Target Time Frames for Cancer Surgery

Wait times for cancer-related surgery are usually short because most cancer cases are considered urgent and given high priority. However, patients should be aware that some cancers are slower growing and less urgent than others.

Saskatchewan is implementing a classification system for non-emergent cancer surgery, as recommended by the SSCN. Under the new system, surgeons assign patients with cancer or suspected cancer to one of the following SSCN priority levels based on their clinical assessment of the patient’s condition and need. Each priority level has a different target time frame.

	Procedures for proven or suspected invasive cancer. The target time frame is that 95% be completed within 3 weeks. Most cancer surgeries are expected to fall within this category.
	Procedures for slow growing or indolent cancer. The target time frame is that 90% be completed within 3 months. An example might be a slow-growing prostate cancer.
	Procedures that are performed for routine screening or as a scheduled follow-up procedure for cancer detection are to be performed within 12 months.

Target time frames are performance goals for the surgical system. Though some types of cancer tend to be less aggressive and slower growing than other types, the assessment is always individual. Cancer patients should discuss their need and expected waits for surgery with their surgeon.

Implementation of the new cancer priority system is underway, though not all cases performed in the current time period have been categorized. The data is being analyzed and more work may be needed to ensure consistency in all health regions and surgical specialties.

Based on initial booking data, 78% of all cancer-related surgery cases and 88% of cases categorized as invasive are in Regina and Saskatoon.