BeiGene Canada Ventures Beyond the Biology of Cancer

OVER THE PAST SEVERAL DECADES WE HAVE WITNESSED TRANSFORMATIONAL PROGRESS IN CANCER CARE with significantly improved survival rates and improved quality of life for patients. We have also come to learn that medical advances alone are not the only driver delivering on the promise of better outcomes.

While BeiGene is singularly focused on developing innovative medicines that are better, safer, and more affordable, we understand the importance of treating cancer holistically. Rooted in the belief that one’s physical and emotional health are inextricably linked, this complex interplay cannot be underestimated, particularly as it pertains to a cancer journey. This holds true not only for patients but for their caregivers as well.

There’s no debate that the pandemic exacerbated the emotional toll of those affected by cancer. Contained in A What We Heard Report issued by the Canadian Cancer Society were findings reported by cancer patients expressing significant feelings of “abandonment” or “being forgotten,” that they suffered from isolation, and experienced increased difficulties in managing their pain.1 Nearly 67% indicated they were anxious or experienced worsening of existing mental health difficulties, 30% could not maintain a healthy lifestyle, and 63% reported higher than usual stress. Caregivers reported similar mental health challenges, with more than three quarters of respondents indicating they felt anxious during the first year of the pandemic.1

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in those being treated for cancer is estimated to be at least double that of the public.2 This includes major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, “When caregivers are supported, health care outcomes are better for both the caregiver and those accessing care. When a family is dealing with cancer, mental health supports are that much more critical.”

BeiGene believes that mental health support can improve quality of life and health outcomes for individuals impacted by a cancer diagnosis. To elevate the intersection of mental health and cancer care and expand this important conversation, BeiGene Canada is preparing to introduce Talk About It: Cancer and Mental Health. Recently launched in the United States the program is aimed at patients and caregivers, healthcare professionals and policymakers and will include such resources and information as innovative empowerment strategies, guides to recognizing signs of emotional distress and seeking support, approaches to ensuring mental health is a central part of quality cancer care, resources to help address barriers to mental health services, and tools to advocate for expanded mental health education.

“The fear and stress experienced by cancer patients and their caregivers points us to an uncomfortable truth that is already well known within the cancer community - that mental health matters at every stage of the cancer journey,” said Peter Brenders, General Manager, BeiGene Canada. “BeiGene Canada is proud to stand behind Talk About It and play a role in systemically integrating mental health and wellness into quality cancer care.”

1. https://cdn.cancer.ca/-/media/files/get-involved/advocacy/what-we-are-doing/ covid-19-response/living-at-the-crossroads-of-covid-19-and-cancer-a-what-weheard-report-by-ccs.pdf

2. https://mentalhealthcommission.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/8585-CSMC-MHCC-Mental-Health-and-Cancer-Quick-Facts-EN-ACC.pdf