News and Announcements

Smoking Cessation Program Will Include Counseling, Tools, at no Cost

Winnipeg, Manitoba January 18, 2012 - CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) will provide a comprehensive smoking cessation program to cancer patients and their immediate family, to help them stop smoking. Supported by funding from the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation and CCMB, the program will include the best practice approach of combining counseling with treatment such as nicotine patches or medication. Starting with patients facing Thoracic, Head & Neck cancers, smoking cessation services will be available to cancer patients and their immediate family at no cost.

"The grip of this deadly habit is so strong that we have patients who continue to smoke, even while coming to us for treatment of cancer, and many are under the false impression that it is 'too late' because they have cancer already", said CCMB President & CEO, Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal. "Studies show that stopping smoking at any time improves a person's health. For cancer patients it improves their odds of beating cancer and lowers the risk of recurrence of cancer. Quitting smoking is the best option."

Cigarette smoking is the most preventable cause of cancer, particularly lung cancer. Approximately 80-90% of lung cancers are associated with first or second hand exposure to smoke. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in Canada.

While the initial focus will be on Thoracic and Head & Neck cancer patients, which includes lung cancer patients, all CCMB patients facing cancer can consult with the CCMB smoking cessation staff.

CCMB's Smoking Cessation Services will help patients and their families deal with the emotional and physical aspects of quitting smoking, through a full range of supportive cessation treatments.

"We are doing more than just encouraging our patients to quit ? we're giving them the tools to quit", says Jill Taylor Brown, Director of CCMB's Patient and Family Support Services, which will jointly coordinate the CCMB Smoking Cessation Clinic with CCMB's Pharmacy and Nursing departments. "Patients will be offered the help from a team that includes a nurse practitioner, a social worker and pharmacist, who will provide support and guidance on how to successfully quit smoking for the long term."

According to latest results from the Canadian Community Health Survey, almost 19% of Manitobans are smokers. Adults between the ages of 20 to 34 years have the highest rate of smoking. Quitting smoking at any age helps, with greater benefits realized the younger the smoker kicks the habit.

For more information contact:
David Hultin
Communications Coordinator
CancerCare Manitoba
(204) 787-4540 or david.hultin@cancercare.mb.ca

CancerCare Manitoba is charged by an act of the Manitoba legislature with responsibility for cancer prevention, detection, care, research and education for the people of Manitoba. As a centre of choice, we are dedicated to excellence in cancer care, to enhancing quality of life for those living with cancer and blood disorders, and to improving cancer control for all Manitobans.

Manitoba Moving Forward With $40-million, System-wide Cancer Strategy: Premier

MORDEN-WINKLER^_Manitoba's first regional CancerCare hub will soon open as part of the province's $40-million commitment to help Manitobans affected by cancer, Premier Greg Selinger announced today at the Boundary Trails Health Centre.

"Today, we're following through on our commitment to fight cancer together by connecting patients, patient navigators, doctors, nurses and other health-care providers to provide faster access to testing, diagnosis and treatment," said Selinger. "This new CancerCare hub expands on the chemotherapy services currently available through our community cancer programs and will be the first of many to provide co-ordinated, world-class cancer care no matter where you live."

Four more hubs will be strategically developed at existing community cancer program sites over the next year as part of a broader investment of nearly $3 million to transform all 16 existing sites over the next three years, said Selinger. The co-ordinated services offered by these hubs will help move the province toward its ultimate goal of accelerating the cancer patient journey to two months or less, he said. The hubs will also help co-ordinate access to expanded services like cancer screening and early detection services, cancer risk-reduction programs and palliative care.

"Today's announcement continues the transformation of the cancer system, so that Manitoba patients benefit from rapid, compassionate cancer care in action," said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and chief executive officer of CancerCare Manitoba. "The system will be re-engineered to connect state-of the-art cancer expertise with primary care to provide rapid treatment and to offer increased support services at community cancer sites, to ease the worry and wait of those facing this disease."

To support the work of the CancerCare hubs and reduce wait times to two months or less, patient navigators are already in place in the Assiniboine, Brandon, Central, Interlake and Parkland health regions, with plans to hire additional navigators over the next few years. Once this program is fully established, every new cancer patient in the province will be able to access a navigator who will follow their referrals, testing, diagnosis and treatment to ensure care is provided without delay and to advocate on their behalf whenever necessary to speed up care, said the premier. Each CancerCare hub will also have a lead clinician, who will be the region's primary contact for cancer expertise, support and resources.

"Supported by navigators and other resources available through this hub, many of our clients and their families will experience reduced stress throughout their journey from diagnosis to treatment," said Kathy McPhail, chief executive officer of the Regional Health Authority ^_ Central Manitoba. "Through collaborative efforts and valued partnerships, we can collectively meet our mandate to achieve the best possible health outcomes for our community."

There are 16 community cancer programs that currently offer chemotherapy to rural Manitobans. With over 23,000 patient visits per year, these sites avoid 10 million kilometres of travel to and from Winnipeg for patients and their families, said Selinger. In total, 10 existing community sites will become full regional CancerCare hubs offering an increased range of cancer care, supports and expertise, and the remaining six smaller community sites will become satellite hubs, offering expanded support services while connecting into other regional hubs as needed. All hubs and sites will work together with patients and families to offer world-class care and enhanced support during the entire patient journey, the premier added.

"Our comprehensive strategy for improving the cancer patient's journey will help Manitobans and their families connect with compassionate and responsive care when they need it, as close to home as possible," said Health Minister Theresa Oswald. "We are building on the dedication and compassion of hundreds of Manitobans who provide testing, treatment and care to the many others whose lives are affected by cancer."

Health-care providers will be able to access regional expertise and support from the CancerCare hubs, CancerCare Manitoba and the recently established Manitoba Cancer Partnership steering committee, a group of health-care leaders focused on integrating services to provide timely and seamless access to diagnostics and treatment, said Oswald. Workshops and other educational opportunities about the cancer-care system will continue to be offered to family physicians to ensure they have the information and tools necessary to provide appropriate, timely care to patients, she said.

Every year, more than 6,000 Manitobans are diagnosed with cancer, while up to 10 times that number are suspected of having cancer and undergo testing before it is ruled out. Like most other jurisdictions, Manitoba is projecting a 50 per cent increase in cancer cases over the next 20 years.

Manitoba's five-year, $40-million, system-wide cancer transformation strategy will streamline and fast track the cancer patient journey from when a family doctor's first suspects a diagnosis of cancer until the time treatment starts including referrals, testing, diagnosis, re testing and the development of a treatment plan, said Oswald. It is estimated this journey now takes three to nine months, she said, adding Manitoba's goal is to achieve a benchmark of two months or less through a number of initiatives including:

• introducing cancer patient navigators to advocate on behalf of patients by co-ordinating care;
• identifying care delays and issues and resolving them to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment;
• streamlining health services for cancer patients and prioritizing areas for action;
• guaranteeing an appointment with a specialist within two weeks or less for urgent referrals;
• developing a rapid diagnostic network for cancer patients to better link and speed up diagnostic imaging and pathology;
• and establishing the Manitoba Cancer Partnership steering committee, a coalition of health-care leaders tasked by the minister to ensure all parts of the health-care system are working together to deliver seamless access and patient care as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Grab the popcorn and make plans to attend CancerCare Manitoba's first ever mini film festival on Saturday, November 26th!

This educational event coordinated by Patient and Family Support Services along with the Younger and Wiser planning group features three short films to help increase awareness of the issues facing younger women with breast cancer, as well as young women at high risk for breast cancer. A facilitated panel discussion with those who have experienced these issues first hand will follow each film.

In "At My Mother's Breast", local filmmaker Heather Watson-Burgess is a 27 year old daughter of a woman with breast cancer, who is the daughter of a woman with breast cancer, who is the daughter of a woman with breast cancer. Heather illustrates an extraordinary story of a family's experience as they go through the process together and come out forever changed.

"Jonna's Body, Please Hold" is an award winning one-woman show where a sassy receptionist fields calls from a parade of quirky body parts. After surviving cancer three times, the filmmaker 'wanted to make a show that expresses the fullness of life: the laughter, joy, silliness and power as well as the struggle.'

"I Don't Have Time for This: Diagnosed with Breast Cancer When You Least Expect It" is a documentary about five young women who will not let breast cancer get in the way of their lives - they simply don't have time for it!

The event is open to the public. Anyone who is interested or affected by breast cancer including patients, family, friends, students, and health professionals are encouraged to attend between 11:15am-4:30pm. Admission is free, but seating at the Park Theatre (698 Osborne St.) is limited. Register early by calling 787-4119.

The film festival is dedicated to Pamela Hasker, a founding member of the Younger and Wiser planning group. Donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation in Pamela's memory are supporting this event.

Medical Radiation Technologists (MRT) week in Canada is an annual celebration of the crucial role that medical radiation technologists play in the healthcare system. This week always includes World Radiography Day which occurs on November the 8th, the day that Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen discovered x-rays.

Medical Radiation Technologists include: Radiation Therapists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, MRI technologists and X-ray technologists. MRTs provide the professional imaging and radiation-related treatment services with a caring touch that allows patients to fully benefit from the latest medical diagnostic and treatment technologies. From November 6 to 12, 2011, MRTs across Canada are once again celebrating their profession with their community, colleagues, and each other in order to promote The Image of Care.

For more information, please visit www.imageofcare.ca.

$24-million Centre Brings Cancer Care Closer to Home for Westman Residents: Selinger

BRANDON - The new, $24-million Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will bring optimal cancer treatment closer to home for Manitobans living in the western part of the province, which was officially opened here today by Premier Greg Selinger.

"Our investment in the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre offers more treatment options to Westman residents," said Selinger. "The centre's radiation therapy program alone will serve as many as 400 Brandon and area residents every year who otherwise would have had to travel to Winnipeg."

The Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will provide residents of Brandon and surrounding areas with a regional cancer centre offering chemotherapy, support services and outpatient care, as well as providing radiation therapy services outside of Winnipeg for the first time.

"The centre will be of enormous benefit to the residents of western Manitoba, reducing travel and expenses for cancer treatment and enabling many to return to the comfort of their homes following treatment," said Brian Schoonbaert, chief executive officer of the Brandon Regional Health Authority. "In addition, the alliance involving Manitoba Health, CancerCare Manitoba and the Brandon region demonstrates how partnerships and innovation can lead to improvement in the health-care system."

Once fully operational, the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will provide a hub of cancer services including:

• a radiation therapy department with a linear accelerator for treatment;
• a chemotherapy unit with 20 chemotherapy treatment stations and support space;
• a supportive care area for a pharmacist, dietician, a social worker and psychologist;
• an outpatient clinic;
• a quiet area for patients and family members; and
• volunteer space.

The centre is a partnership that blends the staff and expertise of both the Brandon Regional Health Authority and CancerCare Manitoba, creating 32 new positions in Brandon. Information technology further complements the partnership by seamlessly connecting staff in Winnipeg and Brandon, encouraging medical consultations and educational exchanges without the need for travel.

"Teamwork has been key in bringing this facility into existence, and we look forward to continuing this partnership as the doors open," said Dr. Dhali Dhaliwal, president and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba. "We are committed to providing the highest quality care closer to home for the residents of Brandon and western Manitoba."

The premier noted the new centre builds on other recent investments in cancer services including:

• committing $40 million to streamline cancer services, improve the cancer patient journey and reduce wait times;
• committing to invest $70 million in a new-state-of-the-art facility for CancerCare Manitoba to improve diagnostics, treatment and research that will help Manitoba families;
• improving access to breast cancer screening with the replacement of two mobile breast cancer screening vans;
• investing $720,000 to provide community cancer services as well as health and wellness programs at a new wellness centre in Eriksdale;
• implementing Coloncheck, Manitoba?s colorectal cancer screening program;
• increasing funding for oncology drugs and adding new cancer drugs to the provincial formulary;
• reducing wait times for radiation therapy to a best-in-Canada median of one week from a six-week average wait in 1999 (up to 18 weeks for starting prostate cancer treatments), and ensuring these waits stay short with a wait-time guarantee; and
• focusing on prevention through healthy living initiatives and funding voluntary HPV vaccination.

Backgrounder

Western Manitoba Cancer Centre

The Western Manitoba Cancer Centre is being developed through a partnership between the Brandon Regional Health Authority and CancerCare Manitoba. The total project cost is approximately $24 million.

The building is an approximately 22,250-square-foot, single-storey building with a partial basement and crawlspace. It is connected to Brandon Regional Health Centre via a tunnel. The building has been constructed in compliance with the Government of Manitoba's Green Building Policy. The following are some examples of the technology and building techniques that were used:

• geothermal technology,
• extensive use of natural light,
• heat-recovery systems,
• daylight and occupancy sensors, and
• low-flow toilets and infrared sinks.

The Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will house:

• a central waiting area and reception for all patients;
• a clinic area with four exam rooms, a central clinic control area, a multidisciplinary workroom, a group room and a rounds room;
• the expanded chemotherapy department including regular patient stations as well as a stretcher bay, phlebotomy chairs and a full isolation room;
• the radiation therapy department, with a waiting/change area, a CT simulator, a full treatment-planning department, a state-of-the-art linear accelerator and a nuclear electronics/physics lab;
• numerous rooms/areas that will help to enhance the patient experience including a Look Good, Feel Better room, a teaching room and a garden area; and
• space for volunteers, who provide valuable support to patients and staff.

There will be extensive use of information technology including:

• four permanent Manitoba Telehealth units to allow patients to have clinic visits with oncologists in Winnipeg, enhancing services that already exist in Brandon;
• treatment planning for radiation therapy patients will be directly linked to CancerCare Manitoba to allow for multidisciplinary consulting;
• introduction of tablet PCs for health-care workers to create efficiencies in workflow; and
• electronic patient check-in.

The bunker housing the linear accelerator will be built above ground, a first in Manitoba. It will also be door-free, another first for Manitoba. The linear accelerator will be capable of delivering radiation using the latest treatment techniques. The centre will also have a dedicated CT simulator equipped with all the latest technology.

This facility and program will lead to the creation of approximately 32 new positions, a combination of CancerCare Manitoba and Brandon Regional Health Authority staff.

In 2002, 257 patients from the Brandon and Assiniboine health regions had at least one course of radiation therapy and were required to travel to Winnipeg to receive this treatment. It is projected that between 300 and 400 patients per year will receive their radiation therapy in Brandon.

The Western Manitoba Cancer Centre will link current and existing resources such as chemotherapy, early detection and surveillance resources, self-help survivorship groups, volunteer activities, etc., with the new resources to help prevent gaps and disconnects for patients and families.