also, one of the challenges that we face in canada, but it’s not unique to canada, are issues around equity. there’s some really interesting research looking at how to tackle disparities in access to care. researchers are creating new drugs or new technologies, but then there’s also research into how we make sure that canadians are getting what we can give them now.
is there a message of hope for people who have had a recent diagnosis or are in the midst of treatments?
dr. w: i sometimes say to my patients, ‘i promise, i’ll always be honest with you, good or bad.’ if it’s bad, that’s what they need. usually, i can honestly follow that up with saying, ‘but i have some realistic hope to give you,’ because hope is so important. there is genuine hope because of things like immunotherapy, where we can guide the patient and their oncologist toward a more tailored treatment. we do that because it works. there are more opportunities to help people to live longer and live better.
when anyone gets a cancer diagnosis, it’s a major thing. i’ve seen so many of my patients inspire me by how they tackle getting a cancer diagnosis. they take it as an opportunity to review different elements of their life. for some of them it’s practical things, like getting their affairs straightened out just in case things don’t go well. for other people, it’s engaging their bucket list or spending time with the people they love. there’s a lot of hope in terms of treatments, but there’s also a lot of hope when people refocus on what’s important to them. there are so many people faced with a cancer diagnosis where it just brings out the best in them.
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