The diagnosis of cancer is the beginning of a personal journey, and is one of the first steps taken in the cancer care system. Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) is working to help make the process of getting a diagnosis an efficient and streamlined one. Reducing the amount of time from symptom onset to diagnosis can lead not only to the start of earlier treatment, but reduced anxiety and distress for both the patient and their loved ones.

Most cancers are diagnosed through the combined efforts of a surgeon and a pathologist. Our Pathology Checklist Reporting Project has helped to ensure that cancer diagnosis reports are more timely and complete.

Identifying the stage of disease is a critical aspect of cancer diagnosis. Accurate staging helps patients understand their prognosis and is essential in determining the best treatment options. We are working to improve the capturing and recording of stage information to help us better monitor and plan for cancer services.

As well, we are exploring ways to provide additional support to family physicians to help them become more informed about different parts of the cancer care system. This way, they can help patients access various services more efficiently. Indeed, family doctors play an important role in helping patients through all phases of the cancer journey.

Cancer Care Ontario has developed standards for organized diagnostic assessment programs and is working with regional partners to implement them.