About this Webinar: The time between regulatory approval for new drugs and when drugs became publicly available to patients averaged 736 days (25 months) in 2022. This is double the average time reported in comparable Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) countries. This webinar will highlight variations in drug listing time for new drugs across time, provinces, and type of drugs (oncology vs. non-oncology). It will also present the specific phases involved in moving a drug from approval stage to listing, and the time spent in each. This Conference Board of Canada analysis uses IQVIA’s Market Access Metrics Database (2012 to 2023), which tracks all new products and their indications through the Canadian access journey.
Read the study: Access and Time to Patient: Prescription Drugs in Canada—January 2024 – The Conference Board of Canada
About the Presenters: Chad Leaver, Director, Health
Chad Leaver is the Director of the Health Knowledge area and leads Value Based Health Care (VBHC) Canada. With roots in behavioural epidemiology and health services policy and research, Chad oversees multi-stakeholder, custom, and priority research initiatives. Prior to joining the Conference Board of Canada, Chad held multiple senior roles in applied research at Seneca College, Canada Health Infoway/ Inforoute Santé du Canada; and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (IC/ES). Chad holds an MSc in Community Health and Epidemiology from Dalhousie University and an MBA from Queen’s and Cornell Universities.
Sophiya Garasia, Senior Health Economist, Economic Research
Sophiya Garasia is an interdisciplinary researcher with training in health economics, health policy, health equity, and population health. At the Conference Board of Canada, Sophiya is involved in all stages of the research process from study design to data management, statistical analysis, and report writing. Prior to joining the Board, Sophiya completed her embedded postdoctoral fellowship with the University of Toronto and the Central West Ontario Health Team. Sophiya holds a PhD in Health Policy with a specialization in health economics from McMaster University and a Master of Public Health degree from University of Guelph.
About the Webinar: Health technology assessment (HTA), the approval process for drugs and healthcare technology, the processes and organizations that support them, such as Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), have evolved over the years in response to changing healthcare system priorities and the need to establish their legitimacy. Don Husereau will provide an overview of current processes in Canada, and highlight their perceived (and real) shortcomings and what can be done to overcome these. He will highlight that some perceived weaknesses (such as review times) are not as bad as they appear while perceived strengths (such as stakeholder involvement) need considerable improvement. He will also discuss other opportunities for HTA to innovate and whether there are current plans to address these.
About the Presenter: DON HUSEREAU is an Adjunct Professor of Medicine at The University of Ottawa. He does freelance health care research, and works with private and public sector life sciences organizations to help them understand the value of health technology and its implications for health and innovation policy.
View the Video: HERE
View the Slides: HERE
About this Webinar: Dr. Rob Rutledge returns for his first webinar of 2024 to discuss the basics behind emotional intelligence. Learn how to develop greater emotional awareness, and learn how to settle fear and frustration. Dr. Rutledge will also share tips on how to live in a more peaceful and connected way as you navigate through your cancer journey.
About the Presenters: Dr. Rob Rutledge is a Radiation Oncologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia, specializing in breast, prostate and pediatric cancers, and is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. His passion is empowering people affected by cancer, and has delivered hundreds of public talks and webinars, along with over 60 retreats and day-long seminars to thousands of cancer survivors. Rob has received a Cancer Care Nova Scotia Award for Excellence in Patient Care, and Doctors Nova Scotia presented him with a Health Promotion Award in recognition of his contribution to physician health and health promotion in cancer patients. Rob co-leads CancerPEP a comprehensive six-month daily patient empowerment program starting in November. Visit CancerPEP.org to learn more.
Dr. Gabriela Ilie is the Endowed Chair in Cancer Quality of Life Research, and Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. Having taught 86 courses to over 25,000 students at the University of Toronto she is an expert in the Psychology of Emotions. She is the lead of the Research Lab pioneering Patient Empowerment Programs, a comprehensive home-based six-month daily health-promotion program
View the video: HERE.
View the slides: HERE.
About the Webinar: Alcohol is classified as a Group one carcinogen and is estimated to be one of the top thre causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Yet, over 40 per cent of people in Canada remain unaware that alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing at least nine cancers. In this presentation, we’ll look at what is and isn’t known about the relationship between alcohol and cancer. We’ll explore what the Canadian Cancer Society is doing to raise awareness of alcohol as a modifiable cancer risk factor, its commitment to funding world-leading research on this subject, and its advocacy for stronger policies that reduce, and increase awareness about the risk of cancer related to, alcohol consumption. Attendees will be invited to seek more information and/or take action on this important topic. We hope you’ll join us in learning more about cancer risk and alcohol — the most commonly used psychoactive substance in Canada.
About the Presenter: Ciana Van Dusen is the Advocacy Manager of Prevention and Early Detection at the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). She serendipitously stumbled into advocacy 10 years ago and is passionate about inspiring meaningful change to improve the wellbeing of those living across Canada and beyond. Prior to joining CCS, Ciana conducted public, government, and stakeholder relations, communications, and engagement in sectors including health, international cooperation, and agriculture and agrifoods. Ciana holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wilfrid Laurier University.
View the Video: HERE
View the Slides: HERE
About the Webinar: Michelle Colero, Executive Director of Bladder Cancer Canada, will cover the essentials of bladder cancer facts and symptoms while also outlining the support and educational resources provided by Bladder Cancer Canada for those dealing with a diagnosis. Additionally, she’ll share ways individuals can contribute to raising awareness and supporting our community.
About the Presenter: Michelle Colero was not able to attend, and so the talk was delivered by Theresa Blondin. She has been the National Volunteer & Program Manager at Bladder Cancer Canada since 2021. Theresa brings over 20 years of involvement in the not-for-profit sector, both as a committed staff member and avid volunteer. Since 2016, Theresa has worked as a Volunteer Engagement Professional, empowering volunteers through their meaningful contributions to support those affected by cancer.
For more information about Bladder Cancer Canada, visit their website: https://bladdercancercanada.org/en/
View the Video: HERE.
View the Slides: HERE.
About this webinar: This talk will introduce what cancer rehabilitation is, where it fits into the cancer trajectory, and who can benefit from it. In addition, the current landscape of cancer rehabilitation in Canada will be discussed and the need for advocacy to increase access to this essential component of cancer care.
About this presenter: Dr. Jennifer Jones is the Director of the Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. In addition, she is a Senior Scientist in Princess Margaret Research Institute and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry (primary) and the Dalla Lana School of Public Health (cross-appointment), at University of Toronto.
Dr. Jones’ most recent scholarly and professional activities have clustered around translational research to inform clinical survivorship care. This research platform specifically focuses on examining new approaches to predict, prevent and manage long-term adverse effects of cancer and its treatment and evaluating innovative models of follow-up care and support.
View the Video: HERE.
View the Slides: HERE.
About the presenters: HEATHER HOGAN (BA, BEd, MEd) is a retired teacher and school administrator from Woodstock, New Brunswick.
Having been diagnosed with Stage 3a Adenocarcinoma lung cancer in 2012, Heather knows first-hand the importance of access to potential life-saving treatments, early detection and research, advocacy and education and has worked with other patients, caregivers and stakeholders to create a community for those who have been affected by lung cancer.
Heather is currently a Patient Partner with the Lung Health Foundation, a Member of the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute Management Advisory Council and Research Committee and a member of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centers Network.
- Quash – If you are concerned about a family member vaping, you can learn more at https://bit.ly/20240925_Quash_QR.
- Smoke-free pledge – Join the movement to create a smoke-free generation by signing the pledge at https://bit.ly/20240925_SmokeFreeGen_QR.
- The Loop – A community network created by and for people touched by lung conditions. You can access resources, programs, and support all in one place at https://bit.ly/20240925_TheLoop_QR
About this Webinar: This session offers a holistic approach to managing cancer-related symptoms by focusing on key areas including exercise, nutrition, mental health, and sleep. Dr. Hannah Nette will provide practical strategies to help patients manage some of the most commonly reported challenges and participants will leave with actionable insights to improve their quality of life and well-being during cancer.
About the Presenter: Dr. Hannah Nette is a physician and the Director of Clinical Services at InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care, a non-profit organization in Vancouver BC offering free supportive care to cancer patients and their loved ones. For over 25 years, InspireHealth has provided programs and services to enhance the quality of life, health and well-being of cancer patients through one-on-one and group support including exercise therapy, stress management, nutrition and counselling services.
Dr. Nette has a passion for supportive care and the empowering impact it can make on a cancer patient’s physical and mental health & well-being. Through her work at InspireHealth, she has delivered hundreds of workshops and educational sessions to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Visit InspireHealth.ca to learn more about the free and easily accessible survivorship support available to anyone with a cancer diagnosis, whether newly diagnosed, in treatment or living with or beyond cancer.
View the Video: HERE.
View the Slides: HERE.
About the webinar: Dr. Mohamad Baydoun will discuss the long-term psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individuals with cancer. Issues such as psychological distress, coping strategies, and vaccination hesitancy among people with cancer in a post-pandemic world will be addressed.
About the presenter: Dr. Baydoun is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at the University of Regina. His research focuses on improving mental health outcomes for people living with and beyond cancer. Dr. Baydoun has conducted research on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected oncology populations, shedding light on the psychosocial and financial consequences of the pandemic on individuals with cancer and other chronic conditions.
View the Video: HERE.
View the Slides: HERE.
About the Webinar: There’s been a great deal of discussion about research ethics review processes in Canada recently, specifically with respect to a cross-Canada review for trials across provinces. This is a conversation that has been taking place in the research community for many years, with various initiatives being put together to address some parts of this (e.g., the CHEER project aiming to streamline research ethics review for child health research across Canada, the Accelerating Clinical Trials Consortium, and others), however the needle is only moving incrementally. In order for larger scale solutions to be proposed, developed, and even potentially advocated for by patients, patient organizations and health charities, an understanding of the history in this space and the current landscape/context and players in this area may be useful.
The goal of this webinar is to better inform people about the importance of ethics review to the trial approval process, the history of this cross-Canada research ethics review conversation, the actions/initiatives that have been created/built on, and the current processes or state of ‘affairs’ in this space. Some context may be provided about other countries’ approaches to a single ethics review as well (e.g., the National Institutes of Health in the US).
The webinar is intended to be an informal environment to help people understand the history of the conversation, some of the activities/initiatives that have been part of the space, legislative components that may offer barriers (though not insurmountable), and the current state of discussion, perspectives and players, etc. It is also intended to provide a safe and collegial space in which to ask lots of questions.
About the Presenter: Susan Marlin is the President and CEO of Clinical Trials Ontario (CTO), an organization established by the Province of Ontario in 2012 to make Ontario a preferred location for global clinical trials while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Prior to joining CTO served as the Associate Vice-Principal at Queen’s University. Susan worked with the Canadian Cancer Trials Group for many years coordinating cancer clinical trials and leading the development and implementation of the Ethics, Regulatory, and International Office.
Susan has actively engaged in research ethics for many years. She served as President of the Canadian Association of Research Ethics Boards, as a member of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Research Integrity Committee, the Ontario Cancer Research Ethics Board and the Tri-Agency Panel on the Responsible Conduct of Research. Susan is on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Life Sciences Ontario and the Management Team for the Ontario SPOR (Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research) Support Unit. She is an Adjunct Lecturer at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and is the nominated principal investigator on the CHEER Project, a Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded project to streamline research ethics review for child health research across Canada.
Susan was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She holds a BSc (Hons) from Dalhousie University and an MSc in Community Health and Epidemiology from Queen’s University. She was awarded the Queen’s Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012 in recognition of her work in support of military and veteran health research.
View the Video: HERE.
About the webinar: Impotence and incontinence are common side effects of prostate cancer and its treatment, yet they are often under-discussed. This webinar will talk about the anatomy and function of the pelvic region, incontinence after prostate cancer treatment, and pelvic floor muscle training for incontinence. The webinar will also discuss intimacy and sexuality with prostate cancer, the mechanisms of erectile dysfunction, and will discuss management approaches for dealing with the condition. We will also hear from a patient, Don Helgeson, and his experience with both these conditions.
About the presenters: Meghan Lui, Sexual Health Clinician, is a registered nurse with a background in spinal cord injury, bowel and bladder management, and adult/older adult community health. She is passionate about providing holistic, patient-centred care. Meghan recently joined the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) Program as a Sexual Health Clinician to help support patients navigating changes to sexual health and sexuality.
Calvin Wong is a registered physiotherapist with a keen interest in helping people with pelvic health issues including bladder and bowel incontinence training, pelvic girdle and genital pain, and musculoskeletal pain in the lumbo-pelvic-hip region. Calvin’s work has allowed him to connect with and assist patients from a diverse array of cultural, gender and sexual backgrounds. He uses a client-centered and evidence informed approach when helping patients to achieve their goals. Calvin holds a Master of Physical Therapy (MPT) from the University of Western Ontario and has been a practicing physiotherapist for over 10 years. He is currently completing his Master of Rehabilitation Science at UBC.
Don Helgeson is a recently retired Canadian Mountie living in Nanaimo, British Columbia with his incredibly supportive wife Lisa. Don has four daughters and two grandchildren. Living with Lynch Syndrome, Don is a three time cancer survivor, all by the age of 51. In the Fall of 2020 while planning his retirement, Don was diagnosed with Stage 3b prostate cancer after annual blood work revealed he had a very high PSA reading. In early 2021, Don had an open radical prostatectomy and learned post surgery that there has been some localized spread and that he was a Gleason 9. Despite this, no further treatments were recommended by his medical team. For two years, Don’s quarterly PSA readings remained undetectable. In the Spring of 2023, his PSA began to rise at the age of 53. This led to additional treatment including six months of hormone therapy and twenty sessions of radiation starting in the Spring of 2024. Over the course of the past four years, Don has managed various stages of ED and incontinence due to surgery and radiation. As of September 2024, Don’s PSA is undetectable and he is being monitored every six months by his radiation oncologist and urologist.
View the Video: HERE.
View the Slides: HERE.
About the Webinar: In this webinar, Zeenat Ladak will provide an overview of Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care (TViC) approaches and their importance in promoting equitable access to smoking cessation and lung cancer screening. TViC is an equitable approach to care that recognises the impact of trauma on peoples’ risk and behaviours, and uses a strengths-based approach to improve health outcomes. Primary care professionals can use TViC approaches to have safer and more meaningful conversations around preventative care.View the Video: HERE.
View the Slides: HERE.