Community Conference 2023

The third annual Colorectal Cancer Community Conference was held on May 16th and 17th 2023, bringing together over 200 Canadian and international registrants. Patients, survivors, caregivers, patient advocates, and healthcare professionals joined together for the two-half day virtual event to support each other, be educated and become empowered to prevent, treat, and beat colorectal cancer.

Day 1

OPENING REMARKS

Speakers:
Carine Legault, RN, Patient Support Manager, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Iris Karry, Manager, Patient Education & Research

New Advances in CRC Treatments - A Global Overview

This session explores standards of care and new therapies/interventions on the horizon & goals of treatment for the best outcome for you.

Speakers:
Michael Groves, Patient Advocate Suzanne Wood, Patient Advocate
Dr. Joanna Gotfrit, MD MHM FRCPC MD MHM FRCPC Medical Oncologist The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre
Dr. Jonathan Loree, MD MS FRCPC MD MS FRCPC , Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer - Vancouver Centre

Why it’s Important to know about Genetic Profiling

This session explores what genetic profiling is, how to access it and what tests are standard and at what time.

Speakers:
Gordon Levine, Patient Advocate
Dr. Shamini Selvarajah, PhD, DABMGG, FACMG, FCCMG, Department of Clinical Laboratory Genetics | UHN Laboratory Medicine Program University Health Network – A Healthier World Assistant Professor | University of Toronto Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathobiology

Advocating for Yourself

This session explores how to navigate communicating your goals for treatment, actively participate in your own care and ask for a 2nd opinion.

Speakers:
Jason Manuge, Patient Advocate
Jocelyn Laidlaw, Patient Advocate and CTV News Calgary Senior Anchor | News at Noon | News at 5 Calgary
Barry Stein, President & CEO, Colorectal Cancer Canada

Other Community Resources Outside Your Care Team

This session highlights complimentary community resources available to individuals with colorectal cancer and their loved ones.

Speakers:
Alison Ellis, RD, Dietitian, Program Coordinator InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care
Carine Legault, RN, Patient Support Manager, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Sandy Fitzpatrick, RN, Participant Care Coordinator, West-Island Cancer Wellness Center

Coping with Cancer

This session explores coping strategies for adapting to new roles as well as getting comfortable asking for help.

Speakers:
Jason Abramovitch, Patient Advocate
Kathryn White, Patient Advocate
Dr. Maryjane Esplen, Vice- Chair, Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and Founder of de Souza Institute

Day 1 Closing Remarks

Speakers:
Carine Legault, RN, Patient Support Specialist, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Iris Karry, Manager, Patient Education & Research

Day 2

Opening Remarks

Speakers:
Carine Legault, Manager, Patient Support, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Iris Karry, Manager, Patient Education & Research, Colorectal Cancer Canada

Clinical Trials - Why are They Important

This session will cover the appropriate time to discuss Clinical Trials with your healthcare professional and what is the overall process as well as upcoming trials.

Speakers:
Aneta Fishman, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed., SO & Workplace Diversity & Human Rights. CCC Ambassador; YRDSB Principal
Dr. David Roberge, MD, Full clinical professor Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Montreal
Dr. Marjan Shayegan, PhD (Research advisor, activist, and volunteer)

Coping with Side Effects

During this session, we will discuss what side effects to expect and how to manage them.

Speakers:
Carine Legault, RN, Patient Support Manager, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Maria Marchese, PharmD, ACPR, MSc, Pharmacist
Jesse Whyte, M.Sc., B.Sc., CAT(C), M.Sc., B.Sc., CAT(C), Thérapeute de Sport Agrée / Certified Athletic Therapist
Robin deKlein-Stimpson, Patient Advocate
Sheilah Brukewich, Patient Advocate

Managing your New Normal

In this session, we will explore how a cancer diagnosis can shape/shift your outlook and priorities.

Speakers:
Chelsea Butler, SW, Patient Support Specialist, Colorectal Cancer Canada
Howard Steinberg, Patient Advocate
Leo Deveau, Patient Advocate
Michelle Stratton, Patient Advocate

Caring for Caregivers

During this session we will address the unique needs of caregiving such as getting used to the caregiving role, managing difficult conversations and the fear of your loved one's recurrence.

Speakers:
Dave Robb, Caregiver
Dr. Anita Mehta, RN, PhD, CFT, Director of Education and Knowledge Exchange at the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence - Nurse Care Counsellor and Couple and family Therapist, Jewish General Hospital - Couple and Family Psychotherapist, Private Practice