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MARCH 2016 A NEWSLETTER FOR PATIENTS, FAMILIES, STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS Clinical Trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre By Aileen Trang MSc, Patient Education & Research Coordinator, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre For the first Lunch and Learn Health Talk in 2016, Jasmine Grant, Education Specialist Lead, and Julie Gundry, Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, from the Cancer Clinical Research Unit spoke about clinical trials at the Princess Margaret. What are clinical trials? Clinical trials look for better ways to prevent, treat or diagnose a medical condition, like cancer. At the Princess Margaret, there are 4 types of clinical trials: 1. Prevention and Screening: Is there something we can do to prevent or find a disease or condition? 2. Diagnostic: Is there something we can do to better detect a disease or the risk for getting a disease or condition? 3. Quality of Life: Is there something we can do to make patients feel better? 4. Treatment: Is there something we can do to better treat a disease or condition? Why are clinical trials important? Clinical trials are the best way to find treatment that works for people. Before any new cancer treatment is approved for standard use, it must be tested through clinical trials. Who can take part in clinical trials? Each clinical trial has a list of eligibility criteria that determines who can take part in the study. This list may include a certain cancer type, age, general health, if you have had a certain treatment in the past, and more. Julie explained that Patient & Family Education News PRINCESS MARGARET CANCER CENTRE IN THIS ISSUE Clinical Trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Library Corner: March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month New at Wellspring: Oasis Advanced Cancer programs

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M A R C H 2 0 1 6 A N E W S L E T T E R F O R

P A T I E N T S , F A M I L I E S , S T A F F

A N D C O M M U N I T Y M E M B E R S

Clinical Trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer CentreBy Aileen Trang MSc, Patient Education & Research Coordinator, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

For the first Lunch and Learn Health Talk in 2016, Jasmine Grant, Education Specialist Lead, and Julie Gundry, Advanced Practice Nurse Educator, from the Cancer Clinical Research Unit spoke about clinical trials at the Princess Margaret.

What are clinical trials?Clinical trials look for better ways to prevent, treat or diagnose a medical condition, like cancer.

At the Princess Margaret, there are 4 types of clinical trials:

1. Prevention and Screening: Is there something we can do to prevent or find a disease or condition?

2. Diagnostic: Is there something we can do to better detect a disease or the risk for getting a disease or condition?

3. Quality of Life: Is there something we can do to make patients feel better?

4. Treatment: Is there something we can do to better treat a disease or condition?

Why are clinical trials important?Clinical trials are the best way to find treatment that works for people. Before any new cancer treatment is approved for standard use, it must be tested through clinical trials.

Who can take part in clinical trials?Each clinical trial has a list of eligibility criteria that determines who can take part in the study. This list may include a certain cancer type, age, general health, if you have had a certain treatment in the past, and more. Julie explained that

Patient & Family Education NewsP R I N C E S S M A R G A R E T C A N C E R C E N T R E

IN THIS ISSUE

Clinical Trials at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Library Corner: March is National Colon Cancer Awareness Month

New at Wellspring: Oasis Advanced Cancer programs

eligibility criteria are often strict and very specific because they:

• Protect you from getting a treatment that may not be safe for you.

• Help the researchers find people who will benefit the most from the clinical trial treatment.

How do clinical trials work?Clinical trials have 4 phases. Jasmine showed a video from Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) that explained more. View the video at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhxD6sVQEYc

How to decide if a clinical trial is right for you?The decision to take part in a clinical trial is always up to you. When deciding, start by thinking about:

• Why is the study being done?

• What are the short and long term risks and benefits to taking part in the study?

• How long is the study?

• Are there extra tests and procedures I have to get?

• How will the clinical trial affect your daily life?

• Can you speak to others in the clinical trial?

It’s important to ask questions.

How to get involved in a clinical trial?Talk to your doctor or nurse.

To find clinical trials at the Princess Margaret:

• Ask your doctor or nurse

• Visit the Princess Margaret website: www.theprincessmargaret.ca (Under “Quick Links”, click on “Search clinical trials”)

• Email [email protected]

To find clinical trials in other locations:

• Visit the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research website: www.ontariocancertrials.ca

• Visit the National Institutes of Health website: www.clinicaltrials.gov

• Call the Canadian Cancer Society: 1-888-939-3333

Thank you Jasmine Grant and Julie Gundry for a very informative and interesting talk. For more information, watch the whole talk by visiting www.thePrincessMargaret.ca/LunchAndLearn

Library Corner: March is National Colon Cancer Awareness MonthBy Michelle Snow, Librarian, Patient & Family Education, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Listed below are some resources available from the Patient & Family Library, located on the main floor atrium at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Learn about cancer prevention, colon cancer signs, detection and diagnosis, and treatment options.

How to Become a Library MemberThe first time you borrow resources, you will need to fill out a registration form and show valid identification with your name and address, such as a Driver’s License or UHN Hospital Card. Once you register with us, you may borrow resources for a 3 week loan from any of the UHN Patient & Family Libraries.

BooksSemi-colon. A writer’s cheeky journey through colorectal cancer. Neil Crone.

Johns Hopkins Patients’ Guide to Colon and Rectal Cancer. Nita Ahuja & Brenda Nettles.

Positive Options for Colorectal Cancer. Carol Ann Larson. I’d Like to Buy a Bowel Please! Ostomy A to Z. Brenda Elsagher.

New at Wellspring: Oasis Advanced Cancer programs If you are living with advanced cancer, Wellspring is here to help.

Wellspring understands that those who are living with advanced or metastatic cancer face a unique set of challenges and experiences. The NEW Oasis Advanced Cancer programs at Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation provide a special, protected

community where people living with advanced cancer can come together for support, for networking and information and to participate in life-enhancing activities.

The Oasis Advanced Cancer Support Group and the Oasis Art Expression Studio help those living with advanced cancer feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, discover resources and find support through a community of peers.

• The Oasis Advanced Cancer Support Group provides the opportunity to meet with one another, form a community and share unique experiences and challenges. Each session is facilitated by a professional leader who specialises in supporting individuals living with advanced diseases. The support group meets on a drop in basis.

• The Oasis Art Expression Studio provides a place for self-directed artistic expression under the guidance a professional artist. Those attending enjoy being with others, casual conversation and expressing themselves through art for the joy of it. No previous art experience is required, and a variety of media will be available for use, such as oils, water colours, clay or other mediums for sculpture.

Find out more about the Oasis programs at Wellspring by visiting www.wellspring.ca.

Wellspring is a network of community-based cancer support centres offering professionally led programs and services that meet the emotional, social, practical and restorative needs of men, women and children living with cancer, as well as, those who care for them. Wellspring charges no fees and requires no medical referral.

BrochuresPick up a free copy of these brochures at the library.

Find more colon cancer and colon cancer screening information online

• Canadian Cancer Society: www.cancer.ca

• Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada: www.colorectal-cancer.ca

• Cancer Care Ontario: www.cancercare.on.ca, search colon cancer screening

• National Cancer Institute: www.cancer.gov

• Ostomy Toronto: www.ostomytoronto.ca

Visit the library: Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Fridays 8:30 – 4:00

Location: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, main floor, atrium

Phone: 416 946-4591 x 5383

E-mail: [email protected]

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“When you’ve had cancer, every day is a gift.”

“ Thanks to the groundbreaking research, the care of Dr. Messner and the compassion of the whole team at The Princess Margaret, I’m here today.”

See Chris Taylor’s story at www.thepmcf.ca

A gift left in your Will can save lives. If cancer is your cause, support one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. To learn more about planning your gift, call 416-946-2295 or email [email protected]

“When you’ve had cancer, every day is a gift.”

“ Thanks to the groundbreaking research, the care of Dr. Messner and the compassion of the whole team at The Princess Margaret, I’m here today.”

See Chris Taylor’s story at www.thepmcf.ca

A gift left in your Will can save lives. If cancer is your cause, support one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. To learn more about planning your gift, call 416-946-2295 or email [email protected]

“When you’ve had cancer, every day is a gift.”

“ Thanks to the groundbreaking research, the care of Dr. Messner and the compassion of the whole team at The Princess Margaret, I’m here today.”

See Chris Taylor’s story at www.thepmcf.ca

A gift left in your Will can save lives. If cancer is your cause, support one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. To learn more about planning your gift, call 416-946-2295 or email [email protected]

“When you’ve had cancer, every day is a gift.”

“ Thanks to the groundbreaking research, the care of Dr. Messner and the compassion of the whole team at The Princess Margaret, I’m here today.”

See Chris Taylor’s story at www.thepmcf.ca

A gift left in your Will can save lives. If cancer is your cause, support one of the top 5 cancer research centres in the world. To learn more about planning your gift, call 416-946-2295 or email [email protected]

–Chris Taylor

The information contained in this newsletter is to be used for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for non-commercial personal use only. © University Health Network - Princess Margaret Hospital - Patient and Family Library - 2016

Patient & Survivorship EducationEditor: Alaina Cyr, Patient Education Coordinator | Editorial Board: Nazek Abdelmutti, Daniela Fierini, Janet Papadakos, Aman Sium, Michelle Snow, Aileen Trang | Graphic Artist: Kristin Foster | Please forward comments, questions or submissions to [email protected]

The Patient Education and Survivorship Programs are supported by the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.