She wasn't told she has cancer. She says that could have been a 'death sentence'

Five weeks after Cathy Croskery's right breast was biopsied for suspected cancer, she still hadn't received the results.
She figured that was good news. It wasn't.
The 58-year-old mother and wife eventually discovered she has invasive carcinoma, but had to track down that diagnosis herself.
Croskery doesn't have a family doctor. She said that led to barriers getting into the system and a breakdown in communication in receiving test results that would ultimately land her in an operating room for a lumpectomy days after finally receiving them.
"If I had kept going, 'No news is good news,' where would I be?" said Croskery, who lives in Middle Sackville, N.S., but is originally from Burlington, Ont.
"That's a death sentence for a lot of people."
Experts say Croskery's case underscores that the province still has work to do to ensure better co-ordination within the health-care system, with the well-being of the patients it serves at stake.
Meanwhile, Nova Scotia Health says it is making progress on connecting the roughly 95,000 Nova Scotians on its need-a-family-practice registry with primary care providers, but recognizes challenges remain for those who still don't have someone to turn to when their health deteriorates.
Croskery, right, reviews her biopsy results with her husband, Russ. She says her health journey has been difficult on the entire family. (Aly Thomson/CBC)
Croskery said she started to notice new pressure in her right breast in early 2023. She had previously had a sebaceous cyst in the same breast in 2018, so she figured it was acting up.
When the pain worsened and she felt a lump in September 2024, she knew it was time to have it checked.
Without a family doctor, she wasn't sure where to turn. She called the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program, but they told her the program is for screening only. Since she had felt a lump, she'd need a referral from a doctor for a diagnostic mammogram.
She tried to get an appointment at a walk-in clinic, arriving 30 minutes early two days in a row, but she was turned away due to capacity issues each time.
Croskery then tried the provinces' VirtualCareNS system, which connects patients to a family physician through the online platform Maple. Twice her sessions timed out without her seeing a doctor.
She was connected on the third try, but the doctor told her that type of referral fell outside of their scope as a virtual care provider and told her to go to Cobequid Community Health Centre.
Croskery and her hasband enjoy playing darts as a way to relax and unwind. (Aly Thomson/CBC)
"I tried everything I could to be seen, but the system just kept pushing me away," she said.
Croskery waited roughly three hours in the emergency room, only to be informed that they, too, could not refer her for a mammogram. The doctor told her to call the Bedford Basin Women's Health Clinic.
After waiting another month for an appointment at that clinic, the ball finally started rolling. She received a referral for a mammogram, which prompted a second mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy.
Tissue samples were taken at the IWK Health Centre on Dec. 20. Croskery was told the results normally take up to 10 days to come back, but it could be up to two weeks because of the holidays. She reiterated that she does not have a family doctor, and they took down her number.
Five weeks later, she still had not heard anything.
"The waiting was a really good con game I was doing in my own head," said Croskery.
"I was saying to my girlfriend, 'No news is good news.' And as I was texting that, I literally felt like slapping myself across the face going, 'What are you doing? You can't take this as no news is good news. You need to call.' And I thought, I don't even know who to call now."
'We can't drop the ball'
Croskery then reached back out to the Bedford Basin Women's Health Clinic. It told her it would seek to retrieve her results.
It did, and Croskery's nightmare was confirmed — she had an 11-millimetre cancerous mass in her right breast. Her diagnosis would set off a flurry of appointments that ultimately saw her return to the IWK for a lumpectomy within a few weeks.
She said the lumpectomy went well but there will be further assessment to determine if more treatment is needed.
"I understand that errors get made. We're all human and we all make mistakes and we all drop the ball," said Croskey, who has a 27-year-old son and a 30-year-old daughter.
"But this is something that we can't drop the ball on because you're impacting not just the person themselves, it's the whole family"
Mary Jane Hampton is a health-care consultant based in Halifax and a regular columnist for CBC's Information Morning Nova Scotia. (Robert Short/CBC)
Mary Jane Hampton, a health-care consultant in Halifax, said everything is in place in Nova Scotia for Croskery to have had a smooth experience navigating her case.
The fact that she was met with roadblocks shows there is work to be done to ensure there is co-ordination throughout the system.
"I mean, with all of the apps that we have, the ability to email patients, to call them on the phone with the result, that is a gross breakdown in what should be a smooth and seamless experience in communication," said Hampton.
"But it's not good enough to say that it's unlucky in this encounter. There should be zero times that followup doesn't happen."
Hampton said it also reiterates why it's so important for patients to be their own advocate. Find out when you can expect to hear from health-care providers and follow up at that time, because "no news is just no news," she said.
Dr. Aaron Smith is a provincial medical executive director with Nova Scotia Health. (Aaron Smith)
Aaron Smith, a medical executive director with Nova Scotia Health, said the province is working hard to connect more Nova Scotians to primary care physicians through new technology infrastructure and recruitment, but realizes challenges remain for those who don't have a primary care provider to lean on.
Smith said those Nova Scotians have a number of options for accessing care, including primary care clinics and VirtualCareNS, but he acknowledged the system needs more doctors in order to handle the number of patients who are accessing it, so that appointments do not time out.
"We need to make sure we're getting better every day in terms of folks' access to the care they need, when they need it, at the right time, in the right place," said Smith.
An array of initiatives are underway to beef up the province's complement of primary care providers. The province is targeting Australian doctors, providing retirement top-ups and has started a program to reduce assessment time for licensing internationally trained doctors.
When asked about Croskery's experience at the Cobequid Community Health Centre, Smith confirmed emergency room physicians cannot give referrals for imaging like mammograms. That's because they're not able to adhere to the requirement of the referring doctor following up with the patient.
That's why it's important not to see a primary care provider, and not an emergency room physician, for issues that will need to be followed, he said.
Wanted: patient feedback
Smith pointed to the province's 811 system for patients who need help navigating the system.
He also stressed that the province wants to hear feedback from patients — the good and the bad — through its patient relations department.
Nova Scotia Health removed 8,449 people from the Need a Family Practice Registry in February, bringing the total down to 95,875 — or about nine per cent of the population. The provincial government says it's aiming to get the number down to five per cent, or about 50,000 people.
The IWK Health Centre declined a request for an interview. But in a statement, a spokesperson said the doctor who ordered the referral is responsible for following up on the results and sharing those with the patient.
The Bedford Basin Women's Health Clinic did not return a request for comment.
Bukun Adegbembo is the director of operations at Canadian Breast Cancer Network, a group that advocates for and provides information to breast cancer patients. (Bukun Adegbembo)
Bukun Adegbembo, director of operations at the patient advocacy group Canadian Breast Cancer Network, said Croskey's experience is not unique.
She hears from patients across Canada who are met with barriers accessing diagnostic imaging, particularly those without a family doctor.
"You have to do a lot of advocacy work, a lot of calling, just to figure out where you can actually access care," said Adegbembo.
"Unfortunately, not everyone's going to have that ability to advocate. And I don't think everyone should have to advocate."
Adegbembo said health authorities need to improve how they educate and inform patients about screening programs and how to access health services.
Croskery says her diagnosis has hit her entire family hard, but she's trying to be positive. (Aly Thomson/CBC)
Croskery said she wanted to speak out about her experience in the hopes of preventing another mishap.
"It's definitely left me feeling angry, but I don't want to carry that anger," said Croskery.
"So I just forgive the errors that have been made. I want to replace that anger with positivity about this, that hopefully this will make a difference for somebody else."
MORE TOP STORIES

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

5 days ago

• Yahoo

Hopes of fatherhood: UBC scientists on frontier of high-tech male infertility research

A team of researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is using artificial intelligence in an effort to detect hard-to-find sperm and 3D bioprinting technology with the ultimate goal of growing sperm in the lab — technologies they say could eventually help men with infertility become parents. The research, led by Dr. Ryan Flannigan, a urologist and associate professor at UBC, is aimed at addressing a "severe form" of male infertility called non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA), in which the body produces little to no sperm. It's a condition that affects about one in 100 men, many of whom are survivors of childhood cancer, according to Flannigan. "There's a big problem with infertility: it's so common," he told CBC's The Early Edition. "Something that I see time and time again is just how much of an emotional toll having challenges with infertility is." According to a UBC media release, about two thirds of male pediatric cancer survivors will face infertility in adulthood, due to the effects of radiation or chemotherapy. Globally, one in six couples struggles to conceive, and male infertility, broadly, plays a role in about half of those cases. Currently, the only treatment for NOA involves surgically extracting testicular tissue and searching for hard-to-find sperm under a microscope — a tedious process, says Flannigan, that can take hours and still might end in failure. "It's ... looking for a needle in a haystack," he says. "Right now, we're able to find sperm about 50 per cent of the time. We ideally need to find at least one sperm per each egg, among millions of other cells, which takes hours." LISTEN | UBC researchers use AI and 3D bioprinting in effort to tackle male infertility: To improve the odds, Flannigan says he and UBC engineering professor Hongshen Ma have developed an AI-powered tool that scans microscopic images to flag viable sperm for use in in vitro fertilization (IVF). The technology is still a long way from being available for people struggling with male infertility — Flannigan expects clinical trials for the AI tool could begin within the next three to five years. But for people who produce no sperm at all, including children who undergo cancer treatment before puberty and are unable to store sperm, a more experimental avenue is underway: lab-grown sperm. In what the UBC media release calls a world-first, Flannigan and team have bioprinted a model of human testicular tissue using stem cells and a specialized gel-like "bio-ink." The printed structure replicates the tiny tubes in the testes where sperm are normally produced. These bioprinted 'mini testicles' are encased in a special gel filled with specific nutrients and vitamins to help them mature. According to researchers, some of the cells have already begun showing signs consistent with the early stages of puberty — "a time when sperm production starts occurring in the human body." "What we're trying to do with 3D bioprinting is recreate what's happening in a healthy testicle as accurately as we can," said Flannigan. "If we can determine what the cells need to progress through all the phases of sperm production, we can use that knowledge to figure out how to create sperm for a patient with NOA," says Dr. Flannigan. The work is being supported by experts in microfluidics — a system that manipulates a small amount of fluids — and cancer biology at UBC and the University of Victoria, who are helping identify the molecular conditions required for sperm to develop. Still, researchers acknowledge there are significant challenges ahead. According to the UBC release, sperm production is a "highly complicated process" involving multiple cell types, complex anatomical structures, making it a task that demands collaborative, multidisciplinary research. Laura Spencer, a fertility coach in Vancouver, has experienced the emotional toll of infertility first-hand in her own family. "I've gone through infertility — male factor infertility in particular — and it's devastating," she told CBC News. "There's nothing quite like it." She said this latest development in treating male infertility could potentially be life-changing for many couples. WATCH | An at-home test is in the works to measure male fertility: "This shows a lot of promise for people who might not have the ability to try and conceive … they might actually be able to have a baby." Spencer says male infertility remains a taboo subject, despite being a factor in about half of all couples struggling to conceive. She hopes this research not only opens new medical doors, but also breaks down stigma. "There is a lot of shame and sometimes guilt around that," she said. "I'm always grateful when the conversation turns to infertility and when it's normalized." While Spencer believes most people would welcome these technologies, she says it's important to acknowledge the complexity involved, particularly with lab-grown sperm. "There will definitely need to be education around this," she added. "We don't know what the long term consequences are of this technology. Are there any birth defects that are possible? What about when they grow up? Like we don't know. This is just so new." As for concerns about the safety of AI or stem cell-based procedures, Flannigan says the research team is taking a cautious approach. "It's one of these things that we need to ensure that we follow all the guidelines to ensure there's no biases," he said.

Time Business News

5 days ago

• Time Business News

When Is the Best Time to Trim Your Trees? (Avoid These Common Mistakes)

Keeping trees healthy and attractive requires more than occasional watering and fertilizer. Correct, timely pruning is essential to prevent disease, encourage balanced growth, and protect your property from falling limbs. Yet many homeowners struggle with one crucial question: when is the best time to trim your trees? The answer depends on species, climate, and intended outcome. Below is a concise, professional guide to optimal timing and the pitfalls a quality tree trimming service helps you avoid. Every pruning decision should start with the tree's biology. Season Typical Tree Activity Pruning Impact Winter (Dormant Season) Sap flow slows, trees are 'asleep.' Cuts heal quickly; structure easier to see; disease risk low. Ideal for most structural pruning. Early Spring Buds swell, new shoots emerge. Light shaping is safe. Heavy cuts may stress the tree as it redirects energy to healing. Summer Full leaf canopy, active photosynthesis. Useful for controlling vigorous growth and removing 'water sprouts,' but avoid large cuts. Autumn Energy stored for winter dormancy. Generally avoid pruning: healing is slower, and freshly exposed tissue can invite disease. Key Rule For most shade and ornamental trees, late winter to very early spring—when temperatures are consistently above freezing but before buds break—is the sweet spot. A tree trimming specialist can see the skeleton of the tree clearly, make precise structural decisions, and minimize pests or fungal infection. Deciduous Trees (Oak, Maple, Elm) Best trimmed during full dormancy (January–early March). Avoid mid-spring when sap flow is high—especially for maples or birch, which can 'bleed.' Evergreens (Pine, Spruce, Cedar) Light pruning anytime, but major shaping should wait until late winter or post‑flush (midsummer) to reduce sap loss and browning. Flowering Trees Spring bloomers (dogwood, cherry): prune just after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds. (dogwood, cherry): prune just after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds. Summer bloomers (crape myrtle, rose of Sharon): prune in late winter; they set buds on new wood. Fruit Trees Dormant pruning increases sunlight penetration, boosts fruit size, and balances limb strength. Late winter to early spring is optimal. Extreme Heat or Drought: Trees already under stress will react poorly to pruning. Postpone major work until cooler, wetter spells return. Trees already under stress will react poorly to pruning. Postpone major work until cooler, wetter spells return. Saturated Soil: Heavy equipment can compact soil around root zones. Schedule trimming after a few dry days. Heavy equipment can compact soil around root zones. Schedule trimming after a few dry days. Storm Season: In hurricane- or monsoon‑prone regions, pre‑season pruning removes weak limbs before high winds arrive—saving you from emergency costs later. Topping the Tree Removing the entire crown or cutting large limbs to random stubs triggers weak, fast‑growing shoots that break easily. Proper crown reduction retains natural branch collars. Over‑Pruning (More than 25% at Once) Excessive removal reduces leaf area, starving the tree of energy. A certified arborist limits cuts to what the tree can quickly compartmentalize. Cutting in 'Bleeding' Season Maples, walnuts, and birches ooze sap profusely if pruned just before leaf‑out. While usually not fatal, the mess is unnecessary and can weaken the tree. Using Dull or Dirty Tools Jagged cuts invite pathogens; dirty blades spread disease. A reputable tree trimming service disinfects equipment between jobs. Ignoring Safety Gear Ladders, chainsaws, and overhead power lines are a dangerous mix. Accidents rise sharply when homeowners attempt complex work without proper helmets, eye protection, rigging, or insurance. Hiring the Right Professionals Tree trimming is a specialized skill that requires more than just equipment. Ensure the service you choose has ISA certification, current liability insurance, and positive local references. A professional team not only protects your property but also promotes your trees' long-term health. Because winter and early spring are peak pruning seasons, reputable companies book quickly. Scheduling during ideal windows means: Faster Job Completion: Fewer leaves and lower sap flow make work more efficient. Fewer leaves and lower sap flow make work more efficient. Reduced Disposal Fees: Dry, leafless branches are lighter and cheaper to haul. Dry, leafless branches are lighter and cheaper to haul. Lower Disease Risk: Trees heal faster, so follow‑up visits are rare. Conversely, emergency summer or storm‑season calls often carry premium rates due to staffing overtime and heightened safety concerns. By planning ahead, you can secure an affordable slot with the best tree trimming service before peak demand hits. Credentials: Look for ISA‑certified arborists or state‑licensed tree surgeons. Look for ISA‑certified arborists or state‑licensed tree surgeons. Insurance: Require current general liability and workers' compensation certificates. Require current general liability and workers' compensation certificates. Written Estimate: A clear scope of work, cleanup details, and disposal costs. A clear scope of work, cleanup details, and disposal costs. References & Reviews: Online ratings plus local word‑of‑mouth. Online ratings plus local word‑of‑mouth. Equipment Standards: Modern, well‑maintained machinery signals professionalism and safety. A skilled tree trimming specialist doesn't just cut branches—they evaluate your tree's health, soil conditions, and long‑term growth objectives. That expertise pays dividends in lower maintenance costs and higher property value over time. Tag Problem Branches Early: Walk your property each autumn and mark limbs that overhang roofs, rub together, or show decay. Share this list with your arborist to streamline the estimate. Skip 'Tree Seal' Paints: Modern research shows most wound dressings trap moisture and foster decay fungi. Clean cuts, left open, heal best. Inquire About Mulch Recycling: Many services will chip branches on‑site and leave the wood chips, providing free mulch that conserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Pair Pruning with Fertilization: After major trimming, a slow‑release fertilizer or compost top‑dress can jump‑start recovery. Choosing the right moment and the right professionals to trim your trees can make the difference between vigorous, graceful growth and years of costly problems. Late winter to early spring remains the safe default for most species, but flowering, evergreen, and fruit trees have specific calendars that a qualified tree trimming service will honor. Avoid common mistakes like topping, over‑pruning, and off‑season cuts by hiring a vetted tree trimming specialist with proper credentials and insurance. Plan ahead, respect your tree's natural rhythms, and you'll benefit from healthy shade, vibrant blooms, and a landscape that enhances your property's value for decades to come. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

Yahoo

6 days ago

• Yahoo

Disease-carrying ticks are showing up earlier in B.C., and in greater numbers

Ticks are showing up earlier and in greater numbers in B.C., spreading pathogens such as the one that causes Lyme disease. Cases of that have gone up nationwide by more than 5,000 since 2009. CBC medical columnist Melissa Lem explains what you need to know.