Corporate Publications

Measurement is an essential part of health system management. It helps us to understand what we are doing well and identify areas where future improvements can be targeted. Examination of trends over time and by geography, as well as comparison to benchmarks and targets, help us to develop insights useful for cancer system planning and priority setting. Evidence shows that a continuous cycle of measurement, monitoring, and reporting will inform and lead to continuous improvement. Also, it provides a transparent assessment of the cancer system and acknowledges our responsibility and accountability in providing high-quality cancer care to all Manitobans living with cancer.

There is a growing consensus that specific indicators provide a more complete picture of a cancer system’s performance. CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) has undertaken significant work to compile many of these indicators into one report. The Manitoba Cancer System Performance Report includes measures from across the continuum of cancer, from prevention to screening to diagnosis, as well as treatment, survivorship, and advanced disease. Outcomes such as incidence, survival, mortality and patient experience are also included and compared across Manitoba’s regional health authorities. 

In addition to the Manitoba Cancer System Performance Report, CCMB has developed a report reflecting cancer surgeries performed in Manitoba between 2010 and 2015, the Cancer Surgery Quality in Manitoba report. Surgery is the curative treatment option for many cancers. In the Manitoba Cancer Plan 2016-2021, we identified priorities to ensure consistent access to quality surgical care was available to all Manitobans living with cancer. The report compiles quality indicators for surgeries in breast, colorectal, lung, ovarian and prostate cancers. It allows for feedback to be provided directly to surgeons and establishes a baseline from which areas of improvement can be identified and future progress can be measured.

The evidence presented in these reports deepens our understanding of the performance of our cancer system. By measuring and reporting on how we are doing, we can advance areas of strength and address areas identified as gaps. It allows us to focus on improving both the health of our community and the care we provide to Manitobans living with cancer. We thank the staff, clinicians, and surgeons who have contributed to this work both from within CCMB and from our many partner organizations.