Ottawa Woman Faces Long Wait for Preventative Surgery Amid Rising Concerns
An Ottawa woman is facing an increasingly long wait for a preventative double mastectomy, heightening her fear and frustration as she copes with the risk of developing breast cancer.
At 32, Ashley Ricks has been identified as having a greater than 25% chance of developing breast cancer, based on genetic testing and her family’s medical history. Despite this, Ricks faces a wait of up to three years for surgery that could potentially reduce her cancer risk.
Adding to her anxiety is a painful condition known as fibrocystic breasts, which causes swelling, lumps, and discomfort. While her doctor supports her request for preventative surgery, the healthcare system’s backlog means she must endure a long waiting period.
“The thought of getting cancer is always in the back of my mind, and it’s terrifying,” said Ricks. “Living with this daily pain isn’t fair, and I just want to hug my kids without the constant discomfort.”
The hospital has indicated that surgery wait times are fluctuating due to prioritizing more severe cases, such as patients with active cancer. However, Ricks’ wait for surgery recently extended from two to three years.
Ricks’ frustration mirrors the broader issue within the healthcare system. Across Ontario, surgical wait times for breast reconstructive surgeries exceed the provincial target, with delays exacerbated by the pandemic. Despite efforts to expand surgical capacity, patients like Ricks are left waiting.
Doctors recognize the mental and emotional toll long waits take on patients with elevated cancer risks. “For someone who has been assessed as high-risk, waiting up to three years for preventative surgery is incredibly stressful,” said a healthcare professional familiar with such cases.
For now, Ricks must continue managing her pain while navigating a healthcare system struggling to meet increasing demands. Although the system offers alternatives, such as surgeries in Quebec for a high out-of-pocket cost, many patients, including Ricks, find such options financially unattainable.
With Ontario’s healthcare system facing increased pressure, the need for faster access to preventative surgeries has never been more urgent. “It’s a heavy burden to bear,” said Ricks, “and all I want is to protect my future.”