Accessing a PET scan in Ontario 101
What are PET scans?
A positron emission tomography (PET) scan is a powerful imaging tool used to diagnose and map the progression of many life-threatening diseases such as prostate and colorectal cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, epilepsy, and heart disease.
While Ontarians may be more familiar with MRI or CT scans, PET and SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) scans are the preferred diagnostic tools for diagnosing and staging a number of serious health conditions.
Nuclear medicine scans, such as PET and SPECT, reveal changes in biochemical processes rather than physical changes in anatomy. In many cases, they can detect diseases earlier and more accurately than other tests such as MRI or CT - thus improving the chances of recovery.
In some cases, PET scans can even be used in place of more invasive procedures such as biopsies.
How do I get a PET scan in Ontario?
Ontario is continuing to invest in PET scan machines.
In recent years, Ontario has significantly streamlined the process for ordering a PET scan. Cancer Care Ontario maintains a list of indications for which PET scans may easily be ordered - these indications are supported by rigorous evaluation that has demonstrated impact on patient management.
If a doctor wishes to order a PET scan for an indication that is not on the list, they may fill out a short application to the PET Access Program, which will be reviewed by a committee of doctors within a matter of days.
What are the challenges?
The challenges for patients accessing PET scans in Ontario have been significantly reduced in recent years. Currently, Ontario doctors can request a PET scan for their patients through an easy and efficient system.
Awareness is now the major challenge that stands in the way of greater PET scan usage in Ontario. Doctors need to be aware of the changes made to the system, and patients must be armed with knowledge of PET scans so that they can discuss this option with their doctor.
PET scans are used more frequently in almost every other province in Canada. While Ontario has made significant investments in PET scanners, the province has one of the lowest usage rates per capita in Canada.
Our most recent data (2019-20) shows that in Ontario, 1,600 persons per million received a PET/CT scan, less than half the national average of 3,300 persons per million.
Ontario lagged significantly behind Quebec, where 8,000 persons per million received PET scans, as well as every other province except PEI.
Ontario’s PET scanners could do more.
Ontario has a highly-skilled nuclear medicine community and enough PET scanners to significantly improve utilization rates. PET scans are powerful tools that have a demonstrated impact on patient management. Patients lives have been saved or extended by the information gleaned from a PET scan.
By re-directing patients to PET scans when appropriate, we also have an opportunity to reduce demand for our overburdened MRI and CT scanners and reduce wait times for these critical tests.
That’s why the More PETs Coalition wants to make sure that doctors and patients are aware that this best-in-class technology is available and ready to use to improve patient care in Ontario!
