Genomic testing is reshaping healthcare by enabling precise, personalized treatment plans based on the genetic makeup of diseases like cancer. This powerful tool can improve outcomes, reduce unnecessary treatments, and even save healthcare systems millions by streamlining patient care. Despite its potential, many Canadians face significant barriers to accessing this technology due to funding inconsistencies and gaps in system readiness across provinces.

Why Genomic Testing Matters

Genomic testing provides insights into how diseases like cancer behave at a molecular level, allowing for tailored treatments. It helps:

• Avoid ineffective therapies by identifying treatments most likely to work.

• Reduce harmful side effects by targeting therapies to individual needs.

• Improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce the need for additional tests and surgeries

Countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States are advancing their genomic testing infrastructure, investing in training, digital tools, and evaluation frameworks. Meanwhile, Canada lags behind, risking further inequity in care for cancer and rare disease patients

Barriers to Access

Access to genomic testing in Canada is uneven, with each province managing its funding and readiness differently:

• Funding Gaps: Most provinces lack dedicated funding for genomic test development, and many rely heavily on the private sector to fill this void. This leads to inequities, with some patients paying out-of-pocket for critical tests.

• Data and Integration Challenges: Integration of lab results with clinical health records remains limited, which slows diagnostic and treatment processes.

• Navigational Tools: Many provinces lack patient-friendly systems, such as directories for genomic test options, referral guidelines, or clear eligibility criteria.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Effective genomic medicine requires collaboration between patients, providers, policymakers, and innovators, but this is not uniformly established across Canada

Provincial Readiness: A Snapshot

Some provinces are making strides:

• Alberta: Leading with a coordinated, single-service organization (Alberta Precision Laboratories) and integration with research programs. However, care navigation and test review transparency need improvement.

• Quebec: Its centralized system ensures oversight and planning, but broader integration with healthcare innovation is needed.

• Ontario: Faces challenges with decentralized systems and funding delays, earning it a lower readiness grade compared to other provinces

source accesstogenomictesting.ca

The Path Forward

To ensure equitable access to genomic testing, Canada must take the following steps:

1. Streamline Processes: Establish a framework to coordinate funding and reimbursement of genomic testing. Access to advanced genomic testing and targeted therapies vary widely across provinces, often reflecting differing healthcare priorities and financial constraints.

2. Invest in Infrastructure: Develop funding models that support test development, proficiency standards, and the integration of genomic data with health records.

3. Foster Collaboration: Bring together patients, providers, innovators, and policymakers to align efforts and address gaps in readiness to provide better patient care. 

4. Educate Stakeholders: Increase awareness about genomic testing’s potential and create tools to help patients navigate the system

Call to Action

Canada’s healthcare system has the opportunity to embrace genomic testing as a cornerstone of precision medicine to improve patient care, reduce system wide inequity, and make provinces more attractive for research funding and clinical trials, while bring value to our healthcare system. However, this requires policy changes, infrastructure investment, and collaborative action. 

To learn more and get involved, visit knowyourgenome.co.