologynursingjournal.com/index.php/conj/article/view/248/251
[6] Carlson and Bultz, 2004, Compen et al, 2019, Dieng et al 2016, Simpson et al 2001. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15578622/
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