The 2nd scholarly manuscript by the ACC PAC is now published
We are pleased to note that we – the Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee (ACC PAC) – have just published our 2nd scholarly paper!! 💓 In this paper, we describe our experience with organizing a Public Conference on Precision Medicine (March 15, 2025) for Atlantic Canadians, self-reflections, feedback received and lessons learnt for future…
New study on patient-partner experience is recruiting!
We are conducting a pilot study on patient and public partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador! Please see the poster below – if you are interested in participating in this study, please proceed to the link for further information and participation: https://mun.yul1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4ZpWYf6SqoLk4vA
Community report for 2025 by the Public Interest Group on Cancer
Happy 2026 everyone! Here is a little summary of our accomplishments for the past year – hope you will enjoy this video clip. We wish you a wonderful 2026! Sevtap
We have a logo!
Dear folks, We are pleased to share our group’s logo with you! We loved how it shows togetherness and feeling of community that we have been experiencing and seeing around us. Happy New Year! ©Public Interest Group on Cancer.
ACC PAC webinars have started
The Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee (ACC PAC) is proud to note that it has started its webinar series. In the first two webinars, the committee focused on the research done by the Atlantic Cancer Consortium. The first webinar was delivered by Dr. Alexi Surette in French and the second one was delivered in…
Cancer and young individuals: An advocate’s point of view
I am pleased to share with you my pre-recorded speech delivered as part of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance conference (CCRC) held in Calgary, Canada between Nov 2-4, 2025. Sadly I could not make it there in-person, but I am glad I had a prerecorded speech that could be played during the session. You can…
Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research Award
I am excited to note that I will be receiving the Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research Award by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) in Nov 2025. Congratulations to all awardees – what a great cohort of folks who are dedicated to make a difference at the cancer front! I am so…
New publication by our Group!
We are excited to share our latest publication about our activities as the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research! 🙂 We invite you to take a look at our publication – see the link below. https://www.mdpi.com/1718-7729/32/10/579 Our work since 2021 has shown that there is a need to reach out to public in our province.…
Immigration Matters: Fighting for better cancer care
Thank you Government of Canada, Immigration and Citizenship for this wonderful opportunity & recognition. If we can get together, there is nothing we cannot achieve. One day, we will eradicate this disease called cancer. Thank you Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador & patient partners for adopting me, making me one of yours and giving me the…
Episode 28 – Cancer care is team care
In this episode we have Dr. Melanie Seal, and oncologist with the NL Health System explaining the main treatment modalities in cancer and how different oncology professionals coordinate together to provide the best care to patients. Take a look
Episode 27 – Experiencing cancer as a community member in the Big Land
Our guest in this podcast is Justin Andrews from Labrador 🙂 In this episode, Justin shares his reasons to advocate for people and Labrador communities, barriers to healthcare access, community and other support in Labrador that help address cancer’s impact, and champion healthcare providers in the region. Take a look
Episode 26 – Hereditary cancers
We are pleased to air our 26th podcast episode today 🙂 Wondering about cancers running in the family and what you/we can do about them? Dr. Lesa Dawson explains Listen to her🎧
Episode 25 – Joy of reducing suffering through psychosocial oncology
Listen to our new podcast with Dr. Sheila Garland on psychosocial oncology and healing in cancer!
Episode 24 – Patient influencers of research
In our newest podcast episode, Dr. Holly Etchegary talks to Jason Wiseman and Janine-Taylor Cutting about how patients and family members influence and progress the health-related research. Take a look ❤️
Episode 23 – Patient-oriented research from a patient partner & leader perspective
We are pleased to air our new podcast! In this episode, Janine Taylor Cutting an Sevtap Savas talk to Lisa Ridgway, a powerful patient partner and leader from British Columbia Together, they dissect what patient-oriented research means and how we all can contribute to this meaningful research strategy Take a look #NewfoundlandAndLabrador#PatientLeaders#PublicEngagement#PublicOutreach#StrategyForPatientOrientedResearch#podcasting
Episode 22 – “Cancer is preventable, treatable, beatable”
We are pleased to air our new podcast! In this episode, Tracy Slaney and Sevtap Savas talked to Barry Stein, the director of Colorectal Cancer Canada, a community support organization focusing on colon and rectal cancers in Canada. Barry candidly shared his story with cancer and how this experience shaped his advocacy and leadership. Take…
Advocating to House of Assembly_Newfoundland and Labrador
Advocacy is something we naturally do when we partner with public members. Pleased to advocate on behalf of people affected by cancer in Atlantic Canada by emailing the following to all 40 members of the House of Assembly in Newfoundland and Labrador: ————– Dear Members of House of Assembly – Newfoundland and Labrador, Cancer touches…
Year end report to the community
Dear folks, We are pleased to report back to the community in Atlantic Canada about our impactful and productive work. You can find a recap published in Telegram here: https://www.saltwire.com/newfoundland-labrador/letter-atlantic-cancer-consortium-patient-advisory-committee-reflects-on-its-successful-year A more detailed report is posted below. We thank you for your support to our activities. On behalf of ACC PAC, Sevtap Savas, PhD. St.…
Letter to candidates in St. John’s East riding
Elections are excellent times to contact the candidates and advocate for the causes we are enthusiastic about. This morning, to advocate for cancer-affected families and communities and to ask candidates to take action to help support them, I sent this letter to all four candidates in St. John’s East riding (Mary Shortall – NDP; Joanne…
Podcast episode 21 – “But Don, all cancers are treatable”
Welcome to our new podcast! Our guest today is Dr. Don Desserud! Don has brough fresh perspectives to our podcast as someone with lived experience of cancer and as a political science professor from PEI. We talked mainly about two important topics: 1. Impact of clinic communication on patients and importance of trauma-informed communications by…
Conference recordings_Cancer is Personal: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada
We are pleased to share the recorded talks delivered on March 15, 2025, as part of the public conference named Cancer is Personal: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada! We thank all speakers for making their talks public and tech staff for making this possible. On behalf of ACC PAC, Sevtap Savas, PhD.
New paper by the Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee (ACC PAC)
We are pleased to share our scholarly paper published in Discover Health Systems journal this week! In this paper, we describe the formation of our team (ACC PAC) and the patient and family priorities its members identified regarding cancer and precision medicine in Atlantic Canada. The ACC PAC identified priorities in two categories: You can…
Podcast Episode 20 – Experiences and perspectives by a queer cancer warrior
Please join Stephanie Howlett chatting about ovarian cancer, being a cancer warrior and queer person affected by cancer in this new powerful podcast episode!
Podcast Episode 19 – No backing down – Stomach cancer, self-advocacy, and living without a stomach
Please join us in this heart-warming chat with Lianne Mantla-Look about her journey of stomach cancer, resilience, self-advocacy and more. Lianne is an amazing advocate with lived experience. We are so excited that she joined us for this podcast. Take a look.
Guest blog: “Cancer: Make a Good Nuisance of Yourself”
Guest Blog 8 By John Dabell @John_Dabell January 2025 England ———————————————————————————————————————————- When you are told you have cancer then you probably don’t feel much like fighting. The initial shock and awe can incapacitate your whole being. Your senses simply shut down. I was completely overwhelmed after I had been told I had incurable Stage IV…
GUEST BLOG: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye – PART VII
Guest Blog 7 – PART VII By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ——————————————————————————————————————————- This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION (please see here) PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT (please see here) PART III – LIFE WITHOUT A…
Conference Schedule (Cancer is Personal: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada)
We will update this page as we finalize the schedule Register http://bit.ly/4h4spjb
Introducing Conference speakers (Cancer is Personal: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada)
Special guest, Darrell Fox ————————————————————————————————————————- Lianne Mantla-Look ————————————————————————————————————————- Derrick Bishop ————————————————————————————————————————- Dr. Cara MacInnis ————————————————————————————————————————- Gilles LeBlanc ————————————————————————————————————————- Jennifer Coish ————————————————————————————————————————- Dr. Amanda Bolderston ————————————————————————————————————————- Dr. Rodney Quellette ————————————————————————————————————————- Dr. Angela Hyde ————————————————————————————————————————- Dr. Ravi RamjeesinghMD, Ph.D ————————————————————————————————————————- Kathleen Buckley ————————————————————————————————————————- Chantal Boudreau ————————————————————————————————————————- Michelle Barton ————————————————————————————————————————- Marianne Arab ————————————————————————————————————————- Nicole Cardoulis —————————————————————————————————————————- Olivier Savoie…
Podcast Episode 18: Grief as a transformative journey
In this episode, Sevtap talked with Dr. Peter Barnes about grief, bereavement, and healing at the face if loss. Take a look. image by Kayla Crichton
Guest Blog: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye – PART VI
Guest Blog 7 – PART VI By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ————————————————————————————————————————————— This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION (please see here) PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT (please see here) PART III – LIFE WITHOUT…
Why a reliable car? Cost of cancer in Canada
The cost of cancer can be hidden in many ways. One great advocate I know in Newfoundland and Labrador (Tracy Slaney) once said that they need a “reliable car” to help travel to and from St. John’s for treatment of his husband, Jim. I keep thinking about this. Especially on snow days. Not just a…
Podcast Episode 17: “Being a single mom with cancer is a real game changer”
We are pleased to start Season II of our podcast series! In this episode, Andrea Edwards joined Sevtap to share her story with cancer as a single mom. Her resilience and advocacy shine. Listen to Andrea: On behalf of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, thank you Andrea.
Registration is open: Cancer is Personal: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada (public conference)
***For schedule, please see here: https://strength-in-community.ca/2025/02/18/conference-schedule-cancer-is-personal-humanizing-precision-medicine-in-atlantic-canada/ ——————– We are pleased to invite all Atlantic Canadians to this free, virtual, and public conference on cancer and Precision Medicine on March 15, 2025! This conference is organized by the Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee (ACC PAC), consisting of 14 members from across Atlantic Canada. The conference…
Guest Blog: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye – PART V
Guest Blog 7 – PART V By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ————————————————————————————————————————————— This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION (please see here) PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT (please see here) PART III – LIFE WITHOUT…
Honouring those affected by cancer on the World Cancer Day_2025
Today we honour those who are impacted by cancer globally, including my very courageous sister in Turkiye. Here are some of my messages for today: – Newfoundland and Labrador has the 2nd leading cancer rate among the Canadian provinces – Lung, breast, colorectal & prostate cancers make around 50% of cancer cases – There are…
Guest Blog: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye – PART IV
Guest Blog 7 – PART IV By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ————————————————————————————————————————————— This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION (please see here) PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT (please see here) PART III – LIFE WITHOUT…
Guest Blog: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye – PART III
Guest Blog 7 – PART III By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ————————————————————————————————————————————— This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION (please see here) PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT (please see here) PART III – LIFE WITHOUT…
Conversation with Minister Hogan (Jan 20, 2025)
I was delighted to meet & speak with Minister Hogan and three other persons from the Department of Health and Community Services, Newfoundland and Labrador today as an advocate. I appreciated the interest, warm welcome, and genuine listening. Below is the 2-pager I left with them and what we talked during the meeting (mostly). Two…
Guest Blog: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye – PART II
Guest Blog 7 – PART II By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ————————————————————————————————————————————— This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION (please see here) PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT PART III – LIFE WITHOUT A STOMACH (please…
Guest Blog: My story of surviving stomach cancer in Turkiye
Guest Blog 7 – PART I By Mehtap Savaş January 2025 Ankara, Turkiye ————————————————————————————————————————————— This guest blog consists of seven parts – hyperlinks will be added as they are published in order: PART I – INTRODUCTION PART II – LIFE WITH CANCER AND TREATMENT (please see here) PART III – LIFE WITHOUT A STOMACH (please…
Proclamations submitted for The World Cancer Day 2025
The World Cancer Day is an opportunity for all us to remember, acknowledge, and honor those who are affected by cancer in and out of Newfoundland and Labrador. The World Cancer Day will be celebrated on February 4th, 2025. Late December, I submitted two requests within NL: 1 – Proclamation request with City of St.…
Letter to the Honorable John Hogan (Jan 9, 2025)
I have sent the letter below to The Honorable John Hogan, The Minister of Health and Community Services, Newfoundland and Labrador, asking to meet with him to advocate on behalf of NL citizens affected by cancer. Considering the impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities in NL, it is crucial that we improve cancer…
Public Interest Group on Cancer Research_Newsletter_2024
We – the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research – are pleased to note our achievements for the year of 2024 in our Newsletter! We thank everyone who interacted with us and supported our work – May 2025 bring you the best days ever!
Letter to the Honorable Dr. Furey (Dec 16, 2024)
I have had the pleasure of sending a letter to the Honorable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, to advocate on behalf of the individuals, families, and communities affected by cancer. The most recent report by the Canadian Cancer Society on the financial impact of cancer, as well as the Memorandum of Understanding…
Save the date – “Cancer is Personal”: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada
Atlantic Cancer Consortium Patient Advisory Committee (ACC PAC) is excited to announce the date for their public, virtual conference titled “Cancer is Personal”: Humanizing Precision Medicine in Atlantic Canada!! Please save the date, March 15 2025! Further information, including registration, speakers, and schedule will be announced in early 2025. Please join us in this public…
Recruitment open for the new study: Social stigma associated with pediatric cancers in NL
Dear folks Our team is conducting a new study focusing on social experiences and stigma associated with pediatric cancers in Newfoundland and Labrador. You can find more information about this study in this document: If you are interested in participating in this study, please contact the study team: Dr. Sevtap Savas is the scientist leading…
A successful event: Workplace experiences and rights of cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador
We were humbled by the success of the public event held on Nov 23rd. This hybrid event focused on the Workplace Experiences and Rights of Cancer Patients in Newfoundland and Labrador. We had a very engaging dialogue, formed new connections, and heard from a variety of people about workplace and cancer experiences. You can find…
YOU ARE INVITED: Workplace experiences and rights of cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador
We are pleased to announce that registration for the following event is now open! It is a free, public event. All is welcome. Registration is required to participate: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/4779. Please create an account first if you do not have it. Both in-person and virtual participation options are available Location: Virtual (link to be sent upon…
New scholarly publication – Toward a public outreach and community engagement strategy on cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador: An initial road map and recommendations
We are excited to share with you our new scholarly (peer reviewed) article just published in Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice! In this manuscript, we worked on understanding public engagement needs and opportunities when it comes to cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador. We also developed recommendations for both our group and external stakeholders.…
Special Episodes 15 and 16 – Advocacy, and issues and recent changes in workplace legislations when it comes to cancer
We were pleased to have two special podcast episodes in September and October with Tracy Slaney and Heather Mulligan. Tracy Slaney is an amazing advocate and caregiver in Newfoundland and Labrador. Heather Mulligan is from Canadian Cancer Society Advocacy unit in Atlantic Canada. We have had cozy and very informative chats about what it means…
Episode 14 – “You are not alone”. Mike Kehoe shares his messages of hope for all folks out there
In this last episode of our Season I, we talked with Mike Kehoe, a community member and person with a lived experience of prostate cancer. Mike shared not only his experience with us, but also his positive and empowering messages. We are grateful that he took his time to converse with us. Take a look:…
Episode 13 – “I have led people to the promised land, but I could not enter the promised land. In memory of Dr. Robin McGee”
Our condolences to Robin’s family, friends, and the cancer community in Canada and beyond. Robin passed away from colorectal cancer in June 2024 after 14 years living with it . She was a fierce advocate and change-maker. In this episode we talked with Robin and Hope Gillis about cancer, advocacy and coaching. It is one…
Episode 12 – Indigenous Patient Navigator Program in Newfoundland and Labrador – Ashley Dicker shares important knowledge about this impactful healthcare service
We are very excited to air this informative and fascinating podcast with Ashley Dicker on Indigenous Patient Navigator Program available in Newfoundland and Labrador. This program is designed to support Indigenous persons traveling for medical care in the province. Six Indigenous Patient Navigators in the province provide all bunch of services and support, making sure…
Episode 11 – Push For Your Tush! Listen to Tracy how her family is living with cancer but not ruled by it
This is one of the coziest and most fun chat we have had folks – take a look at it 🙂 In this episode, Tracy and myself (Sevtap) chat about colon cancer, lived experience as a caregiver, advocacy, rising funds and rising awareness about screening tests, and the Push For Your Tush fundraisings event organized…
Episode 10 – At the intersection of being trans and having gendered cancer – PART II: Interview with James Moriarty and Dr. Joannie Neveu
In this episode, we continued our conversation with James Moriarty about his experiences of being a trans man with a history of cancer in an organ associated with female sex assigned at birth (you can find PART I here). Dr. Neveu, who cares for a few trans persons with cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador, provides…
Episode 9 – Those with lived experience are the best teachers and speakers: Listen to our chat with Stephanie Budgell
In this podcast episode, Janine and Sevtap talked with Stephanie Budgell, a young person with a history of cancer and a long period of advocacy. This is one of the coziest conversation we have ever had 🙂 Take a look: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sevtap-savas/episodes/Episode-9–Those-with-lived-experience-are-the-best-teachers-and-speakers-Listen-to-our-chat-with-Stephanie-Budgell-e2j892l
Presenting the ACC PAC in the ARCC 2024 Conference (May 17, 2024)
I was delighted to speak about the ACC PAC, its goals and its work since its inception in January 2024 as part of the Applied Research In Cancer Control (ARCC) Conference, 2024 in Ottawa (May 16-17, 2024). I met with great folks (researchers and patient advocates), listened to awesome studies and presentations by others, and…
Promotion Video – Public Event on Transgender Individuals and Cancer
It was so much fun to shoot this promotional video on our upcoming public and virtual event “A Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion Event on Transgender Individuals and Cancer” May 16th, 2024 REGISTRATION: https://shorturl.at/gsuKY We gratefully acknowledge that this video is created by Shamila Yazdanpanah using Canva Pro. We are grateful for our funder (Office…
Reporting back to Community in Atlantic Canada through media: April -May 2024
We are excited to communicate our work and goals with the very people we aim to benefit – the residents of the Atlantic Canada (and beyond). In addition to circulating or Year End Report, we also published two articles in local media about how we formed and why, and what have we accomplished in such…
Episode 8 – “I had a tumor of the size of a tissue box” –Bonnie Morgan and Alana Walsh-Giovannini tell us about ovarian cancer and Belles with Balls
We are pleased to air our latest podcast today! In this episode, we talked with Bonnie Morgan and Alana Walsh-Giovannini. Together we talked about ovarian cancer, lived experience, messages of hope, the charity organization they have founded (Belles with Balls), and most importantly how a dedicated team of 8 women have raised more than half…
Episode 7 – Do you get patient-centered cancer care? A cozy, hopeful, and inspirational chat with Dr. Maisam Najafizada
Our special guest today was Dr. Maisam Najafizada 😊 Dr. Najafizada is the interim Assistant Dean of Social Accountability and an assistant professor of Health Policy at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. In this episode: Please listen to our great chat here:
Meet our documentary makers and panelists!!
Dear folks, We re pleased to introduce you the documentary film makers and panelists for the Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion Event About Transgender Individuals and Cancer event. Our panelists include two local folks, Slade Cooper and James Moriarty. This free and virtual event is scheduled for May 16, 2024 6.30 – 8.45 pm NDT…
Episode 6 – A story of childhood cancers, resilience, and using lived experience to support others– Alan Winnett from Candlelighters NL shares
Our kids also get cancer – let’s not forget them when we talk or think about how to control and win over cancer. In Canada, every year around 1,000 kids will be diagnosed with cancer. Sadly, we will also lose around 200 kids to cancer annually. Pediatric cancers have impacts on the kids, their parents…
Registration open – DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION EVENT FOCUSING ON TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER
We are pleased to say that the registration for the “DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AND PANEL DISCUSSION EVENT FOCUSING ON TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS WITH CANCER” is now open! Registration is free – please register here: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/4742 We cannot wait to screen the documentary called Trans Dudes with Lady Cancer and have discussions with a panel of transgender folks…
Podcast Episode 5 –“Prepare to die, but plan to live”: An impactful chat with Geoff Eaton about his lived experience, young adult cancers, and Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC)
Our special guests today is Geoff Eaton, the Director of Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC). In this episode: Take a look and hope you will enjoy this episode as much as Geoff and Sevtap have.
Year End Summary by ACC PAC (April 2024)
We are pleased to share our Year End Summary report 🙂 ACC PAC includes an enthusiastic team of public members from across Atlantic Canadian provinces. Please take a look at our report below. Best, Sevtap Savas, PhD Lead, ACC PAC April 3, 2024
Impact of patient and family stories
I write this blog post as a part of our latest project where we (The Public Interest Group on Cancer Research) aim to create digital resources and stories about cancer in the form of blogs, video recordings, and podcasts. Today, I focus on the guest blogs. These guest blogs are written by folks affected by…
Guest Blog: “Then there was hope”
Guest Blog Post – 6 By Namiko Sakamoto March 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador ————————————————————————————————————————————– 1 in 8 women is diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in spring 2020 shortly after the world was placed under the first COVID-19 lockdown. With coughs and a choking feeling, I thought I…
Podcast Episode 4 – “There is a future where we do not have to worry about cancer”: Vision by two young leaders – Sophia Ryan and Emma McIsaac
Excited to present our 4th podcast! Kayla Crichton and Sevtap Savas, PhD talked to two young MUN students who are co-chairing the Relay For Life 2024 event for Memorial University of Newfoundland: Emma McIsaac and Sophia Ryan Relay for Life is organized by Canadian Cancer Society to raise funds and awareness about cancer. These two…
You Saved My Life
Have you ever wondered how genetics research was able to provide answers to affected families, including in the case of cancer? How do the researchers and individuals affected by cancer see this through their eyes and experience? How did Newfoundland and Labrador families help with identifying the cause of certain diseases? Take a look at…
Everyone
Almost 3 weeks since this award ceremony, and I am thinking about it EVERYDAY. Why did this recognition by My East Coast Experience Media boost my morale so much? I kept working on this question. I came to conclusion that prior to this award, I have never been recognized in a positive way AS AN…
GUEST BLOG: “DAD WOULD BE SO PROUD!” – PART II
Guest Blog 5 – PART II Darrell Peddle, P.Eng. February, 2024 Newfoundland and Labrador Please see Part – I of this guest blog by Darrell Peddle here: ————————————————————————————– 5. What are the opportunities or new ideas that can make a difference in patient health and outcomes in NL? This is strictly my opinion, and based…
Podcast Episode 2 – At the intersection of being trans and having gendered cancer: A candid, timely, and educational conversation with James Moriarty
On behalf of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, welcome to Episode 2 of our podcast series! We have a very special guest today, James Moriarty! 😊 In this episode, James provides his experience and thoughts about cancer, cancer screening, and cancer care experiences as a transgender man in Newfoundland and Labrador. All very…
Guest Blog: “Dad would be so proud!” – PART I
Guest Blog 5 – PART I Darrell Peddle, P.Eng. February, 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador For Part II please see here: ————————————————————————————– 1. Can you tell us about yourself? My name is Darrell Peddle, and I was born and raised in Shearstown NL, presently living in Bay Roberts with my wife Karen of 28 years. We…
The Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada – 2024 Award
The Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada – 2024 Award by My East Coast Experience Media!! Honoured to receive this award together with other 8 awesome folks from Atlantic Canada! Amazingly, one of these awesome winners is another Turkish immigrant woman Burcu Kaptan from Nova Scotia – congrats Burcu so well deserved and very proud of your accomplishments!…
Podcast Episode 1 – A cozy chat about cancer, Newfoundland and Labrador, and fate of a bagel
On this World Day of Cancer, we are excited to release our Podcast Episode 1, where Jason, Janine, and myself talk about cancer, our province, and a bagel (!) in a comfy, cozy, and friendly way 🙂 A few things we – The Public Interest Group on Cancer Research – wanna achieve with this podcast…
Guest Blog: “A Message of Hope and Healing”
—————————————————————————————————————- Guest Blog Post – 4 By Deanna Roy January 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador My name is Deanna Roy, I was diagnosed June 1st, 2018 with stage 4 HR2 positive metastatic breast cancer at the age of 42. From St, John’s Newfoundland and my cancer journey is not a typical cancer journey in the way…
Guest Blog: “Leaving our lives in the hands of time”
—————————————————————————————————————- Guest Blog Post – 3 By Jenna Neville January 2024, Newfoundland and Labrador Imagine this: It’s the beginning of the 2000’s, you’re in your early 30’s, married with a young daughter. The time has come to go to your regularly scheduled Pap test appointment; while there, the doctor also performs a routine breast exam.…
Pilot Podcast Episode – Introduction to our team and project!
On behalf of the entire Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, we are beyond excited to share with you our first ever podcast episode aired today! Thank you Jason Wiseman, Janine Taylor-Cutting, Kayla Crichton, and Aaron Curtis for making this a reality! Podcasting is one of the digital tools that we have proposed in one…
SAVE THE DATE: Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion event focusing on transgender individuals with cancer
MAY 16, 2024 All interested individuals are invited! Registration details to be announced soon.
New Project! Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion event focusing on transgender individuals with cancer
May 9, 2024 UPDATE: We invite you to view our promotional video – it is so much fun! April 24, 2024 UPDATE: We invite you to meet our documentary makers and panelists. Please see here: https://strength-in-community.ca/2024/04/24/meet-our-documentary-makers-and-panelists/ April 7, 2024 UPDATE: Registration to this event is now open! Please see here: https://strength-in-community.ca/2024/04/07/registration-open-documentary-screening-and-panel-discussion-event-focusing-on-transgender-individuals-with-cancer/ Jan 15, 2024 UPDATE:…
Annual Newsletter for 2023_Public Interest Group on Cancer Research
We are pleased to share with everyone our Annual Newsletter summarizing what the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research is and its main accomplishments for the year of 2023 are! We have enjoyed our work together and succeeding in conducting and developing public engagement projects on cancer. Our members also have contributed to a number…
ACC PAC recruitment information
Information, Membership Conditions, Screening Process, and Consent Thank you for your interest in the Marathon of Hope Atlantic Cancer Consortium (MoH ACC) Patient Advisory Committee. Please read this document carefully. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sevtap Savas, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, 300 Prince Philip Drive, Room 5M324, St. John’s,…
We started the process to create the Patient Advisory Committee of the Atlantic Cancer Consortium (ACC PAC)!
We are pleased to let you know that we have started the process to formally start the Patient Advisory Committee of Atlantic Cancer Consortium! Atlantic Cancer Consortium is a part of the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centre Networks led by the Terry Fox Research Institute. This consortium consists of a team of over 70 scientists,…
Key takes from the 2023 Canadian Cancer Statistics
The Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023 report is publicly available! You can access it here. This annual report is important for seeing the cancer reality in Canada. As a Canadian resident, cancer scientist and cancer advocate, this report is an interest and an excellent reference for knowledge for me. Some data presented in this report that…
This is our conversation_Cancers that are increasing in young individuals
Incidence of some cancers have been increasing in young individuals. Colorectal cancer is one of them. Since often times cancer is considered a disease affecting the older folks, this new trend may mean that some young folks are not suspected to have cancer and as such their symptoms may be dismissed at the clinic, leading…
Universal university
My colleague John King and I were speakers in a workshop session yesterday that aimed to convey messages and tips about science communication and patient partnership. It was an amazing one hour that was not enough. We had great perspectives shared and great questions asked by the audience, who were mostly trainees from across Atlantic…
We would like to be a part of bigger solutions
The new questions I am working on. I know someone out there has the answers. Feel free to comment or email me at savas{at}mun.ca. Thank you. Sevtap Savas, PhD. Sept 20, 2023, St. John’s.
Public Interest Group on Cancer Research made two presentations in a national academic conference!
We are delighted to note that our group has made two presentations at the The Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control (ARCC) Conference (Sept 14-15, 2023)! The titles and authors of these presentations are: 1. Partnering with patient advisers in designing and delivering public engagement events on cancer. Sevtap Savas, Alicia Follett, Holly…
This Is Our Conversation_Family cancer history and your risk_continued
Does it matter which side of your family have a history of cancer when thinking or estimating your cancer risk? Take a look.
Project end report for stakeholders: Development of a community engagement & outreach strategy on cancer
We are very pleased to share the Project End Report for our latest Public Engagement project entitled “Development of a community engagement and outreach strategy on cancer”. This is a project that was designed by the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research. The project leads include John King a public member and Sevtap Savas, a…
Public Interest Group on Cancer Research published their 2nd scholarly manuscript!
What a pleasure to share with you our new scholarly manuscript on lessons learnt, experience and perspectives gained as a result of the Public Conference on Cancer (Oct 15, 2022)!! This conference was organized and delivered by the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research. I strongly believe that the public members of this group were…
Committee works can provide opportunities to help control cancer’s effects
Folks, Being an academic gives me a chance of doing lots of interesting things, like working towards cancer patient & family wellness through my roles in professional organizations. I have been a member of the The Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO for a few years now. I am also a very happy chair of…
What works while partnering with patients in research?
Here is a mini talk I prepared for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Emerging Scholar Research Grants – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Patient Engagement Workshop, Expert Mini-series. Hope the new investigators all will feel a little bit more comfortable and knowledgeable after this great session today. I have more to say about the tips and recommendations…
What is cancer-associated stigma?
What is cancer-associated stigma? How does it look? Why does it happen? How do we measure it? What can we do about it? We should ask these questions to understand the lived experiences of individuals with a history of cancer. ——————————————————————— Cancer-associated stigma is a form of depreciation of the individual because of their cancer…
Social stigma and discrimination associated with cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador
I am excited to say that our work exploring the social stigma and discriminations associated with cancer in the Newfoundland and Labrador population has been published! This is a study that required the expertise and effort of a great multidisciplinary team, including Mercy Winsor, Dr. Charlene Simmonds, Dr. Teri Stuckless and Dr. Eric Y. Tenkorang.…
Cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador
I was delighted to be a speaker and talk about “Cancer In Newfoundland and Labrador” at the A.C. Hunter Public Library on June 7, 2023. This was a hybrid event with in-person and virtual participants. Thank you folks for joining us that day! I recorded my talk later on June 9, 2023 to make it…
This Is Our Conversation_Family cancer history and your risk
Do the cancers diagnosed in other family members mean something for you? Possibly. Take a look.