IWK breast cancer research team investigating why N.S. death rates are highest in Canada
The IWK has recently announced the launch of a new research unit focused on improving outcomes for breast cancer patients in Nova Scotia. The initiative was spearheaded by Dr. Gregory Knapp, a surgical oncologist at the IWK and Victoria General Hospital, who returned to Halifax in 2020 after completing fellowships in New York and Calgary.
The motivation behind the research unit stemmed from reports by the Canadian Cancer Society revealing that Nova Scotia has the lowest survival rate in the country for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. Dr. Knapp expressed concern over the lack of provincial or local clinical outcomes data, especially considering that half of his practice is dedicated to treating breast cancer patients.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, with an estimated 185 Nova Scotians projected to die from the disease in 2024. Drawing from his experiences in New York and Calgary, where patient feedback and data informed treatment practices, Dr. Knapp emphasized the importance of utilizing similar strategies in Nova Scotia.
To address the gaps in research and data collection, Dr. Knapp collaborated with Dr. Ashley Drohan to advocate for the establishment of a comprehensive Breast Health Research Unit. With the support of the IWK Foundation and a generous $2 million donation from the J&W Murphy Foundation, the research unit aims to improve understanding of breast cancer care in the province.
The research team, comprised of three researchers, will conduct interviews with breast cancer patients across Nova Scotia to compare their experiences and clinical outcomes. The study will assess various aspects such as anxiety, body image, sexual health, and disparities in care between urban and rural areas.
Dr. Drohan emphasized the significance of measuring and understanding patient experiences to drive improvements in care. The research will focus on delivering tailored care to patients in every corner of the province, with the ultimate goal of identifying areas for enhancement within the healthcare system.
The IWK Foundation highlighted that this research initiative is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada, underscoring the importance of prioritizing breast cancer research in the region. Dr. Knapp expressed optimism about the potential impact of the research, expecting tangible improvements in the healthcare system within the next five years.
Key recommendations may include the implementation of counseling services or patient navigators to support individuals throughout their breast cancer journey. Dr. Knapp emphasized the urgency of addressing the existing disparities in care and expressed gratitude for the donors who recognized the importance of this initiative.
