No Better Time Than the Present

A Sense of Urgency

Procrastination or putting things off until later or the last possible moment is something that happens to all of us. We can have a false sense of control as current demands give way to perhaps short-lived relief that comes from not worrying about things. After all, many tasks put off until tomorrow don’t necessarily have life-or-death consequences. However, when it comes to cancer, time is of the essence.   

A study (PMID 33148535) with the National Institute of Health, was published in November 2020 to quantify the association between cancer treatment delay and mortality. The findings highlighted a significant increase of 6-13% higher risk of death when cancer therapies like systemic therapy were delayed by just four weeks. Furthermore, the study concluded that delays from 8-12 weeks further increased the risk of death. Specifically, it identified that a delay in breast cancer surgery of 8 weeks would increase the risk of death by 17%, and a 12-week delay would increase the risk by 26%.

Of course, the risk of delayed therapies is affected by many factors from the type and stage of the cancer to the patient’s unique health profile. In pointing out the risk of delay, Dayspring Cancer Clinics wants to ensure all prospective patients have the needed information to make the best decisions without the cost of preventable delays. Here are some of the common delays that can be shortened. 

Traditional Healthcare Delay

Conventional medicine continues to be constrained by the availability of doctors including specialists. Getting access based on managed groups/plans approvals can take time and long wait times for appointments increase delays. Some countries like Canada have on average 27.7 weeks of wait time from the time a general practitioner refers to the beginning of treatment. In the US, that statistic is better but still a dismal 26 days according to a report from STAT.

Fear and Denial

Make no doubt about it, receiving a cancer diagnosis is not only concerning but it can also be numbing leading to inaction. There are horror stories of the side effects of common treatments like chemotherapy and radiation that affect overall health and even require a change of lifestyle. Others may decide to avoid it hoping that something as bad as cancer may just go away on their own.

Financial Delay

The potential substantial costs for cancer care are a serious factor that can lead to delays. Even with health insurance, high deductibles or inadequate coverage for many therapies can lead to an unexpected financial burden. In addition to medical bills, many conventional therapies have the potential for serious side effects that can change lifestyles including the ability to work. Furthermore, delays in treatment can result in more significant and prolonged treatments adding both economic and physical costs.

Logistical Challenges

Cancer care requires an investment of time and often patients have difficulty prioritizing themselves above the common pressures of everyday life including family and work responsibilities. Transportation, childcare, and coverage of employment are some of the typical concerns patients and their families may have which adds time for planning and coordination.

Healing Can Start Now

At Dayspring Cancer Clinic, we understand and have years of experience helping patients work through the many challenges that may delay the important care they need for their cancer. Importantly, we educate every patient and their families so they have the latest information to make the best decision for their care. We are also a lean organization that provides speed to therapy options that traditional providers are not able to do. We also provide access to resources that help patients overcome the many concerns from emotional to economic that can get in the way. To learn more about how we can help you get the best care without delays, contact Dayspring Cancer Clinic at 480-699-7400 or schedule a consultation at https://www.dayspringcancerclinic.com/contact.