In 2009, Naalakkersuisut was instructed by a unanimous Inartsisartut not to prepare a cancer report until 2011 and, on the basis of this, to prepare a cancer plan no later than 2013. The cancer report provides a status of cancer treatment in Greenland and describes a number of initiatives in relation to prevention, diagnostics, treatment and care, rehabilitation and palliative treatment that are needed.
In addition, the current allocated financial resources are briefly described as well as the financial needs that can be expected as a result of the implementation of a national cancer plan based on the development that has been reviewed in Denmark as a result of the Danish cancer plans. The overall goal of the Cancer Plan 2013 is to strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, patient pathways, rehabilitation, palliative care and collaboration with and around the patient – in addition, to ensure cancer treatment based on adapted international recommendations, especially on the number of operations per surgeon, as well as to ensure medical cancer treatment in Greenland whenever possible.
Purpose
The specific objectives of the evaluation are twofold: 1) To calculate already existing knowledge in the cancer area in Greenland through a literature review and 2) to calculate course intervals for cancer patients in the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 through a journal review.
The first sub-objective of the evaluation is illustrated by a review of recent relevant literature in the field of cancer in Greenland. This includes scientific articles as well as reports with a broad perspective on the cancer field, from early detection to treatment and palliation. The second sub-goal is clarified by using systematically collected information from electronic health records for patients with newly diagnosed cancer in the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. These two approaches complement each other in responding to the objectives of the evaluation.
Method
As a basis for this assessment and evaluation, various methods have been used. A literature review of relevant research and reports in the cancer area, a journal review of newly diagnosed cancer cases, including selected learning examples, and sparring with key persons based on results from the journal review, have been conducted.
Project period
2019-2020
Funding
The Ministry of Health
National Board of Health