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Dear Odette Patients &
Family,
It is my distinct pleasure
to communicate with you
on the occasion of our
first Patient Education
newsletter. I would like to
congratulate Tamara
Harth, our Patient
Education Manager and
the rest of the Odette
Patient Education
Advisory Council on the
launch of this important
endeavor.
The purpose of the
newsletter is to enhance
patient education through
useful content. Just as
importantly, the
newsletter will seek to
connect patients and
their families to our many
services and staff, in
addition to partners in the
Sunnybrook community
and beyond that help
enhance a patient’s
experience through the
cancer journey. The
journey is long, and useful
educational tips can help
at many points in that
journey ranging from
prevention and diagnosis
all the way through to
complex treatment
issues, symptom
management and
survivorship.
In the first edition, Tamara
Harth highlights 5
important questions to ask
your health care team and
provides tips on how to
access the educational
resources you and your
family may need to help
navigate you through your
journey. As a physician
myself, I have always
thought that
knowledgeable patients
and families are terrific to
deal with and make for a
collaborative endeavor on
dealing with cancer.
Pauline Wisdom-Gilliam,
one of the Odette Cancer
Centre’s registered
dietitians, provides some
nutritional tips and a
recipe. Nutrition can play
a key role at all parts of the
cancer continuum
including prevention,
complex treatment and in
the survivorship period
when all major treatments
have been completed.
Finally, we are proud to
present the radiation
therapy patient education
module. This is part of our
expanding array of online
offerings to help patients
and their families learn
more about the specific
aspects of cancer care.
We are very proud of the
fact that the radiation
module has been
translated into 12
different languages to
reflect and serve our
increasingly diverse
patient population.
I sincerely hope that you
will find this newsletter
useful and that it will
connect you in a number
of important ways so that
patients and their family
can work collaboratively
with the health care teams
in an effort to ease the
burden cancer may bring
and to help enhance
quality of life.
Sincerely,
Andy Smith, MD, MSc,
FRCSC, FACS
Chief, Odette Cancer
Centre and Regional Vice
President, Cancer Care
Ontario
Patient Education at the Odette Cancer Centre
Issue No. 1
Spring 2011
Patient and Family Education
Newsletter Odette Cancer Centre
Patient and Family Education Newsletter
Do you have an
idea for an article
for our next patient
education news-
letter or do you
have any sugges-
tions about how we
better can serve
you and your educa-
tional needs?
Please e-mail us at: [email protected]
In This Issue:
Patient Education at the
Odette 1
Good Nutrition For A Healthy
Immune System 2
Recipe Corner 3
Online Radiation Therapy
Patient Education Module 4
Classes and Talks 6
Top 5 Questions To Ask Your
HealthCare Team 7
by Dr. Andy Smith, Chief, Odette Cancer Centre
We want to hear from you!
Whether you are about to start treatment or are currently on treatment one of
the most important ways to maintain a healthy immune system is to power up on
good nutrition. Good nutrition helps your body produce and maintain healthy
cells.
Essential nutrients like protein (amino acids), fats (essential fatty acids), vita-
mins and minerals are needed to help healthy immune cells grow.
PROTEIN
Meeting your daily protein requirement helps keep your immune system in
shape. Protein is used to make antibodies, white blood cells and other immune
compounds. Not sure how much protein you need? Aim for a serving of protein
with each meal and choose protein containing snacks. Protein choices such as
lean meat, poultry without skin, fish, eggs, legumes (dried beans and lentils),
nuts and seeds and dairy foods all provide the amino acids that are the building
blocks of the cells in your body.
HEALTHY FATS
Essential fatty acids found in fats and oils aid in maintaining healthy immune
system function. Fatty fish like salmon, trout, sardines and herring are rich in
immune boosting omega – 3 fats. If you don’t eat fish try walnuts, omega-3
eggs, ground flax seed. Other healthy fats and oils include olive, canola, sesame
and sunflower oils as well as avocado, nuts and seeds.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Try to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you are getting all
the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you need to help maintain your immune
system. In addition to the variety of nutrients obtained from fruits and vegeta-
bles, the following nutrients may have a positive effect on your immune system.
Vitamin C
Good sources include berries, citrus fruits and juices, kiwi, mango, cantaloupe,
peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and bok-choy.
Vitamin E
Good sources include nuts, olives, whole grains, green leafy vegetables espe-
cially kale, and vegetable oils.
Zinc
Good sources include seafood especially oysters, red meat, poultry, beans,
wheat germ, whole grains and enriched breakfast cereals, nuts, seeds and yo-
gurt. Other foods that may help improve immunity are mushrooms and those
containing probiotics like yogurt and kefir.
Good Nutrition for a Healthy Immune System
Page 2 Odette Cancer Centre
by Pauline Wisdom
-Gilliam, BsC, RD
It’s important to take a
“whole foods” ap-
proach to building a
healthy immune sys-
tem.
Your body needs more
than 45 nutrients to
stay healthy.
Keep in mind that
foods (rather than
supplements) contain
a mix of nutrients that
work together to pro-
vide health benefits.
The best approach to
foster a healthy im-
mune system is to eat
a nutrient rich diet
that meets all your
body’s needs.
Try this easy healthy frittata (like an omelet but even easier to make) recipe be-
low that will provide a variety of cancer fighting immune boosting nutrients! As
well as the veggies in this recipe you can substitute or add your own. Sauté
some mushrooms, chopped cherry tomatoes, or kale for your filling.
Broccoli and Potato Frittata
4 large eggs (can use omega-3 eggs, if desired)
4 large egg whites
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray, preferably olive oil
1⁄2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cups cooked broccoli florets
1 cup boiled or baked potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 red bell pepper, cut into 1⁄2 inch rings
1⁄2 tsp. dried oregano
1⁄4 cup (1 oz.) grated parmesan cheese
Preheat broiler. In medium bowl, beat eggs, egg whites, salt and pepper until well
combined. Set aside.
Coat medium skillet (broiler-safe) with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.
Add onions and sauté until translucent, stirring constantly. Add broccoli, mashing
with back of wooden spoon to flatten. Break potatoes into 1⁄2-inch pieces and add
to skillet, stirring until heated through. Add cooked vegetables to bowl of beaten
eggs.
Rinse pan and return to medium-high heat. Add oil, swirling to coat sides of pan.
Pour in egg and broccoli mixture. As eggs set, keep lifting edges of frittata while tilt-
ing pan, pulling cooked part aside without breaking to let uncooked liquid flow to
bottom of pan. Place bell pepper rings into top of nearly firm frittata. When eggs are
mostly set, but still moist on top, sprinkle oregano, then cheese, on top.
Place frittata under broiler until top is dry and set, about 2 minutes (checking fre-
quently after 1 minute). Slide frittata onto plate and let sit 15 minutes before cut-
ting. To serve, cut into four wedges and place on warmed plates.
Makes 4 servings.
Per serving: 209 calories, 9 g total fat (3 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrate,
14 g protein, 3 g dietary fiber, 217 mg sodium.
Serve with a hearty whole-grain bread and a tossed green salad sprinkled with a
light vinaigrette dressing.
Recipe Corner
Recipe adapted from American Institute for Cancer Research e-newsletter, March 2008
Page 3 Patient and Family Education Newsletter
Did You Know?
If you have questions
about diet or nutrition
or need to access the
services of a Regis-
tered Dietitian at the
Odette Cancer Centre
drop by the Patient
and Family Nutrition
Resource Centre
located on the Ground
Floor or
call (416) 480-4623
to make an
appointment.
Another Dimension of Patient Care
An Online Patient Education Module for Patients Getting
by Kari Osmar, BSc.
M.R.T. (T)
Clinical Educator,
Radiation Planning
and Treatment
Delivery, Odette
Cancer Centre
Page 4 Odette Cancer Centre
Our Radiation Therapist Translation Team
One thing you may not know when you come to the Odette Cancer Centre is that
the 130 Radiation Therapists who may treat you speak a combined total of over
50 languages. The people we see at the Odette Cancer Centre speak a variety of
languages too and providing educational tools to serve the needs of a diverse
population is a priority. Recently we combined our team’s knowledge of different
languages and our expertise in radiation therapy and patient education to pro-
duce an online educational tool for patients receiving radiation therapy.
The Radiation Therapy E-module gives patients a visual, informational and audio
tour of radiation treatment. It gives the patient a detailed explanation of what to
expect during your radiation planning and treatment and answers questions re-
lated to possible side effects like loss of appetite, fatigue and skin reactions.
There is also a list of frequently asked questions with answers. It has been trans-
lated into 12 different languages including Cantonese, Persian, Gujarati, Tagalog,
French, Tamil, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Mandarin, Vietnamese and English. The
module can be accessed on the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre website by
anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The direct link is http://
sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=OCC_radonc_PatEd.
We are working on creating a similar e-learning module for chemotherapy and will
be releasing it shortly. If you have any questions or comments about this module
or any other patient education tools and materials please email us at
Page 5 Patient and Family Education Newsletter
The Radiation Therapy Online
Module screen. It is pictured
here in English (top) and
Cantonese (bottom).
The Radiation Therapy education module is available on the Sunnybrook website www.sunnybrook.ca.
To go directly to the module type the following address into your browser:
http://www.sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=Focus_OCC_Prog_RadOnc_Home
We are pleased to offer
you information in the fol-
lowing languages:
English
French
Cantonese
Mandarin
Persian
Tagalog
Tamil
Gujarati
Spanish
Italian
Urdu
Vietnamese
A complete schedule of all our classes and talks can be found in our monthly Patient Education Calendar. The
calendar gives information about talks and education events at Wellspring and the Canadian Cancer Society.
You can pick up a copy of this calendar in the waiting areas beside the clinics, the Volunteer desk at the North
entrance, in front of the main reception, or go to our website www.sunnybrook.ca. Go to Care Programs. Click
on the Odette Cancer Program. You will find a list of the classes and talks that are offered at the Odette Cancer
Centre.
Breathe Easy (Dyspnea) Patient Education Class (90 minutes)
AJ Dembo Lecture Theatre, Odette Cancer Centre and
Wellspring Westerkirk House (located on the Sunnybrook campus)
Breathe Easy is a 90 minute class for patients with Lung Cancer and their care providers. It is held on the first
Thursday of each month in the A.J. Dembo Lecture Theatre at the Odette Cancer Centre. On the 3rd Friday of
every month, from 11:00am-12:30pm at Wellspring. At this class you will learn breathing exercises and practi-
cal tips to help your breathing. If you would like more information about this class please speak to your primary
nurse.
Chemotherapy Patient Education Class (60 minutes)
RDT Jenkin Auditorium, Odette Cancer Centre
These sessions are open to patients, family, and friends and are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00pm
– 4:00pm*. You will learn about treatments, how to control side effects, and how the Patient and Family Sup-
port Program can help you. Your doctor or nurse will arrange for you to attend a class. If this has not been ar-
ranged for you, please ask your doctor or nurse. *Note: classes are cancelled on holidays
Lymphedema Patient Education Class (60 minutes)
AJ Dembo Lecture Theatre, Odette Cancer Centre
Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that is caused by a build up of lymph fluid in the body's tissues. Cancer
surgery or radiation therapy may sometimes lead to lymphedema. This group-based patient education session
provides an overview of lymphedema, its signs and symptoms, tips for reducing the risk of developing lymphe-
dema, and strategies for managing the condition. It is open to all Odette cancer patients that have had surgery
to remove cancer and/or lymph nodes, have undergone radiation therapy, or would like to learn more about
lymphedema. Held every Thursday from 10:00am-11:00am. If interested in attending this session please con-
tact Angela at 416-480-5000 ext. 1004.
What To Expect Following Your Breast Cancer Surgery? (60 minutes)
M-1006 or E-115, Sunnybrook Main Campus
This group-based patient education session prepares patients for what to expect for the first month following
their breast cancer surgery. The class is held for breast cancer patients booked for lumpectomy or mastectomy
surgery and is arranged along with the surgical date. Held every Tuesday from 10:30am-11:30am. If you have
any questions about this class, please feel free to contact Angela at 416-480-5000 ext. 1004.
Radiotherapy Information Session (60 minutes)
Wellspring Westerkirk House (located on the Sunnybrook campus)
These sessions are open to patients, family, and friends and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of
every month from 11:00am – 12:00pm. There is no need to register – just drop in! These sessions are led by a
Radiation Therapist and include: discussion on planning and treatment, radiation therapy side effects, question
and answer session, and information on further resources. For more information, please call Wellspring
Westerkirk House at 416-480-4440.
Patient and Family Education Classes and Talks
Page 6 Odette Cancer Centre
Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider
Page 7 Patient and Family Education Newsletter
A CANCER DIAGNOSIS CAN IMPACT PEOPLE in a variety of different ways. Education can often help in
providing an understanding of the diagnosis, preparing patients and family members for what to
expect next and creating awareness about what services can help with coping during cancer.
The Odette Cancer Centre recognizes and believes in the importance of providing information
and education to patients and their loved ones. Studies have shown that information provision
to people with cancer and to their family members can result in better coping strategies and re-
duce distress and worry. Below is a list of questions that you can ask your health care team
with some tips on how to access some key educational tools available to you here. Our goal is
“To Provide The Right Education To The Right People In The Right Way At The Right Time”. We
hope that you find these helpful and welcome any suggestions you may have about your educa-
tional needs.
WHAT KIND OF CANCER DO I HAVE?
TIP: This seems like an obvious question but understanding the type of cancer can be helpful in
knowing what type of educational tools to focus on. Getting as much detail about your diagnosis
including stage and writing it down is useful for focusing your search and helping others who are
providing that education with more specific information.
WHAT IS MY TREATMENT PLAN?
TIP: This may include surgery, radiation, targeted chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other
options. The Odette Cancer Centre has patient education classes to learn about chemotherapy,
a web based tool for teaching patients about radiation planning and treatment and a number of
different brochures and pamphlets on different types of surgeries. To access these tools please
ask a member of your health care team or check our Patient Education calendar. You can get a
copy at the information desk on the 1st Floor at the Odette Cancer Centre or e-mail us at patient-
WHAT SHOULD I EAT DURING TREATMENT?
TIP: Ask your health care team about seeing one of our registered dietitians or come down to the
Patient and Family Nutrition Resource Centre on the ground floor of the Odette Cancer Centre.
This team of experts can give you advice and counselling on what you can do if you are having
trouble eating and other tips on healthy eating.
IS THERE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS AND TREATMENT?
TIP: The chemotherapy patient education guide for patients and the radiation information guide
for patients provide information about possible side effects, how to manage these and who to
contact if you are having trouble dealing with these side effects. Please ask your primary nurse
or radiation therapist for a copy of these resources.
ARE THERE ANY PATIENT EDUCATION CLASSES OR TALKS I CAN ATTEND TO LEARN MORE?
TIP: There is a patient education calendar describing our classes, when they are held and how to
register. The calendar also provides information about Wellspring discussion series and informa-
tion about how to connect to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Service. You can
pick up a copy of this calendar in the waiting areas beside the clinics, the Volunteer desk at the
North entrance in front of the main reception or go to our web site to get an electronic version at:
www.sunnybrook.ca and follow the links to the Odette Cancer Program under Care Programs.
by Tamara Harth,
M.L.I.S.
Program Manager
Patient Education
Chair Cancer Patient
Education Network
Canada
“I keep six honest
serving-men,
They taught me
all I knew;
Their names are
What and Why and When
And How and Where and
Who.”
Rudyard Kipling
Page 8 Odette Cancer Centre
Tamara Harth | Elaine Avila | Julie Burnett | Tracey Das Gupta | Carlo De Angelis
Lisa Di Prospero | Kathy Kwan | Angela Leahey | Barbara-Anne Maier | Kari Osmar
Annie Ngan| Dr. Ewa Szumacher | Pauline Wisdom-Gilliam
Editors: Tamara Harth and Helena Lam
This Newsletter Is Brought To You By
The Odette Patient Education Advisory Council
Providing
the Right Education,
to the Right People,
in the Right Way
at the Right Time. Patient Education Program,
Odette Cancer Centre
Do you have an idea for an article for our next patient education newsletter?
If so, we’d love to hear from you!
e-mail us at: [email protected]
We want to hear from you!