Survivorship in Oncology: The Role of Exercise in Preservation and Restoration of Quality of Life
Presentation Description: This presentation provided an overview of exercise-based strategies for cancer survivors that serve to preserve and restore quality of life by overcoming the myriad of physical limitations and secondary risks imposed by previous cancer diagnoses, surgical interventions and therapeutic treatments.
Speaker: Scott Adams, MSc (c)
Exercise Physiologist
Jewish General Hospital, Montreal
Masters Student, Concordia University, Montreal
Insurance 101
Presentation Description: Insurance and financial planning issues can be difficult to navigate even at the best of times. For those of us with a complex medical history, obtaining life insurance, disability insurance and/or supplemental health plans can often feel like an impossibility. This presentation explained why these coverages are so important, common roadblocks to securing insurance and outlined steps that cancer survivors can take to better their chances of securing appropriate coverage.
Speaker: Glen Oliver, CFP, CLU, CHFC
Financial Planning Consultant
Glen Oliver & Associates Financial Consultants Inc., Toronto
Heart Health
Presentation Description: Certain chemotherapy drugs such as anthracyclines and/or radiation in the heart region, have greatly improved survival of childhood cancer, but can have late effects on heart function. Dr. Ross Davies, an adult Cardiologist at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, has experience with heart failure and heart transplantation, including some patients who have been survivors of childhood cancer. In this presentation, he discussed the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the heart, non-invasive cardiac diagnostic tests used to assess heart function such as echocardiography or radionuclide ventriculography, cardiac medications which can be given to improve heart function and heart healthy behavior including diet and exercise advice for survivors of pediatric cancer. He also explored some of the relevant publications such as the Children’s Cancer Survivor Study.
Speaker: Ross Davies, BSc, MD, FRCPC, FACC
Professor of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Member, Heart Failure, Transplant and Pulmonary Hypertension Programs
Division of Cardiology
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Hormonal Issues and Their Treatment
Presentation Description: Survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk of developing chronic medical conditions, primarily as a direct result of the treatments they received to cure their cancers (for example radiation, combination chemotherapy). Endocrine or hormone problems are among the most common chronic medical conditions seen in adult survivors of childhood cancer. Hormone problems are most often seen in persons who were treated with radiation to the brain, neck or pelvic area and those who received high doses of a class of chemotherapy drugs called alkylation agents (such as cyclophosphamide, busulfan, melphalan, thiotepa). Hormone problems can affect growth, sexual development, stamina, and overall well being. Fortunately, many hormone problems are treatable.
This presentation reviewed the major hormone complications seen in survivors of childhood cancer, risk factors for these problems, as well as common symptoms and treatment approaches.
Speaker: Mark Greenberg
Senior Adviser, Policy & Clinical Affiars
Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO), Toronto
Senior Staff Oncologist
Division of Haematology/Oncology, SickKids, Toronto
Professor of Paediatrics & Surgery, University of Toronto
Memory Changes Following Cancer Treatment: Effective Strategies for Milder Symptoms
Presentation Description: One of the most frequently reported and debilitating neurocognitive symptoms following a neurological illness involving the brain is that of memory impairment. The presentation provided an overview of the neurocognitive changes that can occur following cancer treatment with an emphasis on memory function. A few strategies were covered that are known to be effective in addressing milder memory symptoms, including commercial smartphones that are optimally suited to support day-to-day memory functioning.
Speaker: Eva Svoboda, PhD
Neuropsychologist
Baycrest Health Centre, Toronto
West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto
Adjunct Professor; Lecturer
York University; University of Toronto, Toronto
For Families & Kids
Essential programs and services to meet the needs of kids with cancer and their families
For Professionals
Information to help you stay current and advance your knowledge of pediatric cancer care and control
