How are balance and dizziness linked to hearing?

The inner ear may be small, but it’s complex! It’s home to the vestibular system and the auditory system. The vestibular system has motion sensors that help us stay balanced and perceive movement, while the auditory system has hearing sensors that allow us to perceive sound. Both of these systems share nerve and blood supply pathways, so they are very interconnected. This means that many people affected by conditions of the inner ear can experience both hearing and balance symptoms, like hearing loss, dizziness, imbalance and tinnitus.

Is it often overlooked that balance and dizziness can be tied to hearing?

Absolutely. Patients often ask why we are testing their hearing when they come for balance testing. Generally, hearing health is overlooked as many people don’t get a hearing test until they have experienced several years of hearing difficulty or are persuaded by a family member or significant other to get checked.

Hearing impairment can also contribute to reduced environmental awareness and localization which can affect balance and movement. For example, hearing someone walking up from behind you or calling your name from your right or left. Also, hearing the acoustics in a room improves your understanding of your surroundings. Overall, hearing impairment can increase confusion about your surroundings and is linked to an increased risk of falls.

Which conditions can affect the health of the inner ear?

There are many, but here are some of the most common:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): inner ear crystals dislodge and their movement causes vertigo/dizziness symptoms
• Meniere’s disease: fluid builds up in the inner ear structure often affecting both hearing and balance systems
• Vestibular neuritis: inflammation happens in the balance system nerve
• Labyrinthitis: inflammation of the inner ear affects both balance and hearing systems
• Superior semicircular canal dehiscence: a hole or thinning of the bone surrounding the inner ear
• Vestibular schwannoma: a tumor on the balance system nerve

How can balance and dizziness affect everyday life?

Dizziness and balance symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms may mean you avoid specific activities, like bending over. Severe symptoms can result in a detrimental loss of abilities across all activities of daily living, including walking, bathing, lying down, getting up, using stairs, exercising, driving, concentrating, reading and working. In addition to the physical challenges, this can also place a huge burden on your mental health.

Dizziness is also a major risk for falls. In fact, adults with some form of inner-ear dysfunction are up to 12 times more likely to have a serious fall (Balance & Dizziness Canada). That’s why people experiencing dizziness or falling should absolutely be referred for testing.

What kind of testing and treatment is offered at Sunnybrook?

We have a team of audiologists that assess you and determine which parts of the ears are impaired. These assessment results are important for your physician to determinea diagnosis, treatment plan, or need for further testing.

A number of hearing tests are used to measure hearing sensitivity to a variety of sounds for each ear, and also check how well the ear drum is functioning. You need a referral from a family doctor for this type of testing.

Our team also offers many different types of balance tests. Most of these tests use goggles with built in eye-tracking cameras. Our tests compare eye and head movements during visual tasks. Some tests also stimulate the motion sensors of the ear with water or air to measure and compare the results from each ear. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) physician or neurologist referral is needed for the full diagnostic balance assessment.

In addition, we have added a new balance screening program to our available services. Audiologists screen patients for the most common dizziness and balance issues and provide them with education to help them manage their symptoms. To access this service, you need a referral from a family doctor.

If you’re interested in doing a quick hearing test at home, use this online tool. It only takes five minutes to complete, and is brought to you from Sunnybrook’s audiology services department and Shoebox.

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What is cervical cancer?

The cervix connects the uterus (womb) to the vagina. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is passed from one person to another through sexual contact. There are over 100 strains of HPV, but only some can cause damage to the cervix that may lead to cancer.

Getting an HPV infection is very common. For most people, it will go away on its own without causing any harm. In some cases, however, a cancer-causing HPV virus can stay around for several years and cause more serious damage. This is why cervical cancer is very rare under the age of 25.

HPV vaccination is important because it can prevent many cases of cancer-causing HPV infections from developing. HPV vaccination does not prevent all cases, which is why screening is still important.

What will be changing around cervical cancer screening?

Ontario recently moved away from Pap tests as the first line of cervical cancer screening, to instead testing for the most common types of HPV viruses that can cause cervical cancer. HPV testing is better because it can identify those people who have a higher chance of already having or developing a cervical pre-cancer or cancer.

How is HPV testing done?

At this time, the most accurate way to detect an HPV infection with abnormal cervical cell changes is to take a sample directly from the cervix. Patients will still need to have a speculum exam at their doctor’s office, so the physical experience will feel the same as having a Pap. Patients will receive a copy of their results by mail. If positive for HPV, they will be advised of the necessary next steps. If negative, they will be told when they are next due for cervical screening.

A negative HPV test has been shown to be very good at correctly identifying people who do not have a cervical pre-cancer or cancer, and who will not develop a cervical cancer in the next five years.

If the presence of HPV is found, it doesn’t necessarily mean the patient will develop cervical cancer. Further tests will be done on positive HPV samples to look for pre-cancerous cells. Based on the HPV result and presence or type of pre-cancerous cells found, additional procedures such as colposcopy may be needed to look at the cervix more closely. For others, more frequent testing to make sure the HPV clears, or no new pre-cancer cells develop, may be all that is needed.

What is colposcopy?

Colposcopy is a procedure that closely examines the vagina, vulva and cervix using a special microscope. Sunnybrook is home to the largest colposcopy clinic in Ontario based on the number of patients seen. The multi-disciplinary team has specific training in detecting and managing genital cancers and pre-cancers.

At what age and how often should screening be done?

The other big change is around timing: screening will start at age 25. It’s recommended screening be done every five years because HPV infections need to be present for a long time before possibly developing into cancer. This change is based on science and people should feel safe. People who have a hard time fighting viruses due to a weakened immune system should be screened every three years.

Most people can stop screening between ages 65 to 69 if they have undergone regular cervical cancer screening during their lifetime. Your health-care provider can let you know what’s best for you.

Does it matter if I’ve ever been sexually active?

The HPV virus is spread through sexual contact with the genitals, which can include contact with the hands, mouth or genitals. This is why screening for HPV isn’t necessary unless a person has ever been sexually active.

Who specifically should be screened?

According to Ontario Health, get screened if you:

• are at least 25 years old
• are a woman, Two-Spirit person, transmasculine person or nonbinary person with a cervix
• have ever had sexual contact with another person
• do not have symptoms, like different bleeding or discharge (clear or yellow fluid) from the vagina

Ontario Health adds that you should still get screened if you:

• have had the HPV vaccine
• feel healthy
• have been through menopause
• have not had any family members with cervical cancer
• have had sexual contact with only one person
• have had the same sexual partner for a long time
• have not had sexual contact in a long time
• are in a same-sex relationship

How can I book screening?

There are a few ways. You can call your family doctor, nurse practitioner or midwife to book screening, or call Health811 to find a nearby screening clinic. Ontario Health also has a live chat option.

Where can I get more information?

To learn more about lowering your risk of cervical cancer, visit www.mycanceriq.ca.

Click here to read more about these new screening guidelines.

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What Exactly Is HAIP?

HAIP is a special form of treatment for individuals where colon or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer) has spread to the liver. It is used when there are too many spots of cancer within the liver to allow a surgeon to safely remove them all. HAIP offers a chance of cure to these patients by delivering targeted doses of chemotherapy, directly to the liver, through an implanted pump. The goal is to make the disease in the liver small enough that a surgeon can go in and remove what is left.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

This treatment is best for fit, motivated patients who want to adopt an aggressive treatment philosophy. Patients need to have no or very limited cancer outside the liver, and be well enough to undergo an operation. Special testing is done to ensure that the blood flow to the liver is appropriate to allow the treatment to be safely offered.

If a patient is a good fit, they’ll undergo surgery to have the pump implanted into the abdomen and a small catheter fed directly into the liver. This procedure usually takes about one to two hours, sometimes longer if the original cancer in the colon or rectum needs to be taken out at the same time.

Following that, a special nuclear medicine scan is done. Dye is injected into the body to make sure it’s reaching both lobes of the liver, and not going anywhere else in the body. That’s how we know it’s safe to start using the treatment pump. We start filling the HAIP with chemotherapy about two weeks after surgery.

What Is So Special About HAIP Therapy?

The liver is the most common site of spread for colorectal cancer. For patients with cancer spread that is limited to the liver, intensifying therapy directly to the liver makes a lot of sense.

The liver has several special properties that make HAIP therapy a very good option. First, it has two sources of blood supply (the portal vein and the hepatic artery). Studies have shown that healthy liver tissue preferentially gets it blood supply and nutrients from the portal vein, whereas growing cancer cells preferentially steal their blood supply and nutrients from the hepatic artery. That means we can preferentially treat cancer cells while sparing healthy liver by directly infusing chemotherapy into the hepatic artery.

The liver is also a unique organ; it’s where many drugs are first broken down by the body. This is called the “first-pass effect.” That means we can give very high doses of medicine directly to the liver, allow them to kill cancer cells, and know that very little chemotherapy ever gets to the rest of the body to cause side effects.

We use a very special type of chemotherapy called FUDR. It’s brought into Canada specifically for the HAIP program, and not used anywhere else. About 99 per cent of the drug is broken down in the liver itself, so we can give really high doses without the risks of side effects that are typically associated with chemotherapy, like nausea. Studies have shown we can give 400 times the dose because it’s going directly into the liver.

How Many Patients Have Had HAIP?

About 105 patients have had the pump implanted at Sunnybrook since HAIP’s inception eight years ago. I work closely with Dr. Paul Karanicolas, the surgeon who implants the pump, and many others. HAIP is such a special program that involves a coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach to care, with close collaboration across surgical oncology, medical oncology (chemotherapy), interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and oncology nursing. A patient’s first point of contact is Christina Kim, the nurse practitioner who oversees the program and helps every patient navigate the HAIP journey.

How Effective Is HAIP?

We’re seeing some really dramatic improvements in our patients. About 25 per cent who have HAIP can go on to have surgery to remove the cancer from their liver. These were patients who didn’t have that option before. Of the 105 patients that we’ve treated, about four have had their cancer completely disappear on imaging. Four others have had a good enough response to go on to other potentially curative therapies, such as a liver transplant.

It’s amazing because in many areas of oncology that I treat, there isn’t a realistic chance of cure. Through HAIP, Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Program is able to offer something that no one else can: a source of hope.

Has the Program Evolved?

While some patients with small spots on the liver can have surgery to remove it, they still face about at least a 50 per cent chance of the cancer coming back. In the United States, some centres are using HAIP to prevent this recurrence.

The other area where HAIP has shown evidence of success across the world is in treating bile duct cancers. At Sunnybrook, we are hoping to expand the use of HAIP in the future to apply to different types of patients and cancers.

How Can People Learn More?

Because we are the only program of its kind in Canada, we get referrals from all over the country. We can only treat patients residing in Ontario, however, because of our funding structure. More details are available on Sunnybrook’s HAIP webpage.

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What does “good nutrition” mean?

Simply, it means making sure a patient gets enough calories and protein to maintain their weight and keep their body strong. For patients who are losing weight or struggling with low appetite, I advise them to choose high-calorie, high-protein foods so they get the most nutrition in every bite. Examples are nuts, seeds, full-fat milk products, eggs, smoothies and shakes. They may find it easier to eat small meals or snacks every two to three hours instead of three larger meals. They can opt for any food that looks appealing. Eating breakfast for dinner is totally fine!

Is protein needed at every meal or snack?

Yes. People with cancer usually need more protein. Protein helps to build muscle and repair healthy cells that are damaged during chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. They can include a protein food, like meat, poultry, fish, legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils), tofu, eggs, dairy products, nuts or seeds at meals and snacks. Protein powder or skim milk powder can also be added to low-protein foods, like oatmeal and congee, to turn them into high-protein foods.

What about hydration?

All liquids provide hydration. If a patient’s weight is stable, water is the drink of choice. If they are losing weight, liquids that contain calories and protein are key; cow’s milk, soy milk, hot chocolate, smoothies, milkshakes and lassi. Soups made with cream, beans or meat contain calories and protein and can help meet nutritional needs.

Are oral nutrition supplements recommended?

Oral nutrition supplement drinks provide extra calories and protein, and can help patients meet their nutritional needs when food is not enough. Patients who are losing weight should pick the “plus calories” versions to get the most nutrition. If they have a medical condition like diabetes or kidney disease, it’s advised they ask a dietitian if a specialized nutrition supplement would be beneficial.

What role does exercise play?

Up to half of newly diagnosed cancer patients have low muscle mass, also called sarcopenia. Low muscle mass can make it harder for patients to do their daily activities and deal with side effects of treatment. Eating enough calories, protein and staying active during treatment helps to maintain and build muscle. Patients should try to be active for 30 minutes every day. Inactive patients can start with 5 minutes of physical activity a day and increase the duration over time.

What are the benefits of good nutrition for patients undergoing cancer treatment?

Good nutrition can help patients maintain their strength, energy, weight and muscle mass. It also means a lower chance of getting an infection or being admitted to hospital during treatment. Robust patients who have good nutrition and exercise regularly usually deal better with the side effects of treatment, stick to their treatment plan, heal and get better faster.

Talk to your health-care team if you have any questions about nutrition or exercise. The Odette Cancer Centre also has nutrition resources for additional support.

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Does sugar feed cancer?

No. Sugar is a carbohydrate and all cells in the body use carbohydrates for energy. If you avoid carbohydrates, that could actually lead to undesired weight loss which is associated with worse outcomes. While it’s always a good idea to focus on eating a variety of nutritious foods, there is no dietary change that can “starve” cancer cells.

Is it ok to eat soy (isoflavones)?

Yes, even for people with hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer. Furthermore, studies suggest that up to three servings of soy foods – like one cup of soy milk or one-third cup of tofu – per day may be protective against colorectal, prostate and breast cancer. It is not recommended to take soy supplements, since they have much higher levels of isoflavones.

Should I avoid eating red meat?

No, but remember moderation. Red meats like beef, pork and lamb provide protein and important vitamins and minerals that are part of a balanced diet. If you choose to eat red meat, limit it to three servings a week; higher amounts are linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. When it comes to processed meats like bacon and deli meats, try to avoid them or only eat small amounts.

Is it safe to eat dairy?

Yes. Dairy provides calories, protein, calcium and vitamin D, which are all important for a healthy diet. Canadian farmers are not allowed to use growth hormones in dairy cows, and all milk is tested to make sure it’s free of antibiotics.

Are there any benefits to opting for organic produce?

Eating fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods, whether they are farmed organically or traditionally, is the best way to reduce your risk of cancer through food. It’s recommended that patients choose produce they enjoy the taste of and that fits their budget. That can include choosing fruits and vegetables that are canned, fresh or frozen.

Should I be taking vitamin/mineral supplements?

No, unless your health-care team recommends you to do so. The body uses vitamins and minerals best when a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and protein foods are included in the diet.

Should all patients undergoing cancer treatment change their diet?

No, unless there are issues with weight loss or symptoms that make it difficult to eat. Following Canada’s Food Guide (food-guide.canada.ca) is a good starting point, and supports a balanced diet containing lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and adequate sources of protein. Talk to your health-care team if you have any questions. The Odette Cancer Centre also has nutrition resources for additional support. (Sunnybrook.ca/cancernutrition)

The post Dispelling the most common myths around nutrition and cancer appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Tell me about your role at Sunnybrook.

I work in the Odette Cancer Centre and the Louise Temerty Breast Centre, seeing patients diagnosed with gastrointestinal and breast cancers. I started on staff in 2020, and my purpose and passion has been to teach trainees the art and science of being a medical oncologist. As physicians, we go through a lot of training. It’s important to give back through teaching, to stay current and to challenge ourselves with fresh ideas.

I teach medical trainees in the clinical and non-clinical settings. A full spectrum of learners come through my clinic, and my goal is to translate textbook knowledge into real-world practice. I also lecture for the residency program and really anyone who is interested to learn more about oncology, and am involved in various education-based projects.

One of those projects is called “Notion”. Tell me more.

Every trainee who comes through the University of Toronto’s internal medicine residency program will complete a rotation in medical oncology. The biggest challenge is to quickly acclimatize to the language of oncology, understand the multi-disciplinary nature of our work and appreciate the complexity of care. It can be overwhelming to be dropped into a subspecialty oncology clinic and understand what is going on.

After connecting with a former senior education leader at our centre, we brainstormed how to tackle this problem. We leveraged an existing free online platform called NOTION. This is a website-building tool for non-coders. The NOTION that we built gives trainees access to a huge number of educational resources, including many handouts on the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer.

Many residents have also contributed to the website. They have worked with my colleagues and I to map out algorithms to approach different types of cancer. Because knowledge in the field of oncology changes fast, we create documents that are easy to digest and provide a Canadian context to treatment.

Has the use of this tool moved beyond Sunnybrook?

I can confidently say that this tool has been accessed by hundreds of trainees across the country. I’m often approached by trainees from other institutions asking to develop their own handouts along with our oncologists. It’s grown organically and it’s exciting to see how it’s taken off.

When I started building this, I didn’t know where it would get to. But I built a few algorithms gradually, and it became a passion project in collaboration with my students. As a teacher, it reaffirms my own knowledge and loops current trainees into exploring new data and studies.

Do you have a memorable student experience?

We learn the most from our mistakes. I’ve had some senior residents point out outdated knowledge present on our handouts. It was a chance for us to review evolving treatments in the field, and how quickly our knowledge has shifted. It was also a reminder that I’m also learning from my students.

What does winning the student experience award mean to you?

I was touched that almost a dozen students wrote letters of support for this award. It was a privilege to be recognized for the work, and affirmed the value of being a teacher.

The post Teaching Tomorrow’s Oncologists appeared first on Your Health Matters.

A good summer skin care routine is essential to counteract the effects of factors like sweating and pollution. It is recommended to wash your face twice a day to remove dirt and excess oil. Immediately after washing, use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores, and avoid heavy products that can cause breakouts.

Sun protection is crucial for everyone all year long. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher regularly and reapply every two to three hours. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays can get through windows, even if you are indoors or inside a car, so wearing sunscreen daily is recommended. Additionally, wear a hat, sunglasses and sun-protective (UPF) clothing to further shield your skin from potential damage.

To prevent the appearance of sun-spots, use tinted sunscreens. Recent studies reveal that visible light, from sources like the sun, indoor lighting and screens, contributes to skin pigmentation. Most sunscreens protect against UV light, which can increase the risk of sunburns and skin cancer, but not against visible light. Tinted sunscreens resemble foundation and contain both UV filters and iron oxides, which block visible light.

If you do happen to get a sunburn this summer, get inside as soon as possible to a cool, air-conditioned space. To help soothe your skin, take cool baths, showers or apply cool compresses. Afterward, gently pat your skin dry and apply a thin layer of a lightweight moisturizer to ease dryness. Using a soothing moisturizer that contains aloe vera or soy can provide additional relief with a cooling effect. If your sunburn is very red and uncomfortable, you can apply an over-the-counter mild hydrocortisone cream two to three times a day. For more severe cases, you may need to see a doctor for a stronger cream. To avoid further irritation wear lightweight, loose clothing and steer clear of irritating skin care products like exfoliating creams. When you go outside again, protect your skin by seeking shade and using sun protection.

During this season and all year long, it’s important to monitor your skin and moles. The Canadian Skin Cancer Foundation has helpful resources to guide you. Be sure to see a doctor if you notice any changes.

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AI is a huge area with many applications. What’s happening at Sunnybrook?

It’s such a vast field, and there is so much going on at Sunnybrook. A lot of the AI research we’ve done at SRI has focused on getting information from pathology and radiology images, like x-rays and scans. We have developed methods to pinpoint disease in an image, and that helps pathologists and radiologists do their jobs better and faster. This also identifies the best treatment for each individual patient. When data from thousands of patients are fed into AI algorithms, that can identify patterns to help treat other people with similar diseases. Historically, finding these patterns would have taken years to do. AI lets us do this more quickly and accurately.

We are also taking advantage of the amazing progress made in developing AI models that are capable of understanding text. When a patient comes into hospital, we are collecting data at many points; the initial conversations at check in, during blood work, imaging and pathology, as well as when treatment is prescribed. All of this data helps us understand each particular patient’s condition, but right now research fellows have to comb over written notes to extract the relevant information. We can harness the recent advances made in AI to carry out this laborious work automatically.

How new is AI at Sunnybrook?

The techniques behind the imaging data collection I mentioned, and the principles of machine-based learning, were developed decades ago. My research team built an AI algorithm capable of analysing breast magnetic resonance images over 15 years ago, and we have continued to explore and develop new techniques ever since.

A few years ago, we gained international recognition after developing the first digital pathology foundation models to exist, meaning we took over one million specimen images from public databases and trained an AI model to understand patterns in what it was seeing. That now helps us figure out what disease a patient may have, or if they are responding to treatment, based on wider patterns. It’s also made it possible for us to develop more accurate AI models more quickly.

AI awareness among the general public and clinicians has increased greatly, and this has led to an eagerness to explore how it can improve patient care.

Some people may be fearful of AI. What do you say to them?

When people think of AI, they often think of ChatGPT and those kinds of applications. At Sunnybrook, we won a Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grant a few years ago which helped us build a state-of-the-art AI computing platform with enough power to allow us to train and run AI models within Sunnybrook’s secure environment. We are very aware of the importance of protecting each patient’s personal health information, and the platform we use ensures that.

What will AI deliver to patients in the next 10 years?

While much of Sunnybrook’s work in AI still isn’t at the point of directly affecting patients yet, that will hopefully change soon. One shift could be patients seeing faster action. For example, we’ve developed an AI algorithm that can find tiny regions of tumour cells in microscopy images. This could reduce the time patients have to wait for results after surgery. One of my colleagues has developed a model to identify brain bleeds in CT scans, so patients at risk can be seen immediately without having to wait for the scan to be read.

Another area would be personalizing medicine, where using AI could help direct what type of treatment or surgery would be optimal for each patient based on their unique circumstances.

AI may also help us use hospital resources more efficiently, and is a real priority at Sunnybrook. Things like using AI to figure out what bloodwork each patient needs based on their condition, which can cut down on unnecessary tests.

Are there downsides to AI?

It’s important to remember that AI is not magic; the algorithms are only as good as the information we feed into them. If an AI model is only trained to look at one group of patients, for example, there will be a built-in bias if applied to others. We need to train our AI models around a varied patient population that reflect the realities of our communities.

AI data also needs to be continually updated. Imagine that we had an AI model that was trained in 2018 to predict whether or not a patient has pneumonia. Today, in a post-COVID world, that model wouldn’t work anymore.

What about the human touch?

AI won’t replace humans in health care. It’s just a tool. AI can be a powerful aid, but we’ll still need the expertise of our clinical staff to understand how we best use it.

The post AI in Action: The AI landscape at Sunnybrook appeared first on Your Health Matters.

Following treatment with chemotherapy and radiation, as well as participation in an immunotherapy trial, Vera says she is now living an active and fulfilling life. Acknowledging the many difficult days she’s experienced since her diagnosis, she says she’s also grateful for all the positives cancer has given her.

“My family had immigrated from Russia to Canada about four years before my diagnosis, so I was working like crazy. There was no time to pay attention to my wellness, or the balance between my work and being a wife and mother.” Vera says having cancer made her stop and reconnect with herself. “It was a gift wrapped in barbed wire.”

Vera identifies as a cancer warrior whose family inspired her to fight for herself. “To do that, I had to completely reconsider my values and what was authentic to me.” Coming from parents who were an architect and an artist, Vera now explores her talents as a painter, writer and visual performer. “Once you’ve been given a cancer diagnosis, there’s nothing else in this world that can scare you. I’m more encouraged to now participate in things that prior to cancer, I wouldn’t dare to do.”

As a recent immigrant, Vera says it was her health care team and those helping her through many difficult moments that gave her a sense of community again. “That made me feel like the universe was supporting me. It wasn’t just me against cancer; it was us dealing with that together.”

During one recent visit to Sunnybrook, she recalls seeing a recruitment poster for the Odette Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). This group includes patient and family members who work to improve the experiences of people with cancer. “It was my birthday when I saw the poster, so joining the PFAC was my gift to myself. Now having 10 years of lived experience, it was a natural way to give back to the community.”

When she talks to other patients, Vera advises them to become their own personal Wikipedia. “Educate yourself around your diagnosis and treatment. You are an important member of the health care team.”

For Vera, many people who were on her team seem more like family now. She still has friendships and connections with many of them, and is known as the “Timbit girl” when she visits the Odette Cancer Centre. “Life can be hard, so a little sugar never hurts!”

The post One patient’s story of life after cancer treatment appeared first on Your Health Matters.

As with many conditions, caregivers play a crucial role in the overall health outcomes and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with cancer. “Caregivers may support with bathing, dressing or preparing meals,” says Dr. Madelaine Baetz-Dougan, a palliative medicine consultant at Sunnybrook. “In addition, they may advocate for their loved one, communicate regularly with them or provide practical support like transportation. Caregivers are at the core of an interprofessional support team for patients.”

The Odette Cancer Centre asked caregivers about their experiences and what advice they could provide to others to maintain their own emotional and physical wellness. Here are some common themes:

Set expectations

Have an open and honest talk with the person you are caring for. It’s important to come to a mutual agreement of what your loved one is expecting from you, and what you expect in return. This can help prevent spending time and energy on worrying about what the other person is thinking and feeling.

Write it down

Keep a journal from diagnosis onwards. This will help you keep track of symptoms, medications, changes, clinical notes and important discussions.

Eat well and stay hydrated

It’s not uncommon to miss meals when you are busy looking after someone else’s needs. Appetite can also be impacted by stress, affecting eating frequency and food choices. Try to make nutrition a priority through meal planning and healthy snacks that are easily accessible.

Take breaks

Just as people are told to put on their oxygen masks first before assisting others, the caregiver role is no different. Breaks and a change in focus, even in small amounts, can be extremely helpful.

Accept help

Get to know all the resources available to you and your loved one before you need them. Don’t wait; it’s easier to reach out when you are ok rather than when you already need them. Also, delegate tasks where you can. In the same way you are providing care, accept help for yourself to reduce other stressors in your life.

Additional resources

• Odette Cancer Centre – Patient and Family Support Program
  
• Canadian Cancer Society 
• Government of Canada
• The Ontario Caregiver Organization
• Wellspring for Caregiver Support 
• Gilda’s Club

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