Quebec pushes back its rapid cancer diagnosis clinics to 2028

Quebec has spent more than $24 million on rapid cancer investigation clinics, which get patients tested faster when a family doctor or nurse practitioner suspects cancer.

Quebec

The province aimed to open them everywhere by 2026 for lung, breast, colorectal and prostate cancer. Its new cancer plan moves the target to Mar 31, 2028.

Targeted sites with a clinic

• Prostate: 15%
• Colorectal: 54%
• Breast: 48%
• Lung: 85%

Only 15 per cent of targeted establishments have a prostate cancer clinic, against 54 per cent for colorectal, 48 per cent for breast and 85 per cent for lung, according to Santé Québec data.

The health ministry blames staff shortages and, for a time, uncertain long-term funding. Lanaudière and the Côte-Nord have opened only one of the four clinics.