The CCSN webinar series is of interest to patients, survivors, family, friends, caregivers, and any member of the community interested in the best possible care and follow-up for cancer patients and survivors. The impact of volunteering and taking positive action to effect change are important elements in the transition to post-treatment life.
What’s New for the Prostate Cancer Patient with Non-Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
Date held: Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019
Presenter: Dr. Robert Hamilton, urologic oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery (Urology) at the University of Toronto, this webinar will provide an overview of this subset of prostate cancer.
In This Webinar:
The basics of advanced prostate cancer, what it means to have non-metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer, the new treatment options now available for this disease space, and the prognosis for patients in this state of disease.
Dr. Hamilton’s clinical and research interests are in prostate cancer and testicular cancer. Dr. Hamilton trained at the University of Toronto and has completed a Masters of Public Health at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a research fellowship at Duke University. He has also completed a fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre.
Join CCSN and Dr. Hamilton for this educational session aimed at providing patients with an overview of this subset of prostate cancer.
To view slides click here
Cancer Related Fatigue – Energizing and Empowering Yourself on the Cancer Journey
Date held: Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019
Presenter: Dr. Rob Rutledge, Radiation Oncologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University
In this webinar: Attendees will learn about cancer related fatigue and how to manage symptoms during the treatment journey. Hosted by Dr. Rob Rutledge, Radiation Oncologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, this webinar will discuss the following topics:
- Understanding the science and study of cancer related fatigue
- Practical ways to improve your energy
- How to tap in to the body-spirit-mind connection
Dr. Rutledge is the CEO and Chair of the Healing and Cancer Foundation, a Registered Charity that freely offers educational videos, documentaries, and live and webcasted seminars. In 1999, Dr. Rutledge co-created the ‘Skills for Healing’ Cancer Weekend Retreats. These weekend support groups teach a powerful and integrated approach to the cancer diagnosis and ways to heal at levels of body, mind and spirit. To date, over 2000 people have attended one of 50 retreats in 25 cities across Canada and abroad.
Join CCSN and Dr. Rutledge for this educational session aimed at helping cancer patients overcome this illness-related hurdle.
Is the United States Coming for Canadian Medicines?
Date held: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019
Presenter: John Adams, Board Chair, Best Medicines Coalition and Co-Founder, President & CEO, Canadian PKU and Allied Disorders
In this webinar: For 20 years, United States politicians have been interested in fighting their high drug prices by bulk importing prescription drugs from Canada.
Recently, the politically-appointed head of the US Health Department has said they are proposing new rules to make allowances for this practice. The State of Florida, with a population of 25 million, has also passed new legislature and published a 40-page plan, and the Florida Governor has met with the President and the Health Secretary to move forward. This creates a clear and present risk to the supply of medicines for Canadians.
This webinar offers an opportunity to learn more about this potential threat and how to approach the new Canadian government and urge necessary action before access to prescription drugs is potentially compromised.
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What to Know About Clots & Cancer
Date held: Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019
Presenter: Dr. Eric Tseng, MD MScCH FRCPC, Staff Physician, Hematology & Thrombosis at St. Michael’s Hospital
In this webinar: Blood clots in the veins of the lungs and legs are common in patients who are receiving treatment for cancer. However, the symptoms of blood clots are often difficult to recognize. This webinar discusses what to look for, what to do if you are worried, and how to prevent and treat clots that occur during your cancer care. Held ahead of World Thrombosis Day on October 13, this webinar gets involved in the conversation and awareness campaign.
How to Have Your Voice Heard During the Oct. 21, 2019 Federal Election
Date held: Thursday, Oct. 3, 2019
Presenter: Ryan Clarke of Advocacy Solutions
In this webinar: The federal election on Oct. 21, 2019 provides opportunities to connect with newly elected or re-elected government representatives at the outset. The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network and Ryan Clarke of Advocacy Solutions hosted this webinar, How to Have Your Voice Heard During the Oct. 21, 2019 Federal Election, on Oct. 3, 2019, to help participants:
- Better appreciate the difference between federal and provincial roles in healthcare;
- Use specific advocacy engagement tactics aimed at candidates, including developing your own key messages; and,
- Understand the importance of reaching out to the newly (re)elected MPs after Oct. 21.
Ryan Clarke, LL.B., is the founder of Advocacy Solutions (www.advocacysolutions.ca), which was founded in 2003 to provide a voice to organizations and individuals through the development and implementation of impactful advocacy strategies.
Ryan was educated at McMaster University in Hamilton where he received both an Honours B.A. and a Masters Degree in Political Science. He then went on to study law at the University of Western Ontario, where he graduated in 1993. Ryan began working in Hamilton, practicing exclusively in the area of family law for almost three years. In 1997, he became a Special Assistant to the Ontario Minister of Energy, Science and Technology. He was the Minister’s policy advisor on all issues within the Science and Technology Division. Ryan joined Glaxo Wellcome (now GlaxoSmithKline Inc.) in 1999, where he was a Senior Manager, Public Affairs, specializing in public policy and government relations at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.
Through Advocacy Solutions, Ryan has taught and trained thousands of individuals to be more effective advocates, across Canada and internationally.
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Towards a Peaceful Relationship with Food During a Journey with Cancer
Date held: Thursday, July 4, 2019
Presenter: Erin Roman of InspireHealth
In this webinar: It is common and absolutely normal that a diagnosis of cancer may bring up some curiosities, concerns, and confusion around food and nutrition. In this talk, we will take a step back and expand on why we eat and ways to decrease the stress around our choices in this journey. We will touch on some physiological aspects of how we digest and use the foods we eat as well as how we can support our overall wellbeing with both eating practices and the food choices we make. By exploring self-kindness and nourishing our whole body, in whatever way that means for us, we can bring move towards a peaceful relationship with food. InspireHealth is a nonprofit organization in operation since 1997 in British Columbia. Our mission is to inspire people affected by cancer to enhance their quality of life and well-being by integrating wisdom and evidence-informed practices that support the mind, body, and spirit. All services, programs, and classes are completely free of charge. No referral is required. Our presenter Erin Roman, BSc., RD, grew up in a family where food harvesting and eating together were central to well-being and connectedness. She graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 2005 with a BSc. in Human Nutrition. She is a Registered Dietitian and has been working mostly in community settings with a focus on food security and traditional foods practices. Erin has always had an interest in holistic health and humanistic medicine which made InspireHealth a perfect fit.
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The Link between Income Inequality and Access to Health(care)
Date held: Thursday, June 27th, 1:00- 2:00 PM est
Presented by: Dr. Ambreen Sayani
In this webinar: Many factors influence the ability of individuals to perceive their need for healthcare and to seek appropriate and timely treatment. The focus of this webinar is to describe what we mean by income inequalities and to illustrate how rising levels of income inequality negatively influence the ability of people to achieve good health by impacting access to care. Presented by: Dr. Ambreen Sayani, MD, MSc, Ph.D. (c), is a surgeon by training and has worked closely with cancer patients and their families. She is passionate about advocating for patient’s rights and has carried out both bench and bedside cancer research to improve treatment and provide socially-just care. She has held leadership roles across multiple healthcare industries and has consulted for private-sector organizations and governments. At present, Ambreen’s research is focused on the interface between social and health equity, and its implications for cancer risk, treatment, and survival. She has presented at numerous conferences in Canada and Internationally and has several peer-reviewed publications. Ambreen is a member of the Equity Advisory Committee for the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and she is a Community Ambassador for the Region of Peel’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Charter. Ambreen works at the MAP-Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto; and has recently been awarded the Skinner Agent of Change Leadership Award by the Faculty of Health at York University, Toronto.
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Is Canada’s Cancer System prepared to provide quality cancer care to older Canadians?
Date Held: Thursday, June 13, 2019
In this webinar:
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, one of two Canadians will be affected by cancer and 9 of 10 Canadians who have cancer are over the age of 50. This session will explore whether the Canadian health system is ready to provide quality cancer care to older Canadians who are most affected by cancer. In particular, the presentation will cover the following topics: • An overview of national cancer trends • A summary of the findings from a recent survey on cancer of 4,000 CARP members • Perspectives on the issue from CCSN • A discussion about what is required to ensure that Canada is ready to meet the growing challenge of treating cancer appropriately
The webinar will be hosted by Bill Dempster from 3Sixty Public Affairs, who will review the data related to the burden of cancer in Canada and outline the trends. He will be joined by a well-known health policy and public relations leader, Don Sancton, who will summarize the key findings from a recent CARP survey examining Canadians’ knowledge of and experience with cancer and its treatment. That will be followed by a discussion with CCSN’s Jackie Manthorne on what is needed to ensure that the health system is prepared to deal effectively with what is coming. Finally, the moderator facilitate an interactive question and answer session.
Moderator profile • Bill Dempster, co-founder of 3Sixty Public Affairs Inc., is an in-demand health and pharmaceutical policy expert who works with a range of clients to navigate complex political, policy, regulatory and reimbursement challenges in the Canadian life sciences field Panelist profiles • Don Sancton, Senior Associate and communications expert with 3Sixty Public Affairs • Jackie Manthorne, President and CEO of CSSN, published author, winner of the Jack Shapiro Lifetime Achievement Award, and student at Thorneloe University School of Theology
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Fear of Cancer Recurrence – 5 ways to lessen your anxiety
Date Held: Thursday, May 23, 2019 Presented By: Dr. Rob Rutledge
In this webinar:
Oncologist Rob Rutledge provides practical advice and healing skills for people who are anxious about their cancer recurring. Rob draws on 25 years of clinical practice, over 50 skills for healing retreats, and the neuroscience of mind-body medicine to explain that anxiety is normal and expected, and what to do when it becomes overwhelming.
The webinar was followed by a question and answer session.
To view slides click
The Basics of Clinical Trials
Date held: Thursday, May 9th, 2019 1:00 PM- 2:00 PM
In this webinar: Are you interested in learning the basics about clinical trials, such as: What clinical trials are? How clinical trials are designed? How to find a clinical trial? How you might decide if a clinical trial you are considering is credible or reputable? If those topics about clinical trials interest you, this webinar is for you. Our guest presenter is Dawn Richards, Director of Patient and Public Engagement at Clinical Trials Ontario. was also joined by Anne Marie 10-year survivor of incurable lung cancer. An educator, board member and Programs Chair of for Lung Cancer Canada, and LocaLife leader for Young Adult Cancer Canada (Toronto) who discusses her opportunities with clinical trials.
The webinar was followed by a question & answer session.
View the slide deck: https://bit.ly/2VQQKmV
Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy
Date Held: May 2, 2019, 1:00PM to 2:00PM ET
Presented by: Dr. Michele Ardolino, Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa, Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology and Scientist Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
In this webinar: Discusses: The body has a phenomenal weapon to fight infections and cancer: the immune system. This seminar will focus on how the immune system recognizes and shapes cancer and on how research in tumor immunology led to the development of life-saving and revolutionizing immuno-therapies.
The webinar is followed by a question & answer session.
The slides are available on our Slideshare account here.
Goodbye Brain Fog! Strategies to Get Thinking Back on Track!
Date Held: April 25, 2019, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET
Presented by: Dr. Heather Palmer, Director of Memory Care for Amica Senior Lifestyles and the Founder and Director of Cognitive Rehabilitation for Maximum Capacity Inc
Webinar Information:
Dr. Heather Palmer, will discussed the effects of cancer-related brain fog. Changes in the ability to think are a common, yet frustrating and life-altering side effect of cancer. It is called Brain Fog and in addition to impacting cognitive function (memory, language, multi-tasking, etc.) it can also affect relationships and general psychological well-being. Fortunately, there are many simple, sustainable and effective strategies that can be used to help overcome the fogginess. In this overview session, we discussed the common symptoms, review possible causes and learn some solutions.
The webinar was followed by a question & answer session.
The slides are available on our Slideshare account here.
Major Workplace Causes of Cancer in Canada
Date held: April 25, 2019
Presented by: Dr. Paul Demers, Director of the Occupational Cancer Research Centre and Professor with the University of Toronto
Webinar Information:
Every year in Canada thousands of people are diagnosed with cancer caused by their work and millions of people continue to be exposed to workplace carcinogens. In this webinar, Dr. Paul Demers, Director of the Occupational Cancer Research Centre and Professor with the University of Toronto, talked about the impact of the most common workplace carcinogens in Canada and how exposure can be prevented.
The webinar was followed by a question & answer session.
The slides are available on our Slideshare account here.
Rare Cancers: The Time to Act is Now
Date held: April 11th, 2019 Presented by: Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO of Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders and Lisa Machado, Founder and Chair of the CML Network
Webinar Information:
Diagnostic breakthroughs like genome sequencing make earlier stage diagnosis possible and breakthroughs in personalized treatment, including cell and gene therapies, provide new hope, including potential cures.
CCSN welcomed our host panelist Durhane Wong-Rieger, President & CEO of Canadian Organization for Rare Disorders and Chair of Rare Disease International. Durhane was joined by Lisa Machado, Founder and Chair of the CML Network for this engaging and educational webinar on the unique issues presented in rare cancers.
The webinar was followed by a question & answer session.
What is patient engagement at CADTH, and how can you get involved?
Date held: April 4th, 2019 Presented by: Bill Dempster, CEO of 3Sixty Public Affairs with guest panelists Sarah Berglas (CADTH) and Maureen Smith (CORD)
Webinar Information:
CCSN welcomed CADTH’s Patient Engagement Officer Sarah Berglas to hear more about the many aspects in which CADTH involves patients in its work. Bill and Sarah walked through opportunities for patients and others to become involved in CADTH’s work, including:
- Providing patient input to CADTH’s pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR)
- Involving patients in CADTH’s assessments of medical devices, interventions, diagnostic tests, and procedures
- CADTH’s new Patient and Community Advisory Committee and
- CADTH’s newly published patient engagement framework.
There are other opportunities outside of the formal reviews, as well, and Sarah spoke further about what CADTH heard from its listening exercise with patient groups last fall. Sarah also spoke about how patients will be involved in CADTH’s upcoming annual symposium on April 14-16 in Edmonton.
Maureen Smith also joined Bill and Sarah, sharing her experience convening public and patient members on Canadian HTA bodies to discuss our experiences, learn from experts and each other.
This is a must-see webinar for the engaged, the curious and the novice!
Cancer and Heart Disease – Where the two intersect
Date held: March 28th, 2019
Presented by: Dr. Susan Dent
Webinar Information: We have made great strides in the treatment of cancer. More individuals are surviving a cancer diagnosis, but cancer treatments can have a detrimental impact on cardiovascular health. Dr. Susan Dent, a medical oncologist who co-founded the first multidisciplinary cardio-oncology clinic in Canada, discussed the importance of optimizing cardiovascular health for patients during and following completion of their cancer treatment. The webinar was followed by a question & answer session. View the slide deck here.
Anal & Colorectal Cancer
Date held: March 21st, 2019 Presented by: Helene Hutchings of Anal Cancer – A Bum Rap
Webinar Information: For Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, CCSN welcomed back Helene Hutchings to discuss anal and colorectal cancer in this educational webinar. Helene discussed the symptoms & risk factors of these cancers, as well as treatment options that are available. She also discussed prevention of anal and colorectal cancers and the benefits of peer-to-peer support groups.
CDIAC to CADTH: How the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review (pCODR) is changing to accommodate provincial cancer agency needs
Date held: March 14th, 2019
Presented by: Gerry Jeffcott, 3Sixty Public Affairs with guest panelists Louise Binder & Martine Elias
Webinar Information: This webinar was hosted by Gerry Jeffcott from 3Sixty Public Affairs. He summarized some important changes that the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH) has proposed to the way pCODR reviews new cancer medications and outline the current consultation process. Following the CADTH summary, patient representatives Louise Binder (Save Your Skin Foundation) and Martine Elias (Myeloma Canada) offered their perspective on the proposals and helped frame the patient feedback. After hearing from CADTH and the patients, there was time for an interactive question and answer session.
View the slide deck here.
Canadian Real-world Evidence for Value of Cancer Drugs (CanREValue)
Date held: March 7th, 2019
Presented by: Dr. Kelvin Chan
Webinar Information: Dr. Kelvin Chan gave a short explanation on what real-world evidence (RWE) is, how they can be used in cancer care and what benefits patients can get from the real-world evidence. He will also introduce the Canadian Real-world Evidence for Value of Cancer Drugs (CanREValue) collaboration, which is a pan-Canadian collaboration working on developing a framework to generate and use real-world evidence to inform cancer drug funding decisions. The webinar was followed by an interactive question & answer session.
View the slide deck here.
How Timely is Canada’s Medication Review and Approval Process?
Date held: January 24th, 2019
Presented by: Gerry Jeffcott, 3Sixty Public Affairs with Nigel Rawson & Sarah Lussier
Webinar Information: This presentation was hosted by Gerry Jeffcott from 3Sixty Public Affairs, who was joined by two pharmaceutical policy researchers who have conducted analyses of Canada’s access performance over time and in comparison with other countries. The session began with an overview of each of the elements of the Canadian review and approval process by our moderator. After that, the session explored each agency’s performances in terms of supporting efficient access to needed new medicines. We will also compare Canada with other similar countries to determine how we fare internationally in terms of gaining access. The presentation includes an interactive question and answer session.
View the slide deck here.