the cancer collaborative: we're going to have to work together for a better cancer system in canada
collaboration brings together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, allowing stakeholders to identify common goals, share best practices, and develop co-ordinated strategies to address shared challenges.
3 minute read
working together leads to more effective advocacy efforts, promotes transparency, accountability, and trust within the healthcare community.
getty images
one of the most potent forces of change in healthcare is patient advocacy. by sharing lived experiences, needs, and concerns, patients and their advocates shed light on gaps in services, barriers to access, and other areas that need to be improved in order for patients to have the best possible health outcomes. these insights not only raise awareness, but also drive action among policymakers, healthcare providers, researchers, and other stakeholders, and have been instrumental in shaping cancer care policies, influencing research priorities, and promoting the development of patient-centred interventions and support services. moreover, by amplifying patient voices and fostering collaborations across sectors, advocacy initiatives contribute to a more responsive, equitable, and compassionate healthcare landscape that prioritizes the needs and preferences of those affected by cancer.
in canada, where healthcare is governed by a complex interplay of federal, provincial, and territorial policies, collaboration in patient advocacy is not just beneficial, it’s essential. issues such as access to innovative treatments, equitable care delivery, and support for caregivers require co-ordinated efforts from various stakeholders, including patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and advocacy organizations.
advertisement
but how do we get there?
collaboration has emerged as a powerful force for driving positive change and advancing patient-centred care. now, more than ever, there is a pressing need for alliances and partnerships among stakeholders, particularly patient advocates, to address the complex challenges facing our healthcare system. from improving access to care and treatment outcomes to advocating for policy reforms and driving innovation, working together holds the key to unlocking transformative solutions that benefit us all.
collaboration brings together diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources, amplifying our collective voice and fostering innovation, allowing stakeholders to identify common goals, share best practices, and develop co-ordinated strategies to address shared challenges. this collaborative approach not only leads to more effective advocacy efforts, but also promotes transparency, accountability, and trust within the healthcare community — all factors that have far-reaching benefits for patients, healthcare providers, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and society as a whole.
collaboration means that patients have easier access to information, support, and resources, and a stronger voice in decision-making processes, while it allows healthcare providers to gain valuable insights into patient needs and preferences, which, in turn, leads to more personalized and effective care. at the same time, collaboration helps policymakers make informed decisions that reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the communities they serve, while helping drive innovation and solutions development among industry stakeholders. ultimately, the endgame means better healthcare outcomes, reduced costs, and a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system that puts patients at the centre.
advertisement
one example of this is the collaboration among stakeholders in the pediatric cancer community which has exemplified the power of collective action to advance research, improve care, and advocate for policies that prioritize the well-being of children with cancer and their families. often spearheaded by passionate advocates, this approach underscores the importance of partnerships and co-operation in addressing the challenges in this space and creating better outcomes for children.
another example of powerful collaboration that puts patients and their experience at the centre is the #cancerwithasign campaign which has launched on instagram. at its heart, it is a simple yet profound concept: people hold up signs bearing messages related to their cancer journey — messages of hope, resilience, frustration, and determination — and share them on social media platforms with the hashtag #cancerwithasign. the purpose, we can effect change, raise awareness, and inspire others to join the cause.
by uniting voices, sharing stories, and working together toward common goals, we can build a healthcare system that truly prioritizes the needs and experiences of patients.
do you have a cancer “sign”? send it by direct message to @cancerwithasign on instagram or send an email to cancerwithasign@cancercolab.ca.
advertisement
sabrina hanna is the managing director of thecancercollaborative.
share story
