Ovarian Cancer Canada's Telephone Education Series is presented free of charge to women nationwide. You can find information on upcoming sessions in our news and events section, or view our Program Calendar. You can also listen to past recordings on our Youtube channel.
Past topics include:
If the Cancer Comes Back: Information About Ovarian Cancer Recurrence
Fear of recurrence can be a big source of anxiety for ovarian cancer survivors. For some women, it does return. This session addresses some typical questions: How is a recurrence usually diagnosed? How helpful is the CA125 in diagnosing recurrence? What are the treatment options if cancer recurs? When is surgery an option? When are clinical trials a treatment option? What are the questions you should be asking your gynaecologist oncologist if the cancer recurs? What resources are most helpful for getting through a recurrence?
Speaker:
- Christopher Giede MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Saskatchewan, Head of the Division of Gynaecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences
Fatigue, Chemo Brain & Ovarian Cancer
Side effects of cancer treatment can have profound and long term effects on the body and the mind. This session deals with two significant issues; fatigue and chemo-brain. What causes the fatigue and what can you do to boost your energy? How can you minimize the cognitive side effects that seem to last for so long?
Speakers:
- Christine Leblanc, RN has worked in Oncology at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal since 1997
- Dr Diane Provencher is a Gynecologic Oncologist at. Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal
Sexuality, Intimacy and Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer can have profound effects on a woman’s sexuality and on her relationship with her partner. It is not easy to discuss sexuality and intimacy and it is hard to know where to turn to have questions and concerns addressed.
Speaker:
- Anne Katz, RN PhD, sexuality counsellor at Cancer Care Manitoba in Winnipeg, and author of “Breaking the Silence on Cancer and Sexuality: A Handbook for Health Care Providers” published by the Oncology Nursing Society in 2007
Like Fish Out of Water
Two men talk about the challenges they face in trying to be supportive to their spouses who have cancer. This is Like Fish Out of Water, a play that looks at the usually unspoken struggles of men who want to be helpful. The men talk about the shock of their partner’s diagnosis, about the need to take on roles that their partner previously held, the mistakes they make in trying to be helpful, the physical changes that their partners go through and how they deal with those, the implications of illness for intimacy, the deep fears that remain hidden, the ways they learn to cope and how they think about their own needs as supporters of their women.
- Dr Ross Gray, psychologist and researcher (formerly of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre) co-wrote the play based on a study on which he collaborated
On the Move: Benefits of exercise during your ovarian cancer journey
Exercise benefits cancer patients dealing with fatigue. Studies prove that, even for survivors, physical inactivity and obesity are risk factors for developing cancer and other illnesses. Learn i) how exercise can enhance your health and well being, both during and after treatment; and ii) what kind of exercises to do.
Speaker:
- Dee Miller, Founder and Executive Director of Renewed Strength Inc., Toronto
I Love to Laugh! Laughter Therapy During Tough Times
Studies confirm it - laugher is beneficial for your health. What are the therapeutic effects of laughter therapy on the brain and the body? What is the current research on humour and laughter? Learn about the place of laughter and humour in our history and in our culture. Discover how developing your sense of humour and playfulness enhances your well being.
Speaker:
- Florence Vinit, PhD, Psychosocial Director and founding member of Dr Clown, Montreal
Questions Kids Ask or Don’t! Talking with Children and Grandchildren about your Cancer
Unsure of how to start a conversation about your cancer; don’t know exactly what to say and how to say it - this teleconference outlines innovative and practical strategies for communicating with children.
Speakers:
- Andrea Warnick, RN, grief counsellor at Max and Beatrice Wolfe Centre for Children’s Grief and Palliative Care, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
- Katrina Longfield, RN, staff nurse on the inpatient Palliative Care Unit at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto.
Are Clinical Trials Right for You? Information About Accessing Clinical Trials
Want to know more about clinical trials for ovarian cancer. Which new drugs are being tested? Where are clinical trials held? What are the criteria to participate? How does a clinical trial work exactly? What can you expect if you take part in one? This teleconference provides you with this information and much more.
Speaker:
- Dr. Gavin Stuart, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, Chair for the Gynecology Site Committee of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group
Wake Up Call! Dealing with Insomnia
Can’t fall asleep, restless during the night and waking up in the wee hours of the morning? Your daily routine suffers and you want a solution. Research increasingly shows how important sleep is to our well being. Tune in and find out what you can do to get the sleep you need.
Speaker:
- Josée Savard, PhD, Cancer Research Center of Laval University
Here and Now: Mindfulness, Meditation and Stress Management
Living with ovarian cancer stresses you; you wish you could let go of the anxiety, fear and worry. In a study in which he collaborated, Dr. Michael Speca found that a mindfulness meditation-based stress reduction program positively affected mood and stress symptoms in cancer patients. Tune in and find out how mindfulness meditation practice can help you begin to calm your body and mind.
Speaker:
- Michael Speca, PsyD, Department of Psychosocial Resources, Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary
Coping with Chemo: Peripheral Neuropathy
Important and accessible information on dealing with common side effects of chemotherapy.
Speakers:
- Dr. Lesa Dawson, Gynecologic Oncologist, Newfoundland Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, St. John’s
- Kathy Fitzgerald, RN, Patient care Coordinator, Newfoundland Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, St. John’s
- Carlo D’Angelis, Pharmacist, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto
The “B” Word: Dealing with the bowel side effects of chemo
Information on how to deal with a pervasive issue that may result from chemotherapy.
Speakers:
- Laurie Elit, MD Gynecologic Oncologist, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton, Ontario
- Janet Giroux, RN Advanced Practice Nurse in at Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario, Kingston
Advocacy: Speaking up for your care and finances
Addresses issues of advocating on one’s behalf as a patient or family member regarding care and finances.
Speakers:
- Mary Klaassen, Client Advocate, Canadian Cancer Society (Saskatchewan)
- Pamela Bowes, Director of Support with Lupus Canada
- Linda Tyre, Patient Representative, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton
Complementary and Alternative Therapies and Cancer
Many women have questions about the safe use of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CAM) in helping to deal with side effects of treatment for ovarian cancer. They also are looking for ways to attend to their well being in general as they go through treatment and beyond.
Speakers:
- Tracy Truant, RN, MSN works for British Columbia Cancer Agency and is a nurse researcher
- Cheryl Proctor, BA, RMT, ND is an Associate Professor at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine specializing in women's health