$5M donated to research emotional burden of cancer diagnosis
CBC
Cancer patients and researchers are hoping a $5-million donation Thursday to cancer-focused emotional and psychological research in Calgary will help future patients deal with the weight of receiving a diagnosis.
Survivor Beth Fortin, who was told two years ago she had Stage 3 breast cancer, says the emotional toll of a diagnosis can rival the strain of physical recovery.
"There is a big stigma around mental health and how we should just be thankful to be alive," said Fortin.
"But the fact of the matter is we are thankful to be alive but we still walk away with a storm inside."
The donation comes from Calgary philanthropist Patrick Daniel, former president and CEO of Enbridge Inc., through his Daniel Family Foundation.
The funds will go toward establishing and funding a research chair in psychosocial oncology at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, located at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. The institute is a partnership between the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services.
Dr. Barry Bultz, a pioneer in the field of psychosocial research, says psychological care is an essential part of treatment and recovery.
"Because we now screen all patients for distress, we're able to determine what level of distress they experience, not only from time of diagnosis, treatment, recurring disease or end of life, but it's a way for us to better access and destigmatize the challenges that they face," said Bultz.
The donation will also go toward creating a collaborative space for psychosocial oncology research inside the new Calgary Cancer Centre, set to open next year at Foothills.
Some Canadian seniors say they're feeling abandoned by the Liberal government's latest inflation relief measure after learning they don't qualify for it.
WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
The weather has certainly been gloomy, damp and windy over the past 10 days in Nova Scotia and it's going to continue this weekend.
Premier Susan Holt says the federal tax holiday on some goods announced Thursday could cost New Brunswick $62 million in revenue.
Thousands in Quebec's Montérégie region will not get their flu and COVID-19 vaccine directly at their seniors' residence anymore.
A 17-year-old boy is dead after he was shot by an RCMP officer in Norway House Cree Nation on Friday.
Saskatchewan road crews and residents alike are getting ready for another icy blast of winter this weekend.
Student leaders at the University of Alberta are criticizing the school's plan to hike tuition — particularly for international students.
Environment Canada says a new fall storm will bring winds gusting up to 110 km/h to southwestern British Columbia on Friday, potentially causing more outages and travel disruption.
Environment Canada says strong winds could cause damage to roofs and windows in P.E.I.'s Kings County and Prince County this weekend, with power outages possible from fallen tree branches.
City council has approved a 3.6 per cent increase in municipal property taxes for next year. The decision follows five days of debate on adjustments to next year's civic budget.