The Cancer Assist Podcast

Neil Johnson takes a break from his busy schedule as the newly appointed Vice President of Oncology for Hamilton Health Sciences. Today, Neil tells us about his first few months in this new position. We talk about the changes that we’ve seen in cancer care during COVID, and how he is moving forward now to help bring care to those who need it. We discuss caregiver support, plans for the future, and...

Today we talk with Elise Gasbarrino, founder of Pink Pearl. Pink Pearl is a charitable organization that helps connect young women between the ages of 18-40 with support after their cancer diagnosis. Cancer can be a challenging road to navigate, and Pink Pearl helps to support young women with resources such as mental health support, guidance with interrupted education, and peer support. Listen in...

Today we talk with Dr. Danielle Petricone-Westwood about psychosocial oncology. We dive into the mental health effects of a cancer diagnosis on patients and their loved ones. We learn about how patients and their caregivers can get the support they need, and best practices to do so. Struggles with mental health can compound the effects felt during cancer treatment, but no one has to face it alone!...

Sit down with us as we talk about colorectal cancer with Dr. Kevin Zbuk, Medical Oncologist at the Juravinski Hospital. Colon cancer can be treated with a very high rate of success if it is caught early on. Learn about the meaning of different stages, the treatment options available, and how you can get preventative screening in this episode of the Cancer Assist Show. The Cancer Assist Show is hos...

Join us for this important discussion with Dr. Sebastian Hotte. In this episode, we discuss changes in how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. Listen in as we talk about new treatments that are available, and how these treatments are performed. 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 t...

Dr. Norman Giebrecht 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". The Cancer Assist Show is host...

Listen in to our conversation with our guest, Dr. Hal Hirte. Dr. Hirte reflects on his career in oncology as he approaches retirement. We discuss changes over the course of many years of medical care, patient care, and advancements that have been made over the last several decades. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Ce...

Join us for this important discussion with Dr. Rosalyn Jeurgens This episode, we discuss the topic of lung cancer and new advancements in treatment. The past years of development in this field have turned lung cancer into a treatable case upon diagnosis. 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...

In this episode, we explore and compare past and new techniques for breast cancer detection and treatment. We also discuss the decision-making around treatment options for breast cancer. 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 lending support t...

Join us for this important discussion with Bridget Veltri, Certified Child Life Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Center. 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...

Sarah Neil-Sztramko joins us for a discussion on the importance of exercise and the role of physical activity in cancer prevention, during treatment and following treatment. Sarah is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (HEI) at McMaster University and Knowledge Translation Advisor with the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools. Sar...

Dr. Jeffrey Greenspoon , associate professor at McMaster University in the Department of Oncology joins Dr. Bill Evans for a conversation about virtual care and the use of communication information technologies during the pandemic and beyond. Listen in to hear the valuable benefits to patients and physicians, and what this means for the delivery of care in the future. The Cancer Assist Show is hos...

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most diagnosed cancer in Canada. About 26,900 Canadians will have been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2020. That's 1 in 14 men and 1 in 18 women who will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime. In this episode, we're  joined by Dr. Barry Lumb, professor of Department of Medicine and a Gastroenterologist and the Regional Endoscopy L...

In 2003, at just 15 years old, Vanessa Delle Monache was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma. As a teenager and young adult, she was embarrassed about her diagnosis and only shared it with a few people. Just before her 30th birthday, a routine follow up appointment changed Vanessa’s life once again. This time her outlook had changed. Join us as Vanessa shares her story of diagnosis, treatment and the...

Discover what cancer patients need to know about COVID-19 and the vaccine. Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Dr. Gerald Evans, Chair of the Division of Infectious Diseases and a professor in the Departments of Medicine, Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, and Pathology & Molecular Medicine at Queens university for a discussion on COVID-19, the different types of COVID-19 vaccines available and what...

Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Dr. Kylie Lepic of Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre for a discussion on hematology, the specialized area of STEM cell transplantation and innovation in CAR-T cell therapies. 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 organizat...

In this episode Dr. Bill Evans and Dr. Christopher Longo, PHD, discuss the potential financial impact of a diagnosis of cancer, how to prepare and the out of pockets costs cancer patients may incur. 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 lend...

Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Dr. Jonathan Sussman, Chair of the Department of Oncology at McMaster University for a discussion of the many positive advances that have occurred in the field of oncology. Hear about how cancer research has improved approaches to prevention, screening, treatment and supportive care that make oncologists like Dr Sussman optimistic about the future. The Cancer Assist Sho...

Dr. Bill Evans and Sarah Shallwani, Occupational Therapist with CBI Home Health,  discuss the physical and psychological benefits of occupational therapy, and the role it plays in cancer care. 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 lending su...

In this month's podcast, we're joined by Norma Frankoff , Director of Programs and Organizational Development at Wellwood and Clare Freeman , Executive Director at Bob Kemp Hospice to discuss program access and support of care during COVID-19. 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...

You may be wondering, will COVID-19 affect my cancer surgery? Dr. Bill Evans welcomes Dr. Christian Finley , Associate Professor, Department of Surgery, McMaster University and Thoracic Surgeon, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, to discuss how surgery and cancer surgery, in particular, have been transformed by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FR...

Healthy eating habits are important during and after cancer treatment. Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Janna Boloten, Registered Dietitian, Nutrition Science Advisor, Abbott Nutrition, in a discussion on the importance of nutritional support for cancer patients. 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...

How has healthcare delivery changed as a result of COVID-19? What is being done at Juravinski Cancer Centre to keep patients and staff safe during this pandemic? Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Debbie Logel Butler Executive Director, Cancer Assistance Program, Dr. Ralph Meyers VP, Oncology & Palliative Care at Hamilton Health Sciences and Regional VP at Cancer Care Ontario, and Kristi MacKenzie, D...

Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Cancer Assistance Program staff Debbie Logel Butler (Executive Director) and Ashlee Leggat (Manager, Fund Development) to discuss how COVID-19 has affected cancer patients and what the Cancer Assistance Program is doing in Hamilton as they remain committed to providing free and practical support to clients. Questions? Please reach out to inquiries@cancerassist.ca The Ca...

Dr. Bill Evans welcomes Dr. Karen Zhang, C.Psych. to discuss coping with the psychological, emotional, social, spiritual, and functional impact of a cancer diagnosis. We also explore the common emotional concerns of cancer patients and their families through COVID-19. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at HHS. B...