Nova Scotians with suspected cancer in the Eastern Zone will benefit from faster, more coordinated access to diagnosis and care through the Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic (ODAC).
The clinic serves as a centralized, multidisciplinary entry point for patients with suspected cancer, coordinating diagnostic testing, specialist assessments and patient navigation to reduce delays and help people access the right care as quickly as possible.
"Receiving a possible cancer diagnosis can be one of the most difficult times in a person's life," said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic will help reduce uncertainty by connecting patients to coordinated care sooner, improving their experience and supporting better health outcomes.”
The clinic brings together a team of healthcare professionals who coordinate appointments, investigations and referrals, helping patients move more efficiently through the diagnostic process while ensuring they receive the right care at the right time.
Supported by a $300,000 investment from AstraZeneca over two years, Nova Scotia Health continues to advance initiatives that support innovation and improvements in cancer care, with the program intended to capture data that will enable real-time decision making to ensure that timely diagnosis and the right treatment at the right time are resulting in better outcomes for patients
"The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic represents a significant step forward in how we support patients with suspected cancer," said Dr. Nicole Boutilier, President and CEO, Nova Scotia Health. "By bringing together navigation, diagnostics and specialist care through a single point of access, we can reduce delays, improve coordination and help ensure patients receive timely care when it matters most. We are also grateful for AstraZeneca's support in helping us advance innovation and improve cancer care for Nova Scotians."
This is part of Nova Scotia Health's ongoing work to improve access to specialized care and reflects the Province of Nova Scotia’s commitment to delivering more connected, patient-centred healthcare.
Quotes
“For patients with a suspected cancer diagnosis, every day of waiting can add uncertainty and stress, especially for those in rural communities with limited access to care. We are proud to partner with Nova Scotia Health and the Government of Nova Scotia to support the Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic, which is helping connect patients to coordinated diagnostic services sooner and advancing a more equitable approach to cancer care in Nova Scotia." – Tania Molinaro, Head of Oncology, AstraZeneca Canada
"The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic is transforming how we care for patients with suspected cancer. By providing a single point of access to coordinated diagnostics, specialist assessment and patient navigation, we can reduce delays, improve communication and help patients move more quickly from suspicion to diagnosis and treatment. Ultimately, this means a better experience for patients and families and a greater opportunity for earlier intervention, more effective treatment and longer lives." – Dr. Graydon Lucas, Cancer Care Medical Director for Eastern and Northern Zones
“Every cancer journey begins with a single step: diagnosis. The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic is designed to make that step as timely, seamless, and supportive as possible. Through coordinated, navigated diagnostic pathways, patients receive the right tests, at the right time, with guidance every step of the way. For some, this means quickly ruling out cancer and relieving uncertainty. For others, it means earlier diagnosis and faster access to specialized care and treatment. By reducing delays and providing compassionate support, we help patients move forward with confidence and the best possible opportunity for improved outcomes.” – Jill Flinn, Senior Director, Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care ProgramJill Flinn, Senior Director, Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program
Quick Facts
- The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic serves patients across Nova Scotia's Eastern Zone
- The clinic provides a single-entry point for patients with suspected cancer
- patients receive coordinated diagnostic testing, specialist assessment and navigation throughout the diagnostic process
The clinic supports Nova Scotia's Action for Health plan by improving access to timely, coordinated cancer diagnosis and care
Additional Resources
Profile – Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic: Supporting faster, more coordinated patient-centred care
Media Contact
Nova Scotia Health
NSHAmedia@nshealth.ca
