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  • Let's Discuss...fear of cancer recurrence A patient’s cancer journey doesn’t end after treatment. Almost half of all cancer patients have a strong fear their cancer will return. Caregivers also experience similar fears.

    Have you experienced fear or recurrence? At what ...
    Date created: 08/24/2020 11:22 AM
  • Let's discuss...weight gain or loss during treatment
    Join the discussion

    Eating well can be a challenge when you have cancer. And everyone is affected differently depending on cancer type and treatment. Some people find their eating habits change only slightly, while others find that ...
    Date created: 07/30/2020 09:47 AM
  • Let's Discuss...exercising at home Join the discussion here

    With physical distancing in effect over the last few months, many people may have adapted their exercise routines. Are you currently exercising at home? Did you start exercising at home due to social ...
    Date created: 07/07/2020 03:55 PM
  • Let's Discuss...managing the risk of COVID-19 If you have cancer, you are at a higher risk for more serious outcomes of COVID-19. Cancer is considered an underlying medical condition. And some cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can weaken ...
    Date created: 04/14/2020 03:17 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Empathy vs Sympathy
    Join the discussion here

    Please share your thoughts and experiences with empathy vs sympathy. Describe a time you felt heard and understood. What did you find most helpful?

    Date created: 02/11/2020 09:09 AM
  • Let's Discuss...2020 Happy New Year!

                                                                                                  Join the discussion here!

    A New Year's resolution is a promise a person makes for the new year. Regardless of what resolution you commit to, the goal is to ...
    Date created: 01/08/2020 10:24 AM

Let's discuss

  • Let's Discuss...fear of cancer recurrence A patient’s cancer journey doesn’t end after treatment. Almost half of all cancer patients have a strong fear their cancer will return. Caregivers also experience similar fears.

    Have you experienced fear or recurrence? At what ...
    Date created: 08/24/2020 11:22 AM
  • Let's discuss...weight gain or loss during treatment
    Join the discussion

    Eating well can be a challenge when you have cancer. And everyone is affected differently depending on cancer type and treatment. Some people find their eating habits change only slightly, while others find that ...
    Date created: 07/30/2020 09:47 AM
  • Let's Discuss...exercising at home Join the discussion here

    With physical distancing in effect over the last few months, many people may have adapted their exercise routines. Are you currently exercising at home? Did you start exercising at home due to social ...
    Date created: 07/07/2020 03:55 PM
  • Let's Discuss...managing the risk of COVID-19 If you have cancer, you are at a higher risk for more serious outcomes of COVID-19. Cancer is considered an underlying medical condition. And some cancer treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can weaken ...
    Date created: 04/14/2020 03:17 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Empathy vs Sympathy
    Join the discussion here

    Please share your thoughts and experiences with empathy vs sympathy. Describe a time you felt heard and understood. What did you find most helpful?

    Date created: 02/11/2020 09:09 AM
  • Let's Discuss...2020 Happy New Year!

                                                                                                  Join the discussion here!

    A New Year's resolution is a promise a person makes for the new year. Regardless of what resolution you commit to, the goal is to ...
    Date created: 01/08/2020 10:24 AM
  • Let's Discuss...Holiday Traditions
    Join the Discussion Here!
     
    The holidays are traditionally viewed as a time to celebrate. Many people enjoy reuniting with family and friends, exchanging gifts and celebrating religious traditions during this time. However, ...
    Date created: 12/13/2019 10:09 AM
  • Let's Discuss...Isolation and Loneliness Join the discussion here !

    Cancer can make you feel very alone. Friends and family may not phone or visit as often as you’d like. You may feel too sick to work or enjoy social activities. Even when you’re with people, you may feel that no one ...
    Date created: 11/20/2019 02:02 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Fatigue Join the conversation here !

    Fatigue is the most common symptom for people with cancer and the most common side effect of cancer treatment. It is a general lack of energy, tiredness or exhaustion. It is different from the tiredness a ...
    Date created: 11/06/2019 11:06 AM
  • Let's Discuss...summertime memories Camping, biking, swimming, hiking, road trips….

    Take a moment to look back and share your favourite summertime memories. If you were recently diagnosed or caring for someone with cancer this summer may have felt much different than ...
    Date created: 08/07/2019 09:28 AM
  • Let's Discuss...your top 3 tips for coping with cancer A cancer diagnosis can affect much more than the physical body. It can also affect emotions and relationships. Your emotions can be very strong, conflicting or disturbing. They may come and go quickly, and they may change often. For ...
    Date created: 07/12/2019 09:35 AM
  • Let's Discuss...sun safety Join the discussion here !

    No one is completely safe from the sun. In Canada, sunlight is strong enough to cause skin cancer, premature aging of the skin and harm to the eyes. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it’s also one ...
    Date created: 06/10/2019 03:13 PM
  • Let's Discuss...pain Pain can be a common side effect of cancer and its treatments, but having cancer doesn’t mean you have to live with pain. Managing pain is part of your overall treatment plan. Talking about your pain helps your healthcare team ...
    Date created: 05/02/2019 10:15 AM
  • The stigma of cancer: how blaming or outright avoidance affects cancer survivors For our latest “Let’s discuss” topic, we asked our online community members if they had experienced cancer stigma, a negative or undesirable perception of a person affected by cancer. Previously, some of our members have shared that ...
    Date created: 11/17/2015 02:45 PM
  • How I Cope with Cancer during the Holidays On Monday December 7, we hosted a webcast Coping with Cancer during the Holidays . During the webcast, Holly Benson was one of our speakers and shared how she coped with cancer after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2012. After 33 days ...
    Date created: 01/18/2016 02:54 PM
  • Online community offers some guidance for coping with a loved one’s diagnosis With many provinces in the country celebrating a holiday Monday this past weekend, in addition to Valentine’s Day, there were many opportunities to spend time with loved ones. For families with a loved one who has been diagnosed with ...
    Date created: 02/16/2016 03:15 PM
  • Taking care of yourself during treatment Going through cancer treatment can be very difficult on both one’s mind and body. Keeping up energy levels and staying positive are often challenges.  So it’s important to take extra care of yourself during treatment. This month we ...
    Date created: 03/21/2016 10:53 AM
  • Lets Discuss...awkward reactions from friends

    Have you noticed that your friends, family or colleagues behave differently around you since being diagnosed? Your mental health may take a toll from these situations. Join in this conversation – let’s discuss how to handle awkward ...
    Date created: 10/03/2016 04:06 PM

  • Let's Discuss...Realistic or positive thinking Do you believe that positive thinking makes you healthier? Do you feel the pressure of always being positive? Do you feel guilty when you have negative thoughts?
     

    Date created: 11/01/2016 12:25 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Information on the Internet Information on the Internet: does it reassure or cause worry? 

    The Internet is a simple and fast tool to search for information. How easy is it to separate fact from fiction? Do you prefer to know as much or as little as possible? Does the ...
    Date created: 12/06/2016 11:23 AM
  • Let's Discuss...ongoing projects and hobbies Do you have a hobby that you love? Does it help you relieve stress and help you focus on something other than your cancer treatment? Are you a painter,crocheter,bowler,wood worker, runner, cyclist? Are you starting a new project with ...
    Date created: 01/20/2017 02:45 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Love and Relationships Cancer impacts an individual physically and mentally.  Do you have a significant other, if so how did your diagnosis impact your relationship?  Did it bring you closer together, or cause some challenges?  If you’re single how has ...
    Date created: 02/02/2017 04:05 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Sharing on CancerConnection
    Do you feel comfortable enough to write how you really feel?  Do you hold back how you really feel so it does not discourage other members?  Are you modest when it comes to sharing your good news?  Do you avoid 'complaining' because ...
    Date created: 03/01/2017 11:25 AM
  • Let's discuss... living with cancer or fighting cancer?
    The idea of 'fighting' cancer is socially widespread. On the other hand, a fight implies that there is a winner and a loser. It is common to hear that someone has lost their fight against cancer, as if they were responsible for the ...
    Date created: 04/06/2017 01:35 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Body Image and Cancer A cancer diagnosis, treatment, and side effects can leave you feeling different about your body. What tips do you suggest to promote a healthy body image? 
    Date created: 05/01/2017 03:13 PM
  • Let's discuss... laughter is good for your health, but living with cancer is not funny!
    Does humour help you cope with cancer? 
    How does laughter help you? 
    What makes you laugh?
     
    Date created: 06/28/2017 01:22 PM
  • Let's Discuss...creativity as a therapeutic tool Can creativity help you live with cancer?

    You don't have to be an expert to reap the benefits of creativity in your life! Does writing, drawing, music, photography, cooking or any other form of expression allow you to express how you ...
    Date created: 08/01/2017 03:40 PM
  • Let’s Discuss….. Identity beyond cancer Are you a mother, father, sister, brother, artist, singer, friend? You are so much more than your diagnosis. Let’s discuss the roles that truly define you. 


     
     

     
    Date created: 09/08/2017 03:24 PM
  • Let's Discuss...the importance of caregivers
    Caregivers play an important role in the cancer journey.  They often wear many hats, providing rides to appointments, personal care, and emotional support.  Do you have someone who cares for and supports you?  Can you imagine this ...
    Date created: 10/02/2017 11:45 AM
  • Let's Discuss...dealing with change
    Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or are caring for someone with cancer, you will probably need to deal with many practical issues, make tough decisions and cope with a range of emotions.

    What changes do you find ...
    Date created: 11/01/2017 02:39 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Finding joy this holiday season Let's discuss... finding joy this holiday season!
     
    How will you adapt your holiday plans to accommodate your treatment or side effects this holiday season? Have you scheduled in some time for the things that you enjoy and that matter ...
    Date created: 12/04/2017 01:33 PM
  • Let's Discuss...the comfort a pet can bring  
    For some, just the sight of an adorable animal can brighten their day and lift their spirits. For others, interacting with a pet can offer comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation. If you are going through a cancer experience, or ...
    Date created: 01/08/2018 02:15 PM
  • Let's Discuss...talking about Cancer

    Let’s Discuss….talking about cancer.

     

    There isn’t a right or wrong way to talk about cancer. Who you tell and how you talk about cancer may be different depending on your relationship with the person you're talking to. How did the ...
    Date created: 02/01/2018 03:00 PM

  • Let's Discuss...Relay for Life
     
    Have you participated in Relay for Life in the past-If so what was your favourite part of Relay for Life? Do you plan on attending this year? What event will you be attending?

    Click here to find an event near you!
    Date created: 05/01/2018 02:27 PM
  • Let's Discuss...good news and bad news
     
    Who is your "go to" person when you have news about your cancer diagnosis? Does your person change based on whether it is positive news or challenging news? What is your preferred method of communication?

    As a caregiver who is your "go ...
    Date created: 03/15/2018 10:22 AM
  • Let's Discuss... If you have cancer, your healthcare team has probably created a plan with treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. These are all conventional ways to treat cancer. Many other kinds of therapies, called ...
    Date created: 06/07/2018 10:54 AM
  • Let's discuss...people in the public eye Let's Discuss ... people in the public eye that have shared openly about their cancer experience.

    In recent years, we have had Ben Stiller (prostate), Olivia Newton-John (Breast), Fran Drescher (uterine), Hugh Jackman (skin) and ...
    Date created: 01/11/2019 12:21 PM
  • Let's discuss...medical visits A diagnosis of cancer often means you will have a number of medical appointments to attend. How do you feel when you have an upcoming appointment? What helps you prepare?

    As a caregiver how do you support your loved one with medical ...
    Date created: 02/08/2019 12:43 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Educating your peers about cancer Since your experience being diagnosed with cancer or as a caregiver do you find yourself educating others about cancer risks? Is it rewarding to share your knowledge to help others? Has the information been well received by your ...
    Date created: 08/09/2018 10:53 AM
  • Let's Discuss summertime snacks Summertime is a great time of year to get fresh fruits and vegetables and when it comes to eating well, you can’t do any better than vegetables and fruit. In fact, people of all ages need more daily servings of vegetables and fruit than any ...
    Date created: 07/06/2018 02:02 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Chemotherapy What was your reaction to learning that Chemotherapy would be part of your treatment plan? What have been, or what are your biggest challenges with this treatment? Share 3 tips that helped you get through Chemotherapy.

    For ...
    Date created: 09/05/2018 11:09 AM
  • Let's Discuss...caregiver burnout Caregiver burnout  is a state of physical, emotional, and mental  exhaustion . Caregivers  who are "burned out" may experience fatigue, stress, anxiety, and depression.
    • Have you or are you experiencing caregiver burnout? 
    • For ...
    Date created: 10/30/2018 02:26 PM
  • Let's Discuss...Hope The giving and receiving of hope can be found in posts throughout CancerConnection.ca. Tell us about your hope for the future for yourself, your loved one or the members of our online community.

     
    Date created: 12/11/2018 09:20 AM
  • Let's discuss the comfort of pets: Unconditional love and support during and after treatments The love and attention that pets provide can go a long way to comfort cancer patients as they go through treatment. Whether it’s a snuggle from a feline friend or the attentive companionship of a faithful dog, the unconditional ...
    Date created: 10/20/2015 02:31 PM
  • Let's Discuss election 2015: Online communities discuss healthcare as an election issue With political campaigning in full swing for next month’s federal election, we asked our online community and Facebook fans what healthcare issues they would like to see addressed by political parties in their election ...
    Date created: 09/21/2015 10:42 AM
  • Let's discuss staying positive during difficult times: Faith, hope, supportive family and friends Facing a cancer diagnosis can be hard for people with cancer and their loved ones. We asked our online community and Facebook fans how they stay positive during difficult times. Here’s a summary of some of their thoughts and ...
    Date created: 08/27/2015 11:37 AM
  • Let's discuss answers to 5 commonly asked questions after a cancer diagnosis A cancer diagnosis often leads to many questions. We asked our Facebook and online communities what their first questions were when they were diagnosed . Here are our answers to the most common replies we received:

    Am I going to die? ...

    Date created: 08/27/2015 11:36 AM
  • Let's discuss national nutrition month: Eating well when you have cancer Eating well can be a challenge when you have cancer. And everyone is affected differently. Some people find their eating habits change only slightly, while others find eating well is really difficult. Many people are somewhere ...
      Date created: 08/27/2015 11:35 AM
    • Let's discuss cancer and body image: Online communities share their thoughts The effects of cancer and treatment can cause significant physical changes to the way you look, which may be temporary or permanent. You may find your self-esteem, sex drive and sex life really suffers as a result. Even if you look much ...
      Date created: 08/27/2015 11:34 AM
    • Let's discuss: The ultimate playlist We recently asked our community members and Facebook fans for their top music picks to listen to while going through treatment. Here’s their top ten playlist along with a few honourable mentions:

      Ultimate playlist

      I Will ...
      Date created: 08/27/2015 11:33 AM
    • Let's discuss the holidays: Having a break from treatments, spending time with family The holiday season can be a very difficult time for those living with cancer. Hearing carols played throughout the stores and seeing festive decorations everywhere they go, cancer patients can often feel out of tune with life around ...
      Date created: 08/27/2015 11:32 AM
    • Let's discuss the top 10 ways to relieve tension We recently asked our online communities to share the different activities they do to help them feel better. Many community members mentioned yoga and other types of exercise as good ways to relieve tension.
      Here are the top ten ...
        Date created: 08/27/2015 11:31 AM
      1. Let's discuss the things cancer has taught us
        Like all journeys in life, the cancer journey provides lessons along the way – whether you have been recently diagnosed, are currently receiving treatment or are in remission. We asked our online community and social media fans on ...
        Date created: 08/27/2015 11:30 AM
      2. Let's discuss the top 10 things to bring to chemo
        We recently asked our Facebook fans what they bring to chemo. The number 1 response was to bring someone close to you, like a friend or family member, for company and support.
         
        Here’s a list of the top 10 answers to help those ...
        Date created: 08/27/2015 11:29 AM
      3. Let's discuss life after cancer

        Moving from cancer patient to cancer survivor is a time of change. While you’re getting used to everyday life again, you’re still facing challenges. We asked our online community and Facebook fans about life after ...
        Date created: 08/27/2015 11:28 AM
      4. Let's discuss chemotherapy and you
        Chemotherapy  - where do we start when discussing such a complicated topic?
         
        Chemotherapy (sometimes called chemo) uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. Some chemotherapy drugs are given on their own. But more often, ...
        Date created: 08/27/2015 11:27 AM
      5. Let's discuss life after cancer: Online communities discuss ongoing challenges For this month’s Let’s Discuss topic, we decided to revisit a discussion from last year about adjusting to life after cancer. During treatment, cancer patients are probably so busy just getting through each day that ...

        Date created: 08/27/2015 11:14 AM
      6. Let's discuss the power of words: Top ten helpful phrases We recently asked our community members and Facebook fans to share some of the encouraging words and phrases that have helped them, or a loved one, get through each day.

        Here’s a top ten list of helpful phrases, compiled from ...
          Date created: 08/27/2015 11:12 AM

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        Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day  

        Breast Reconstruction Awareness Day

        BRA Day is going virtual! On Wednesday, October 21, The Peter Gilgan Centre for Women's Cancers in partnership with The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons are delivering this free three-hour event for women considering breast reconstruction.

        Read more