B.C. radiologists warn of possible 'tsunami of cancer cases' due to delayed medical imaging

A letter sent to B.C.'s health minister from a society of radiologists is warning the province could see a 'tsunami of cancer cases' if a delay in medical imaging isn't addressed.

A letter sent to B.C.'s health minister from a society of radiologists is warning the province could see a "tsunami of cancer cases" if a delay in medical imaging isn't addressed.

The letter, shared with CTV News Vancouver and dated Sept. 26, said "hundreds of thousands of patients" are waiting for medical imaging.

"We know that timely access to medical imaging saves lives and helps prevent disease progression," the letter from the B.C. Radiological Society to Adrian Dix said.

"Delays in medical imaging cause delays in diagnoses, specialist referrals, surgeries, medical treatments, cancer care and more."

The letter echoed concerns brought up in another message addressed to Dix last week, which estimated one million patients are waiting to see specialists in the province. 

"We see the decline in specialist care first hand every day and we are exhausted and demoralized; it is soul-destroying to be unable to provide the specialty care that B.C. patients need and deserve," that letter, signed by more than 200 specialist doctors, said.

B.C.'s Health Ministry acknowledged the letter sent by specialists last week and issued a statement.