CCSN has written open letters to the health ministers of provinces in which elective surgeries – which includes most cancer surgeries – have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Below is an excerpt from the letter to the Ontario government. All the letters are available on CCSN's website.

The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network (CCSN) is very concerned that the province of Ontario has instructed hospitals to “pause ‘non-emergent and non-urgent’ procedures and surgeries until at least January 26, 2022.” These procedures and surgeries include surgery and other procedures for cancer.

The disheartening results of CCSN’s three Leger surveys conducted during the first three waves of COVID-19 have shown that the impact of COVID-19 on Canadian cancer patients has been severe and have led to a second public health crisis.

For example, over four in 10 patients, seven in 10 caregivers, and nearly six in 10 waiting to find out whether they have cancer or not had appointments cancelled or rescheduled during the pandemic. Three in ten caregivers, seven per cent of patients, and 18 per cent of those awaiting a diagnosis have had a surgery or other procedure cancelled.

CCSN encourages anyone who is likewise concerned about the consequences for cancer patients of the cancelling of elective surgeries to write to their elected representatives and provincial health ministers as well. Let CCSN know if you are reaching out by copying jmanthorne@survivornet.caon your email.

CCSN's entire 2021 webinar series is available on YouTube! Here are a few of the highlights from last year's webinars.

How Government Works in Canada

January 22, 2021

In this webinar, Ryan Clarke provides an overview of the structure of our federal and provincial governments. He reviews how citizens can engage our decision-makers and emphasizes the importance of advocacy in the context of elections.

Watch the video | View the slides

Let's Talk Lymphedema

March 4, 2021

Our presenters talk about the work the LAO does, provide information about the causes and symptoms of lymphedema, and inform lymphedema patients on how to access help and support. They will also include the physiotherapist perspective and discuss what treatments are available.

Watch the video | View the slides

Drug Approval & Reimbursement Processes in Canada

March 18, 2021

This webinar provides an overview of the drug approval and reimbursement processes; reviews the updated CADTH patient group/clinician input processes; and examines how the processes are connected and flow into one another.

Watch the video | View the slides

What's New in the Treatment of Gliomas (Brain Tumours)

A Neuro-Oncologist's Perspective

April 29, 2021

This presentations highlight the promising new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of gliomas, with a focus on trials or therapies that will soon be available for Canadian patients.

Watch the video | View the slides

Tumour Agnostic Treatments and the Future of Specialized Medicine

From a Clinician and Patient Perspective

May 27, 2021

Twenty years ago, Dr. Poul Sorensen discovered a gene mutation in a rare paediatric cancer, which has led to the development of a new drug that targets tumours not according to their location in the body, but by targeting a certain property of the tumour cells, called a biomarker.

In this webinar, Dr. Sorensen speaks about his groundbreaking discovery and how it contributed to the development of tumour agnostic treatments. He is joined by Dr. Zulfiqar, a medical oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency, and Ted Taylor, a TRK fusion cancer patient.

Watch the video | View the slides

Tell your Federal Member of Parliament
(Responsible for Pandemic Planning)

Tell your Provincial Representative
(Responsible for Healthcare)