Cancer rates require new investment in P.E.I. health system
The number of new cancer cases on Prince Edward Island, and across Canada, will rise dramatically over the next 15 years, according to a new study by the Canadian Cancer Society.
In the report released Wednesday, the society predicted the number of new cases will rise from 910 in 2015 to 1,340 in 2030. The incidence rate will remain largely the same, with most of the increase coming from a larger and older population.
"Such a dramatic rise in the number of cancer cases will have major repercussions on our healthcare system," said Jane Farquharson, executive director of the P.E.I. division of the Canadian Cancer Society in a news release.
"The burden will not only be a matter of increased financial costs, the human toll is overwhelming."
Farquarson said while the predictions were daunting, it is crucial for governments and NGOs to know what's coming so they can prepare.
The incidence rate for cancer in 2015 for P.E.I. ranks around the middle in Canada. Rates tend to increase from west to east, with the highest rate in Newfoundland and Labrador. At 402.6 per 100,000 P.E.I. has the lowest incidence rate east of Manitoba.
The Island also comes in about the middle in mortality rates. Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec and the territories have higher mortality rates. The society expects 380 cancer deaths on P.E.I. in 2015.
Top three cancers
The most common cancers differ somewhat for men and women on the Island.
Both sexes have colorectal and lung cancer in the top three most common cancers. For women breast cancer is most common, and for men it's prostate cancer.
These cancers also have the highest mortality rates. For both men and women, lung cancer has the highest mortality rate.
