BC Woman’s Cancer Journey Highlights Critical Delays in Provincial Healthcare System
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A harrowing journey through the British columbia healthcare system has brought into sharp focus the critical delays in cancer diagnosis and treatment, leaving one woman questioning if earlier intervention could have altered her prognosis.
Less than two weeks after a hysterectomy in May 2023, Sara Gillooly, a 40-year-old mother of two, discovered a lump in her breast and soon after received a cancer diagnosis. What followed was a frustrating series of waits and systemic hurdles, ultimately leading to a stage IV diagnosis and a grim prognosis.
Initial Diagnosis and the Search for Answers
Gillooly was promptly sent for a mammogram and scheduled for an ultrasound and biopsy. However, the process unfolded slowly, with the ultrasound taking weeks to schedule. During the ultrasound, Gillooly recounts a terrifying moment, stating, “During my ultrasound, I looked at the screen, which I probably shouldn’t have done because I could see the network of veins coming to the tumour. It was a vrey scary moment.” The ultrasound technician advised her not to attend these appointments alone, a sentiment that foreshadowed the emotional weight of the journey ahead.
on july 2, 2023, the diagnosis was confirmed. Surgery was scheduled for July 28,but Gillooly,understandably anxious,sought more data. Her family,she said,”hit the panic button.” She even considered traveling to Turkey for expedited testing and treatment, driven by concerns about the potential for an aggressive form of breast cancer, which is more prevalent in younger women. Ultimately, she decided to remain in British Columbia, prioritizing care close to home and family.
Gillooly requested a Ki-67 proliferation index test, a common assessment in the U.S. and Europe that measures how quickly cancer cells are growing. However,she was informed that this test was not routinely performed in British Columbia. She eventually received the test in September, but believes the delay was important. Further delays followed in accessing genetic testing, which could have informed treatment options.
Systemic Failures and a Growing Crisis
oultbee characterized the delays in Gillooly’s care as “unreasonable,” highlighting a systemic problem within British Columbia’s healthcare system.She cited data from a SecondStreet.org freedom of information request, revealing that over 4,600 people in B.C. died while on waitlists in the past year (up to March 31, 2025). “Unfortunately, Sara’s story is incredibly common,” Boultbee stated.
Gillooly is careful to emphasize that she does not blame her doctors, praising their kindness and compassion. However, she believes the system itself failed her.”I felt like our system was just letting me down,” she said. “Even though the doctors and surgeons have been amazing, it was the wait time that really, really bugged me.” She noted that other jurisdictions appear to prioritize faster and more comprehensive assessments when cancer is detected.
The province launched a 10-year cancer care action plan in 2023 aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment timelines, focusing on increased staffing and improved access for rural and remote communities.Previously, B.C. had funded radiation treatment for patients traveling to Bellingham, Washington, but that program ended in April 2024, with the Health Ministry claiming in-province wait times had reached national benchmarks.
Premier David Eby acknowledged the “huge strain” on the system, attributing it to an aging population and increased treatment success rates. “We’re going to continue to work to drive down those testing times, treatment times to ensure that people get the cancer care that they need when they get that horrific diagnosis – it’s what they and their families deserve,” he said. “And if this woman did not receive that from our cancer system, we’ll have a look at that and identify the gaps to make sure that it’s addressed.”
Black Press Media reached out to the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Health Service Authority, and BC Cancer for comment on the delays, but did not receive a response prior to publication.
Gillooly’s story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of healthcare delays and a powerful call for systemic reform to ensure timely and comprehensive cancer care for all British Columbians.
