Transforming Canadian Healthcare
Navigating Life After Cancer
Thanks to advances in cancer prevention, screening and treatment, about 1.5 million people in Canada
Vinesha Ramasamy was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer as a 15-year-old newcomer to Canada. By age 19, she was facing cancer for a second time and was given just months to live. Innovative cancer care saved her life – but her challenges didn’t end there.
Although she went on to become a university graduate and young professional, the transitions from pediatric care to adult care, and then from intensive treatments to life with and beyond cancer, left their mark.
“It looked like I was thriving beyond cancer but I was still facing many challenges in the aftermath,” she said. “I was left with minimal support to deal with the devastating impact of everything I had gone through, and continue to face, on my cancer journey.”
Ramasamy’s experiences are not unique. A study conducted by the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) found that two-thirds of people who’ve had cancer report difficulties after treatment, particularly during the first six to 12 months.ii It’s even more challenging for those from equity-denied populations.
To help patients like Ramasamy, the Partnership supported partners across Canada to design tools and resources for post-treatment care. These are now avail able through an online hub, Life after cancer: Transforming the post-treatment experience
In the hub, healthcare organizations, providers, and people living with and beyond cancer can access links to national and local programs, chat groups, help lines, and more. They can also find examples of innovative ways in which organizations in different provinces and territories are addressing patients’ needs after cancer treatment.
Not only does this help to support the adoption and adaption of initiatives across Canada, it also builds capacity throughout the cancer system.
In Alberta, for instance, Dr. Linda Watson and her team developed a cancer website, funded by the Partnership, to meet the needs of family doctors and community partners.
“The need for a web resource like ours is not limited to just Alberta,” said Dr. Watson, Executive Director of the Supportive Care Services and Patient Experience program at Cancer Care Alberta. “The new Life After Cancer hub makes this type of information more accessible across Canada because the demand for clear cancer survivorship resources is urgent and widespread.”
Resources within the Life After Cancer
hub address:
Physical challenges — such as fertility, chronic pain, or mobility
• Practical challenges — such as returning to work or finding insurance
Emotional and mental health challenges
Challenges specific to adolescents and young adults
• Challenges specific to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis
Challenges faced by diverse and equity-denied populations
“This hub should be seen as a living website,” said Dr. Watson, “with new evidence and information about living well after cancer being added as they emerge.”
The initiative has made a huge difference for Vinesha Ramasamy. “The resources available through the hub helped me find my voice,” she said. “I'm able to grapple with cancer’s trauma, advocate for myself and help others. And my hope is that this Life After Cancer hub can be a healing resource; a central place through which other survivors can find their voice and begin thriving and soaring in their survivorship journey.”
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Tropical Travel Health Risks: Here’s What You Need to Know
Learn how to stay safe and prevent travel-related health risks before your next tropical vacation.
Tania Amardeil
Zipping away to a tropical destination is the perfect way to escape the Canadian cold — and it’s something that millions of Canadians do each winter. But before you find yourself basking under the tropical sun, sipping on a fresh coconut, and splashing around in crystal-clear waters, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself and your family from the health risks that often accompany such travel. Getting educated and taking preventative measures won’t just save your vacation from being derailed — it’ll also protect you from the negative health consequences, both short- and long-term, that can accompany travel-related diseases.
Know the risks
From mosquito-borne illnesses to food- and water-related infections, travelling to tropical destinations in particular comes with various risks.
“These risks can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic,” says Kristen Watt, a community pharmacist. “Contaminated food and water can lead to hepatitis A, Enterotoxigenic E. coli diarrhea, or typhoid fever. Mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria, chikungunya, Zika, and Japanese encephalitis are also significant health concerns.”
LT-ETEC diarrhea is a type of diarrhea caused by Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a bacterium that produces heat-labile enterotoxin (LT). It’s typically acquired by ingesting contaminated food, water, or ice. “Symptoms can include watery stools, abdominal cramping, fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, loss of appetite, muscle aches, and blood in the stool,” says Watt. It’s one of the most
common causes of diarrhea during travel.
LT-ETEC diarrhea is highly prevalent. “It occurs at a rate of over 10 million cases per year worldwide,” says Watt. “It’s hard to pinpoint exact numbers because the testing rate of symptomatic people is really low.”
High prevalence
To reduce the risk of LT-ETEC diarrhea during travel, Watt recommends that travellers wash their hands frequently, avoid undercooked meat and seafood, eat fruits and vegetables only if they’ve been washed with treated water, and drink safe water.
Another disease to be wary of is chikungunya, a viral mosquito-borne illness. “There have been nearly half a million cases of chikungunya reported throughout Latin America and the Caribbean this year alone, and it began spreading there in 2013, ” says Watt. “Chikungunya causes an abrupt onset of fever, rash, muscle aches, headache, and joint pain, which can be really severe. The arthritis piece is distinctive of chikungunya. It starts in the fingers, knees, ankles, and feet, then spreads to the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, and toes.” Chikungunya can also cause conjunctivitis — pink eye, weakness, chills, lack of appetite, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Prevention is possible
Travelling to tropical and subtropical climate regions of the world — Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia — puts travellers at risk of both LT-ETEC diarrhea and chikungunya.
“We’re also seeing the risk change due
to climate change and viral mutations,” says Watt.
Unfortunately, many travellers underestimate the risk and burden of these diseases. “We get people in for travel medicine consults all the time who haven’t considered the risks of their activities,” says Watt. “What really concerns me is the ongoing risk fol lowing infection — the persistent joint pain, specifically for chikungunya, and prolonged tiredness for months or years after the illness.”
Fortunately, prevention is possible. And as the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. “Prevention is easier, safer, cheaper, and less painful than treatment,” emphasizes Watt.
Planning ahead
We get people in for travel medicine consults all the time who haven’t considered the risks of their activities.
Watt recommends planning ahead and consulting your doctor or local pharmacist as soon as you book your tropical vacation. Proactive planning for avid travellers is important for safe and memorable experiences. By taking the time to understand the risks, plan ahead, and take preventative measures to protect your and your family’s health. Travel health is about more than just enjoying your trip without illness or inconvenience — it’s about protecting your health and well-being for years to come. So, before you head off on vacation this winter, make sure to consult a health care professional and take the necessary steps to safeguard your health.
Before you head off on vacation this winter, talk to your health care practitioner about the risks of LT-ETEC diarrhea and chikungunya, and find out how to protect yourself and your family.
This article is made possible by the support of Valneva Canada.
Kristen Watt Pharmacist
William Osler Health System at the Forefront of Innovation
William Osler Health System is redefining the future of health care in Canada through ground-breaking advancements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Emma Johnston
Dr. Brandon Sheffield Medical Director of Advanced Diagnostics, William Osler Health System
Dr. Frank Martino President & CEO, William Osler Health System
Tiziana Rivera Executive Vice President, Quality, Research, & Chief Nursing Executive, William Osler Health System
William Osler Health System (Osler) is redefining the future of health care in Canada through ground-breaking advancements in cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research. From being the first hospital in the country to offer in-house liquid biopsy testing to launching the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI), Osler is shaping transformative health care solutions that prioritize patients and improve health outcomes.
Revolutionizing cancer care with liquid biopsy technology
Osler is leading the way in precision oncology as the first Canadian hospital to implement in-house liquid biopsy testing. This state-of-theart technology enables physicians to perform genetic testing for cancer diagnosis and treatment using a simple blood sample rather than a traditional, invasive tissue biopsy.
“Our work demonstrates that rapid, pointof-care liquid biopsy can be integrated with tissue-based Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), allowing for precise, personalized cancer care right here in our community,” said Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Medical Director of Advanced Diagnostics at William Osler Health System. “This innovation is not only transforming patient experiences but also enabling faster, more informed treatment decisions.”
Osler’s Division of Advanced Diagnostics, led by Dr. Sheffield, has set a global benchmark with its unparalleled turnaround time for liquid biopsy results — delivered in as little as one day. A recent three-year study published in Cancers, titled Point of Care Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Treatment — Early Experience from a Community Center, underscores the profound impact this technique is having on patients with various cancer types.
With cancer cases in Osler’s communities projected to double by 2038, this innovation comes at a critical time. Osler is also preparing to expand its cancer care capabilities by establishing a much-needed comprehensive Cancer Care Centre at its Brampton Civic Hospital site, which will include radiation therapy and other advanced services closer to home.
Launching the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation
To build on its reputation as a leader in health care innovation, Osler recently unveiled the Osler Research Insti-
tute for Health Innovation (ORIHI) during Celebrate Research Week. ORIHI represents a bold step forward in Osler’s commitment to advancing health care through cutting-edge research and collaboration with technology, academic, and community partners.
“At Osler, we believe that innovation is at the heart of exceptional patient care,” said Dr. Frank Martino, President and CEO of William Osler Health System.
“The launch of ORIHI marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive transformative change in health care. By uniting with our partners, we are creating a dynamic hub for ground-breaking research and innovation that will benefit our community and beyond.”
Celebrate Research Week, from November 18 to 22, 2024, showcased Osler’s pioneering efforts in health innovation, including liquid biopsy technology and other trailblazing initiatives.
More than 20 events across Osler’s sites provided over 1,100 in-person attendees and hundreds online who joined dignitaries and partners, with a first-hand look at how ORIHI is shaping the future of health care.
“ORIHI is an exceptional opportunity to take Osler’s decade-long legacy of research and innovation to new heights,” said Tiziana Rivera, Executive Vice President, Quality, Research, and Chief Nursing Executive at William Osler Health System. “This milestone reflects our dedication to enhancing patient outcomes and delivering world-class care.”
At Osler, we believe that innovation is at the heart of exceptional patient care. The launch of ORIHI marks a significant milestone in our journey to drive transformative change in health care.
A vision for transformative health care
By championing revolutionary technologies like liquid biopsy and establishing ORIHI as a hub for innovation, Osler is setting a new standard for health care in Canada. With its focus on patient-centered care and relentless pursuit of excellence, Osler is not only addressing the immediate needs of its fast-growing community but also contributing to a brighter, healthier future for all Canadians.
Learn more at williamoslerhs.ca
This was sponsored by William Osler Health System
Dr. Parneet Cheema, Medical Director of Cancer Care and Head of Cancer Research at William Osler Health System, provided the keynote address during the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation’s Celebrate Research Week 2024 opening event.
Canada Must Act Now to Improve Access to New, Innovative Treatments
Canada is lagging when it comes to access to new medicines, but collaboration and innovation could transform healthcare for all Canadians.
Dr. Bettina Hamelin
Dr. Bettina Hamelin President, Innovative Medicines Canada
Canada is at a pivotal moment in healthcare. While advancements in gene editing, precision medicine, AI, and vaccines are transforming treatment possibilities, these breakthroughs remain out of reach for too many Canadians.
Fewer than 20 per cent of new medicines launched globally make it to Canadian public drug plans, leaving countless patients waiting — sometimes for years, or even indefinitely — for treatments that could dramatically improve or even save their lives. This places Canada last among G7 nations in terms of access to new medicines. This delay isn’t just a statistic — it’s a real issue affecting patients and families. When a lifechanging treatment is available elsewhere but inaccessible in Canada, it’s a failure of the system. As President of Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC), I see firsthand how these delays affect patients, families, healthcare providers, and our healthcare system as a whole.
reduce sick days, shorten hospital stays, and get Canadians back to work faster, alleviating this economic burden. In fact, we could focus on preventing not only chronic diseases themselves but also the impact on secondary disease risk.
The pharmaceutical industry also plays a crucial role in Canada’s economy, contributing billions in research and development while creating thousands of high-quality jobs. By fostering a supportive environment for innovation, we can attract further investment and ensure that Canadian discoveries benefit Canadians first.
Breaking down barriers
Together, we can ensure that every Canadian benefits from the best our healthcare system has to offer.
Striving for better health outcomes
At IMC, we’re committed to changing this. By collaborating with all levels of government, patients, and healthcare stakeholders, we aim to create policies and frameworks that foster the development and delivery of cutting-edge therapies and sustainable healthcare outcomes for all Canadians.
New, targeted therapies have the potential to significantly reduce mortality rates for individuals with rare diseases and advanced-stage cancers. The economic benefits are equally compelling. Chronic diseases cost the Canadian economy a staggering $190 billion annually. By expediting access to innovative treatments, we could not only improve patients’ lives but also
The pandemic showed us what’s possible when urgency drives action. Regulatory processes were accelerated, and groundbreaking treatments reached patients in record time. We need to leverage these learnings and make timely access to medical innovation the norm, not the exception.
Achieving this requires a united effort. Policymakers, healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients must collaborate to create a system that embraces innovation and ensures that life-saving treatments are available to Canadians without unnecessary delay. This includes streamlining regulatory processes, adopting innovative healthcare models like outcomes-based agreements, and investing in advanced diagnostics and precision medicine.
Canada has the talent, resources, and expertise to lead globally in healthcare innovation. But leadership requires action. It’s time to break down the barriers preventing patients from accessing the treatments they need.
Together, we can ensure that every Canadian benefits from the best our healthcare system has to offer.
EMBRACING INNOVATION.
Canada’s healthcare system needs to keep pace with advances in science. By embracing innovation, we can accelerate access to life-saving treatments and improve health outcomes.
Self-help Strategies for Social Anxiety During the Holidays
The holiday season, often portrayed as the "happiest time of the year" can be overwhelming for many. Anxiety Canada explores common triggers and practical strategies to help individuals feel comfortable and confident in social settings.
Written by Anxiety Canada
Although we’re told that the holiday season is supposed to be the happiest time of the year, for many of us, this may not be the case. In fact, a North American survey found that 45 per cent of respondents dread the festive season. Especially if you struggle with social anxiety, the thought of family gatherings and office parties can seem overwhelming, and the increase in social engagements over the holidays can be a source of trepidation and dread.
Whether you struggle with social anxiety, or you feel your anxiety intensify as you enter the holiday season, here are five strategies that you can use to help your social anxiety over the holidays – and all year long too.
1. Learn about anxiety
This is a very important first step as it helps you to understand what is happening when you are feeling uncomfortable in social situations. People with social anxiety tend to fear different types of social situations like talking to co-workers at the holiday party. You may even experience the physical symptoms of anxiety like blushing, sweating, increased heart rate, etc. Get to know your social anxiety. Pay attention to which situations cause you anxiety and what you experience physically when you are in those situations. It can help to write these things down. It is much easier to manage your anxiety when you have a better understanding of it.
To help you better observe your social anxiety, make a chart with three columns: Date, Situation, and Anxiety Symptoms. Use this chart to help track the social situations that cause you anxiety and what you experience in those situations.
2. Learn to relax
Feeling anxious can be very uncomfortable. By learning to relax, you can “turn down the volume” on the physical symptoms of anxiety, which can make it a little easier to face social situations. There are two strategies that can be particularly helpful — calm breathing and muscle relaxation.
3. Realistic thinking
People with social anxiety tend to have negative thoughts about themselves and about what could happen in social situations.
It is important to realize that your thoughts are guesses about what will happen, not actual facts. People with social anxiety tend to over-estimate the degree of danger in social situations. Therefore, developing more realistic ways of thinking is an important step in managing your anxiety during the holidays. But before you can start changing the way you think, you need to be able to identify the kinds of thoughts you have in social situations.
4. Facing fears
It’s normal to want to avoid situations that cause you anxiety, like skipping the office party and declining party invites. Avoiding feared social situ-
a very effective strategy because it reduces anxiety in the short-term. However, avoiding social situations increases your fear in the long-term because it prevents you from learning that your feared expectations are either unlikely to actually happen or aren’t as bad as you think. Therefore, an important step in managing your social anxiety is to face the situations you have been avoiding because of social fears. Repeatedly facing those situations reduces distress in the long term and helps build up confidence.
5. Build on Bravery
The final step is to Build on Bravery. Learning to manage anxiety takes a lot of hard work. If you are noticing improvements, take some time to give yourself some credit: reward yourself! How do you maintain all the progress you’ve made? Practice! Practice! Practice!
Don’t let social anxiety prevent you from enjoying the festivities! Take control of your anxiety and have a wonderful holiday season.
The Vital Role of Social Connectedness in Well-Being
The Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) emphasizes that social connectedness is more than just a personal benefit — it’s a vital determinant of overall health. Human beings are inherently social creatures, and maintaining strong social ties is essential for both mental and physical well-being.
In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of social connectedness is often overlooked, despite its crucial role in fostering well-being. From a public health perspective, the significance of social relationships goes far beyond personal satisfaction — it is a critical determinant of health. Individuals with strong social ties are more likely to lead healthier, happier lives, while those who experience isolation or loneliness are at higher risk for mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.
Human beings are inherently social creatures. Our evolutionary history underscores the importance of community and interpersonal relationships for survival. In the modern context, these relationships still serve as vital support systems that buffer against the stresses and challenges of everyday life. Whether it’s through family, friends, or community groups, a sense of belonging provides emotional comfort and a network of
Ian Culbert, Executive Director
resources in times of need.
From a mental health perspective, social connectedness directly influences psychological resilience — the ability to adapt to stress and adversity. Studies have shown that people with close, supportive social networks exhibit lower rates of mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. Social interactions stimulate the release of hormones like oxytocin, which promote feelings of happiness and reduce stress levels. In contrast, prolonged social isolation is associated with increased cortisol production, exacerbating mental health conditions, and contributing to physical ailments such as heart disease.
The public health implications of social isolation are profound, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young adults, and individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the detrimental effects of forced isolation, leading to an increase in mental health challenges worldwide. As societies recover, it is
imperative that public health initiatives prioritize programs that foster social integration, such as community-building activities, support groups, and outreach for isolated individuals.
Addressing social connectedness as a public health issue requires a collaborative approach. Policies and planning should support the creation of inclusive spaces where individuals can form and maintain meaningful connections.
Mental health campaigns must highlight the value of strong social bonds, not just as a personal luxury but as a public health necessity.
GenWell is a human connection movement dedicated to fostering human connections within the wider realm of social health, recognizing its vital importance to the mental and physical well-being of Canadians and the society in which we live.
