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.
Study information – Social and workplace lived experiences of cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador
RECRUITMENT STARTED!! Study Information Study Title: Social and workplace lived experiences of cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador Why do we want to conduct this research? Cancer is a common disease affecting our population. Understanding experiences of individuals living with, through, or beyond cancer is important in order to inform social, workplace, and healthcare programs…
This Is Our Conversation_Potential links between cancer and age, social determinants of health, and access to information and healthcare services
Why do we have a slightly higher risk of developing and dying from cancer, compared to other provinces? (I think somewhere I forgot to say “lack of”. Lack of healthy food and healthy environments are linked to adverse life events) Talk to you soon!
This Is Our Conversation Series_Cancer incidence and mortality numbers in Newfoundland and Labrador
These numbers hit the home hard – every year in Newfoundland and Labrador we do have a number of individuals diagnosed with cancer and die because of cancer. Take a look at today’s episode:
This Is Our Conversation Series_What is the chance of dying from cancer in Canada?
One post One radio interview One media piece One piece of knowledge One discussion One public event One social media post at a time We will help transform the word #cancer from the #ElephantInTheRoom to a public knowledge Knowledge can be empowering. Join the conversation and help spread the word. Sevtap Savas, PhD. Jan 21,2023.…
This is Our Conversation Series_How common is cancer in Canada?
Take a look at this short video and join our conversation – you can reach Sevtap Savas, PhD. at anytime if you have any comments.
This Is Our Conversation Series_Introduction
Introduction to “This is our conversation” series by Sevtap Savas, PhD. This series aim to exchange knowledge on cancer. if you have any comments or questions, you can contact her at savas[at]mun.ca or at 709 864-6507
MUN Research Week webinar on Public Engagement & Research
Grateful for Office of Public Engagement for organizing this webinar and making the recording publicly available! I truly enjoyed being a part of this event, listening to my colleagues, and addressing participant questions. Take a look! Till next time, Sevtap Savas, PhD, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
NEWSLETTER – Public Interest Group on Cancer Research – 2022
We are pleased to report back to our community! Please see the Newsletter below for our goals for and main achievements in 2022! We wish all of you a wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year. On behalf of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, Sevtap Savas.
Public Conference on Cancer – Feedback
We are very excited to summarize the feedback we received on the Public Conference on Cancer that was delivered on October 15, 2022. A total of 52 participants completed the Feedback Survey. In addition, we received email and social media comments. Overall, the feedback recieved was overwhelmingly positive! Thank you everyone who was involved and…
Thoughts on Public Engagement – Part I
I was one of the panelist today in Memorial University’s “How Public Engagement Makes Research Better: A Research Week-Engage Memorial webinar”, a public event organized as part of the Research Week. I loved being in this panel, listening to participants and other panelists, and addressing questions and comments. Reflection – naturally – has ensued. I…
Guest Blog: “I had high hopes for simplicity, good news, and most importantly good information”
—————————————————————————————————————- Guest Blog Post – 2 By Mike Warren October 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador There are numerous stories, facts and figures about cancer and its impact on people, including their families and friends. While we might want to wish cancer away or ignore it, that’s not the best approach. We should learn about it, talk…
Public Conference on Cancer – select recordings & presentation materials
We are pleased to post select recorded talks and presentation slides that are used to exchange knowledge during the Public Conference on Cancer. Please click on the links below to access the presentation materials. Thank you for your interest! GEOFF EATON. Opening Remarks JASON WISEMAN. A brother’s tale HOLLY ETCHEGARY, PhD. Canada’s Strategy for Patient…
Guest blog: “The more I expand my knowledge the more I also understand that there is hope”
Pleased to introduce you to our first guest blogger, who wishes to remain anonymous but is happy to share their thoughts as someone affected by cancer. —————————————————————————————————————- Guest Blog Post – 1 September 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador Cancer has affected my family in so many different ways. I am fortunate enough to say I have…
Public Conference on Cancer was successful!
We have had a vibrant and interactive day of a public event on Saturday the 15th! Thank you everyone who has joined us, all speakers, organizing team, tech support by OPED staff, and funders-supporting units (Office of Public Engagement, Discipline of Oncology at MUN, and NLSUPPORT) – without your interest and support we could not…
By Janine T. Cutting – Why am I speaking in the Public Conference on Cancer?
Here is what Janine T. Cutting, one of our patient speakers, has to say about the Public Conference on Cancer: https://youtu.be/qTvzvGA0IEM For more info about Janine and her talk, please see here. For our community. With our community. Join us on Oct 15th for the Public Conference on Cancer. To register, please visit: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/4534
By Derrick Bishop – Why am I speaking in the Public Conference on Cancer?
Why am I speaking in the Public Conference on Cancer? By Derrick Bishop: https://youtu.be/C1mNdBirZbo Derrick is one of the patient speakers of the Public Conference on Cancer. For more info about Derrick, please see here. For our community. With our community. Join us on Oct 15th for the Public Conference on Cancer. For registration, please…
Why are we organizing the Public Conference on Cancer (Oct 15, 2022)?
There are good reasons that motivate us and help us organize this public event – please have a look at this short video message (https://youtu.be/_xY6N6Yp_Ak). For our community. With our community. To register for this conference, please visit: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/4534 or contact me: savas@mun.ca; 709-864 6507 See you in the Public Conference on Cancer!
Our manuscript describing the creation, aims, and work of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research has been published 🙂
Last weekend was a very proud time for us – our manuscript describing the creations, aims, and the work of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research is now published in a peer-reviewed, open access, and international journal 🙂 You can access it here: https://researchinvolvement.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40900-022-00380-8
Conference Schedule (as of Sept 8, 2022)
The current Conference Schedule and list of Speakers, together with the learning objectives for each talk, can be found below. See you in the Public Conference on Cancer, October 15th!
Registration now OPEN – Public Conference on Cancer
Registration for the Public Conference on Cancer is now OPEN. Please register here: https://www.med.mun.ca/oped/programs/4534 Registration is required to participate in this conference. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Sevtap Savas at savas@mun.ca or 709-864-6507. See you there on October 15th!
Meet the moderators – Drs. Teri Stuckless and Sevtap Savas
Drs. Teri Stuckles and Sevtap Savas will moderate the Public Conference on Cancer. Dr. Stuckless is a radiation oncologist, assistant professor at Discipline of Oncology, and the Clinical chief of the Provincial Cancer Care program in NL. Dr. Savas is a cancer researcher, geneticist, and professor at Biomedical Sciences at MUN. Our moderators have a…
Meet our speakers – Scott Antle and Gregory Doyle
Scott Antle and Gregory Doyle are health administrators at Eastern Health that oversee important cancer screening programs offered to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. Cancer screening services are offered to eligible individuals. By making it possible to early detect the tumors or cancerous tissues, they help inform individuals regarding their cancer risk. Please talk…
The SoapBox Science NL event was a success 🙂
Yesterday I participated in the SoapBox Science NL event in St. John’s 🙂 (To learn about SoapBox Science program and SoapBox Science NL event held in Newfoundland and Labrador, please see this previous post.) It was so much fun! This was my second time participating in this program. The organizers have done an excellent job…
Meet our speakers – Lorie Kielley and Shirley Fagan
We are beyond delighted that Lorie Kielley, M.N., B.N., and Shirley Fagan, R.N. have accepted to speak about the cancer patient navigator program in the Public Conference on Cancer. Lorie and Shirley support and help cancer patients navigate their way during their cancer care journey. Their work is very important and we heard nothing but…
Presented the work of Public Interest Group on Cancer Research in an international congress (IPOS/CAPO 2022)
So excited to have represented and presented the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research in the International Psycho-Oncology Society / Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology (IPOS/CAPO) 2022 Congress! This is a joint congress held between IPOS and CAPO between August 29-September 1. I truly enjoyed listening to talks from all corners of the world and…
Meet our speakers – Beth Snow
We are excited that Beth Snow – the director of the Provincial Cancer Care Program serving the cancer patients in Newfoundland and Labrador – is joining us as a speaker in the Public Conference on Cancer! Beth is a dedicated cancer care administrator in our province. For information about the Provincial Cancer Care Program she…
Meet our speakers – Lynette Hillier
We are excited to have Lynette Hillier as one of our speakers! She is the Executive Director of the Cancer Care Foundation, the provincial charitable organization that raises funds in support of Cancer Care in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are looking forward to Lynette’s talk and learning the support offered by the Foundation to cancer…
Why does participating in the SoapBox Science NL events matter to me?
———————————————————————————– Added on Sept 6, 2022: For my interview with Dr. M. Wahl on this event (as part of the Wahl Show), please see here: https://www.spreaker.com/user/mikewahl/soapbox-mixdown ———————————————————————————– This will be my 2nd year participating in the SoapBox Science NL event (to be held on Sept 3rd, Farmer’s market, St. John’s). Soapbox Science is a global…
Meet our speakers – Tristan Bilash
Tristan Bilash is our guest speaker, all the way from Saskatchewan! He is a transgender man, a cancer survivor, and a fierce advocate for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. We are delighted that he will join us at our Public Conference on Cancer. ***Note that his speech will be pre-recorded.
Meet our speakers – Sevtap Savas
Dr. Sevtap Savas is a cancer scientist. She will speak about the goals and activities of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research, a successful cancer patient-family member-scientist partnership in Newfoundland and Labrador. This public interest group includes 12 patient and family members affected by cancer and the Public Conference on Cancer idea was created…
Meet our speakers – Lisa Blundell
Lisa Blundell is one of our valuable patient speakers. As someone who experienced pediatric cancer as a child, her insight and perspectives on life beyond cancer are important. We enthusiastically welcome Lisa to our Conference and cannot wait to hear her story – Thank you Lisa!
Meet our speakers – Paula Newhook
Paula Newhook is one of the social workers providing important service and support to cancer patients and families in the province. The oncology social work program is a part of the Provincial Cancer Care Program – to learn about this important program and services offered to the patients & families, please check their website: https://cancercare.easternhealth.ca/…
Meet our speakers – Janine Cutting
Janine Cutting is one of our patient speakers in the Public Conference on Cancer. We are honoured by the presence of our patient speakers and highly appreciate of their willingness to share their stories. Thank you Janine.
Meet our speakers – Dr. Jennifer Shea and Ms. Kathy Michelin
The research and other scholarly activities performed by Dr. Shea and her partners, including Ms. Michelin, have generated novel insights and improve our understanding of the patient experiences in Indigenous communities. We are very much looking forward to their joint talk and learning from them. Thank you Jennifer and Kathy!
Meet our speakers – Derrick Bishop
Derrick is one of our patient speakers in the Public Conference on Cancer. We are grateful for him taking time to share his perspective with us during the conference. ———————————————————————————– ***PRESENTATION (added on October 26, 2022) Personal impact of hereditary cancer – My story By Derrick Bishop *Pre-recorded talk Note: Conference materials (video recordings, presentation…
Meet our speakers – Dr. Holly Etchegary
Dr. Holly Etchegary has expertise in many health-research related topics, most importantly, in patient-oriented research and public engagement. We are very excited to have her with us in the Public Conference on Cancer. Thank you Holly! ———————————————————————————— ***PRESENTATION (added on October 26, 2022 Canada’s Strategy For Patient Oriented Research (SPOR): Putting Patients First By Holly…
Meet our speakers -Jason Wiseman
Jason Wiseman was a family member/caregiver of a cancer patient. We are very much looking forward to the insight he will share with us. Thanks for this Jason – it is an incredible opportunity for all of us to have you with us in the Public Conference on Cancer. ——————————————————————————— ***PRESENTATION (added on October 26,…
Meet our speakers – Geoff Eaton
Geoff Eaton will deliver the Opening Remarks in the Public Conference on Cancer – we are very grateful for him taking time to do this. We are truly honored by his presence in the conference. Thank you very much Geoff – looking forward to your talk! ———————————————————————————————————————— ***PRESENTATION (added on October 26, 2022) Opening Remarks…
Public Conference on Cancer – Tentative Schedule (July 27, 2022)
Come join us on October 15, 2022 Saturday for this free, public conference full of talks by great speakers, including cancer patients, family members, experts, and healthcare providers and more! Stay tuned for the registration information (coming soon).
Cancer Care Foundation and Provincial Cancer Care Program – what is the difference?
I have been a cancer researcher in this province for almost 14 years, but I must say I was always confused about these two very important provincial cancer care-related organizations: the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation and the Provincial Cancer Care Program. They both have many beneficial activities and support to cancer patients…
Summer, nature & flowers
Please enjoy the gorgeous summer! Until next time, Sevtap Savas, PhD. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Summer in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
Hope you all will join me in celebrating summer and enjoying the beauty of nature. Until next time, Sevtap Savas, PhD. St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, July 5, 2022
Cancer patients and family members are very effective story tellers and public educators
We have been generously disseminating our work generated as the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research through a variety of ways. Recently, we have had three radio interviews. These interviews are excellent opportunities to hear our members affected by cancer (patients or family members from NL), and their opinions, experiences, perspectives, and motivations when it…
Over-arching goal: To improve the wellness and conditions of cancer patients and families
I made a presentation as part of the Marathon of Hope National Cancer Centers Network speaker series last week. You can listen to my talk here: between 30 – 51 min of the recording. It is a nice summary of the work and expertise I have and how I would like to contribute them to…
Proudly presented The Public Interest On Cancer Research in a national conference last week!
Happy to note that I presented the creation, work, and characteristics of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research in the Canadian ARCC (Applied Research and Cancer Control) Conference held early last week!! This was our first presentation of our highly successful group in an academic/scientific setting. I could not be prouder and excited to…
Excited for being appointed as a member of the Board of Canadian Association of Psycho-Social Oncology (CAPO)!
🙂 I am really very excited about this opportunity and being able to represent/advocate for cancer patients and families from across Canada, and represent our province, Newfoundland and Labrador, in this professional organization! CAPO focuses on promoting psychological and social care for cancer patients and families, in Canada and beyond. I have been a member…
Dissemination of the work of Public Interest Group on Cancer Research (Jan-May 2022)
We widely disseminate the work of this group for wider audience. For example: Key points: Cancer group puts patient, family perspectives and experiences in centre of conversation LETTER: Moving towards patient-directed quality care in oncology in N.L. We submitted a report to Eastern Health / Oncology/ Provincial Cancer Care Program leadership in Jan 2022. One conference…
What did the Public Interest Group on Cancer achieve in 2021?
One of the primary aims of this group has been to identify the needs and priorities of the cancer patients and families in the province, and then design research studies and public engagement activities to address these needs. In 2021, we efficiently identified the key priorities of patients and families in the province and are…
Who are the members of the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research?
This group currently includes 12 public members affected by cancer, in addition to three investigators (Drs. Holly Etchegary, Cindy Whitten, and Sevtap Savas). We thank the previous members in 2021, Dr. Teri Stuckless, Dr. Farah McCrate, Rebecca Roome, Doug Smith, and two public members, for their contributions! Dr. Sevtap Savas (Investigator): Dr. Savas is a…
Creating the Public Interest Group on Cancer Research (2021)
We formed this group in 2021. We gratefully acknowledge funding by The Office of Public Engagement – Quick Start Fund that made this partnership possible! We also thank NLSUPPORT for supporting us. The Public Interest Group on Cancer Research is a meaningful partnership between scientists at Memorial University and a diverse group of members of the public (including cancer patients,…
Live-tweets from the 2022 Canadian ARCC (Applied Research and Cancer Control) Conference
I attended this wonderful 2022 Canadian ARCC (Applied Research and Cancer Control) conference on cancer that was held virtually on May 16-17, 2022. This was my second time attending and presenting our work in this conference – in both cases, I participated from home using a virtual platform offered by the Conference. What a delightful…
Welcome and Introduction!
Welcome to my website Strength in Community, a website to share info on our Public Engagement, Outreach, and Advocacy activities! Public engagement is an important part of our academic lives. It has become more emphasized in the last decade or so, for which I am grateful. Thanks to the funding made available for the public…