The Cancer Assist Podcast

Join us as we welcome Dr. Aly-Khan Lalani, Assistant Professor of Oncology at McMaster University, for an enlightening discussion on kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma. We discuss the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and surgical treatment options. Additionally, Dr. Lalani shares the latest advancements in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, exploring how these innovative treatm...

Melissa Chadwick, Lead for Palliative Care Implementation at Ontario Health, joins us to explore the evolving landscape of palliative care within our healthcare system. She challenges stigmas surrounding end-of-life care and provides a deeper understanding of comfort and support for patients, their families, and loved ones. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past Preside...

We're joined by Linda Papadopoulos, BSc., CIP, CCIB, CRM, Senior Vice President, Corporate Risk Management at Gallagher Insurance. Linda explains the differences between personal health insurance and provincial healthcare coverage, highlighting important factors to consider in protecting yourself and your family. --- The Cancer Assist Podcast and its content represent the opinions of Dr. Bill...

We're joined by Dr. Chris Hillis, MD, MSc, FRCPC, Hematologist, and Chief of Oncology at Hamilton Health Sciences. In this engaging discussion, Dr. Hillis explores the role of our immune system, blood cells, and diagnosis and treatment options for those living with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Juravinsk...

Join us for the first episode of Season 6 where we speak with Dr. Kirk Wong about pharmacological oncology. As new treatments and drugs come onto the market, pharmacists are more important than ever. Dr. Wong helps to answer questions about medications and the processes surrounding them in a way that is easy to understand. Listen in to learn tips and tricks for patients and the caregiving team. Th...

In this eye-opening episode with Dr. Paul Demers, we delve into the intricate connection between air pollution and its alarming correlation with cancer. Unraveling the scientific intricacies, we explore the hazardous pollutants in our air, their impact on human health, and the sobering statistics that underscore the link between prolonged exposure and increased cancer risks. Join us as we navigate...

Join us today while we sit down with Victoria Chambers and Angela Djuric-Paulin from Hamilton Health Sciences for this important discussion. You may be thinking that all care must be patient centred, but there are some other avenues of care that may be overlooked in favour of direct treatment. These can include symptom management, psychological and social supports, and family support. Victoria and...

Join us today while we speak with Dr. David Stewart, Professor of Oncology at the University of Ottawa.  We discuss Dr. Stewart’s new book: “Why Cancer Still Sucks”, which addresses common questions about cancer, as well as hopeful changes for the future. Dr. Stewart demystifies questions arounddrug development, as well as the differencesin the Canadian and American healthcare systems. The Cancer...

Dr. Sammy Winemaker and Dr. Hsien Seow join us to talk about their new book: Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis. From the book: "The doctor’s office called. It’s not good news. What comes next? When you are diagnosed with a life-changing illness, it can be overwhelming. While your diagnosis cannot be changed, the way you experience your illne...

Original date: January 15, 2022 Dr. Norman Giesbrecht joins us for an important discussion. Did you know that consuming alcohol can put you at a higher risk for cancer development? Dr. Giesbrecht tells us about the relationship between alcohol and cancer, and some of his predictions and hopes for the future of community education about alcohol. A great listen to prepare for "Dry February&quot...

Join us for this important discussion with Bridget Veltri, Certified Child Life Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. In this episode, we explore the role of a child life specialist, how we can best communicate to children when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, and tools and coping strategies for some of the stressful situations families may be going through. The Cancer Assist Show is ho...

Today we speak with Dr. Dustin Costescu, Associate Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at McMaster University, and an Obstetrician-Gynaecologist at Hamilton Health Sciences. In this informative episode, we shed light on the crucial topic of cervical screening for cancer, a life-saving preventive measure. Join us as we delve into the importance of regular screenings, the scien...

Original air date: July 15, 2022 Dr. Elaine McWhirter is an Associate Professor of Oncology at McMaster University, and she speaks with us about the importance of sun safety. Skin cancer is overall a preventable condition, and there are key steps that we can take to reduce our risk. Dr. McWhirter gives us her expert advice on the subject, as well as ways to look out for signs of melanoma, and when...

Join us today while we speak with Dr. Deepak Dath, president of Hamilton Health Sciences' Medical Staff Association, and hepatobiliary surgeon. Tiger country refers to the area of the body that contains the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts, and is an area of special interest in the discussion surrounding cancer. Dr. Dath gives us his expert rundown of this area of surgery, and provides insight...

Join us today as we speak with Sarah-Eve Loiselle, Nutrition Science Associate at Abbott Nutrition. We talk with Sarah-Eve about solutions for helping to get cancer patients properly hydrated. Sarah-Eve shares her expert insights in this fascinating and informative episode. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at...

Join us as we have a conversation with Dr. Elaine McWhirter, Associate Professor of Oncology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. Pancreatic cancer can be difficult to treat, but today we chat about some of the recent developments in research and treatment for this diagnosis. Dr. McWhirter also discusses ways in which we can help prevent pancreatic cancer, including strategies...

Join us for this important discussion with Janna Boloten, Nutrition Science Advisor at Abbott Nutrition. Attitudes around pre-operative nutrition are beginning to change in the medical field. The importance of effectively feeding the body before surgery is being recognized as a way to improve patient recovery, especially for cancer patients. Janna will provide us with an in-depth view of the best...

Join us as we speak with Michele Cardoso in honour of World Lymphedema Awareness Day on March 6, 2023. Michelle Cardoso is a clinical specialist and radiation therapist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre. She discusses the important topic of lymphatics and provides her expert insight on lymph nodes, lymphedema, and the treatments available to those affected. This episode will offer hope and comfort t...

Deb Evans, Clinical Nurse Specialist, discusses pain management for patients with cancer. The opioid crisis has received widespread attention in recent years, and many people have heard about patients who struggle to manage their pain while taking medications. In this episode, a Clinical Nurse Specialist shares their insights on pain management, the role of different types of medication, and effor...

Today we have a conversation with Riley Crotta, Manager of regional health programs with Hamilton Health Sciences. The doctor's office is usually the place that most people think of when they have discussions around cancer screening and prevention, but what happens when there are barriers such as transportation, housing, or mental health? How about newcomers or those that don’t have a family...

We're joined by Sandra Kesselman-Hardy, a Professional Social Work clinician for almost forty years, to discuss what can be a difficult topic; terminal cancer. Sandra highlights that the effects of cancer are not only physical but emotional, with feelings of fear, anxiety, and grief following diagnosis. We discuss the importance of end-of-life conversations and the many ways support and couns...

Join us to learn about brain cancer with Dr. Navya Kalidindi, Neuro-oncologist at Juravinski Cancer Centre.  We talk about the different types of brain cancer, and some of the exciting new ways that it can be treated. Dr. Kalidindi takes a complex topic and turns it into an interesting and engaging discussion. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Jura...

Today we talk with Dr. Samantha Winemaker, Associate Clinical Professor at McMaster University in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care. She is the Medical Co-Lead of the Hamilton Community Palliative Care Team and an active trainer of palliative care education to medical students, residents, and clinicians. Dr. Winemaker helps demystify some myths around palliative care,...

Today we sit down with Dr. Sheila Singh, chief paediatric neurosurgeon at McMaster Children's Hospital in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Singh shares her experience in paediatric neurology, highlighting the ongoing research and developments that support a brighter future for children diagnosed with cancer. We discuss what a diagnosis means for parents and siblings, and how palliative care is changing t...

Sun Safety Tips from an Expert Dr. Elaine McWhirter is an Associate Professor of Oncology at McMaster University, and today she speaks with us about the importance of sun safety. Skin cancer is overall a preventable condition, and there are key steps that we can take to reduce our risk. Dr. McWhirter gives us her expert advice on the subject, as well as ways to look out for signs of melanoma, and...