The Cancer Assist Podcast

What happens when someone you love becomes ill and you suddenly find yourself responsible for appointments, medications, meals, advocacy and emotional support? In this episode, Dr. Bill Evans speaks with Amy Coupal, CEO of the Ontario Caregiver Organization, about the realities of caregiving. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Amy shares practical advice for caregive...

A promising new treatment is changing the landscape for advanced prostate cancer. In this episode, Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Dr. Ali Khan Lalani, Associate professor, McMaster University GU disease site team chair, Juravinski Cancer Centre, and Anne Khoorshed, Radiation Safety Officer, Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, to explore radioligand therapy (Pluvicto), an in...

In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Dr. Omar II, MD, SM, Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery and Associate Member in Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact at McMaster University, and Staff Neurosurgeon at Hamilton General Hospital and Hamilton Health Sciences.  Together, they break down what a brain tumour diagnosis really means, from the...

Young adults with cancer face challenges that are often overlooked: fertility decisions, career disruption, body image changes, and feeling isolated from peers.  In this conversation, experts Dr. Julianna Sienna, Radiation Oncologist & Medical Lead Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Service and Registered Social Worker, Adolescent and Ashley Mikitzel, Young Adult (AYA) Program Specialist Departm...

Parenting during cancer brings emotional, practical, and deeply personal challenges. In this episode, experts Laura Jin, Child Life Specialist (CLS), Grief & Bereavement at Kemp Care Network,(Formerly CLS at Juravinski Cancer Centre) and Ashley Mikitzel, Registered Social Worker, Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, explain how parents can commun...

In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Jennifer Smyth, Director of Regional Cancer Programs, for an in-depth conversation about how cancer care is planned and delivered across the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand and Brant region. Together, they explore how the Regional Cancer Plan is shifting beyond capacity and wait times to focus on equity, patient experience, pre...

This month on the Cancer Assist Podcast, we turn the microphone inward towards CAP’s Executive Director, Debbie Logel Butler. Debbie shares the story behind the Cancer Assistance Program from its beginnings in a church basement to the wide-reaching support it provides today. We talk about free, practical services, volunteer-powered care, creative programming, and why CAP continues to grow to meet...

 In this episode of The Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr. Bill Evans welcomes Dr. Oren Levine, medical oncologist and associate professor at McMaster University, to explore the importance of serious illness conversations and the meaningful discussions that help patients, families, and healthcare teams navigate complex decisions with clarity and compassion. This conversation unpacks defines what a serious...

In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr Bill Evans sits down with Dr Andrea Eisen to talk about how genetics influence breast and ovarian cancer risk. They explore what BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes actually do, how mutations are passed through families, and why understanding your genetic background can be life-changing. Dr Eisen shares information from her work in hereditary cancer genetics, exp...

In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast , Dr. Bill Evans sits down with Dr. Jonathan Sussman, Professor and Chair, Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Scientific Director, Program in Evidence-Based Care (PEBC), McMaster University, and Carolyn Zwaal, Managing Director of Program in Evidence-Based Care (PEBC), to unpack how evidence-based guidelines in cancer care are developed. From...

In this episode of The Cancer Assist Podcast , Dr. Bill Evans speaks with Dr. Christopher Coroneos, Associate Professor at McMaster University and reconstructive surgeon at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. Together, they explore the evolving world of breast reconstruction from immediate and delayed procedures to oncoplastic surgery, nipple-sparing techniques, and the use of a patient’s own tissue ver...

When Kenisha Hanson was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, her life plans came to a sudden halt. In this episode, Kenisha shares how she redefined success on her own terms and found peace after cancer, alongside reflections from her book Peace Your Way to Success . Joining the conversation is Sandra Turner, nurse coordinator of the PYNK program at Juravinski Cancer Centre, which provides s...

In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr. Bill Evans sits down with Dr. Peter Ellis, medical oncologist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, to talk about the incredible changes in lung cancer care. Once considered one of the most hopeless diagnoses, lung cancer treatment has drastically changed, with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and personalized care offering patients more options and l...

Bladder cancer affects over 12,000 Canadians each year, yet it remains one of the least talked-about cancers. In this much-needed conversation, Dr. Bill Evans is joined by urologist Dr. Lorraine Liang and medical oncologist Dr. Ali Khan Lalani to shed light on this often-overlooked disease. From early warning signs to evolving treatments and emerging hope for patients, this episode offers insights...

Cancer changes more than just the body, it reshapes how we see ourselves. In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast,  Dr. Karen Zhang, Psychologist and Interim Head of Service, Psychosocial Oncology, joins Dr. Bill Evans to explore the emotional, cognitive, and social impacts of cancer on identity. From changes in physical appearance and brain fog to shifts in relationships and career roles, th...

 Cancer treatments can make eating a challenge, but the right nutrition is essential for maintaining strength and managing side effects. Oncology dietitians Karen Biggs, RD, MHSc. and Renée Ouellette, RD, BASc, MHSc share practical tips for dealing with taste changes, appetite loss, and difficulty swallowing. Learn how small adjustments can make a big difference in keeping energy up and feeling be...

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, but early detection can change that. In this episode, Dr. Bill Evans sits down with thoracic surgeon Dr. Christian Finley to discuss the urgent need for lung cancer screening , the latest advancements in early detection, and how a simple, low-dose CT scan can dramatically improve survival rates.  Disclaimer The Cancer Assist Show is hosted...

In this episode, we discuss the Regional Cancer Plan 6 for Hamilton, Haldimand, Niagara, and Brant with Neil Johnson, Vice President of Oncology at Hamilton Health Sciences and Regional Vice President of Ontario Health (CCO); and Jennifer Smyth, Director of Regional Cancer Programs and Hematology at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, Hamilton Health Sciences. Together with our host, Dr. Bill E...

Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Andrea Floyd, BScN, NP, MBA, member of the Cancer Assistance Program’s Board of Directors, and cancer survivor. Andrea talks about her own cancer journey and why she believes a holistic approach to care is the best approach. In this episode, we learn more about the importance of self care for both patients and caregivers, and why you should always put your own oxygen ma...

Laura Jin, Child Life Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre is our guest this episode. She joins our host, Dr. Bill Evans to discuss the importance of supporting children whose parents are receiving cancer treatment and the growing specialization of Child Life. In this episode, we learn more about tailoring strategies for dealing with a parent’s diagnosis and grief for specific age groups, fa...

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of endometrial cancer treatment, from surgical innovations using minimally invasive procedures, to the role of brachytherapy in preventing cancer recurrence. Experts discuss the importance of personalized care, with insights into the latest research and trials, that offers a comprehensive overview of how cancer care is becoming more tailored to ea...

In this week’s episode, we follow the journey of Farzana Doctor; a dedicated social worker turned writer who has balanced her career in psychotherapy with a flourishing writing career, authoring six books along the way. She opens up about the importance of community care, the challenges of burnout, and the transition to writing her practical workbook "52 Weeks to a Sweeter Life." Listene...

Owen Roberts joins us to explore the dynamic intersection of technology and healthcare, focusing on how innovations like FDG-PET scans and the Human Genome Project have propelled advancements in cancer treatment. The discussion highlights the crucial role of integrating various technological breakthroughs and how Canadian research centres like McMaster are making significant strides in the field....

Join us as we talk with Dr. Ronan Foley, a specialist in hematology. Dr. Foley explains what multiple myeloma is, current treatment options, and the promising research that may lead to a cure in the future. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at HHS. Brought to you by the Cancer Assistance Program—an organization...

Samantha Taylor's life was drastically changed in an instant when doctors revealed that her 10-year-old daughter has cancer. A caring mother and wife, Sam talks about her personal experiences detailing both the physical and mental impacts of cancer. We discuss the significance of engaging with other families, effective communication, and ways to keep a positive mindset to assist not only her...