Explore The 2019 Schedule
This forum was designed to foster connection and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas around research and innovation in cancer care. The schedule of events follows the patient journey from preventing and detecting the disease through to diagnosis and treatment to finding ways to support survivors and a patient’s quality of life.
7:30
Doors Open – Fuel Up & Settle In
8:00 – 8:30
Welcome & Opening Remarks
8:30 – 9:00
Session 1 | The Biology of Cancer with Dr. Islam Mohamed
Like organisms in an ecosystem, cancer cells evolve and adapt to their surroundings, often by dysregulating normal physiologic processes. Dr Mohamed will explore some of the strategies cancer cells employ to survive in a hostile environment. He will set the stage for understanding innovative approaches to controlling cancer as oncologists learn to exploit vulnerabilities of the cancer cell.
Session 2 | Track A
Preventative & Pre-Diagnostic
9:00-10:30
Advances in Cancer Detection
Early stage detection can have a profound and life-saving impact for cancer patients. Join us and learn more about what Canadian researchers are uncovering and the novel methods they are using to catch cancer early in its tracks.
Moderator: Dr. Islam Mohamed
Panelists: Dr. Scott Bratman, Dr. Isaac Li, Mr. Daniel Louie, Dr. Vesna Sossi
Session 2 | Track B
Preventative & Pre-Diagnostic
9:00-10:30
Prevention, Early Detection and Indigenous Cancer Control
Did you know that your lifestyle, environment and your genes can increase your risk of cancer? Join us in exploring some of the innovative research and programs in prevention, screening and indigenous cancer control in Canada.
Moderator: Dr. John Spinelli
Panelists: Dr. Colin Mar, Dr. Darren Brenner
10:30 – 11:00
Break – Caffeinate & Connect
11:00 – 12:00
Session 3 | Keynote Presentation with Dr. Connie Eaves
12:00 – 1:00
Lunch – Fuel up, play games, make friends.
Session 4 | Track A
Diagnostic & Treatment
1:00 – 2:30
Making Radiotherapy Personal
Every cancer is unique and therefore requires a unique strategy for patients receiving radiation. Join us in exploring how radiation therapy clinicians and researchers are using new technologies like 3D printing and AI to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.
Moderator: Deanne Taylor
Panelists: Dr. Michelle Hilts, Dr. Francois Bachand, Dr. Deidre Batchelar, Dr. Sepideh Pakpour, Dr. Andrew Jirasek, Dr. Juanita Crook, Dr. Connie Hoehr
Session 4 | Track B
Diagnostic & Treatment
1:00 – 2:30
Cancer Therapeutics in the Age of Personalised Genomics
Molecular profiling has transformed our ability to prescribe therapies that provide the best possible outcomes with the least amount of side effects. Join us and learn first hand about the power of molecular profiling and its potential transform the patient journey.
Moderator: Dr. Susan Ellard
Panelists: Robyn Roscoe, Dr. Julian Lum
2:30 – 3:00
Break – Caffeinate & Connect
Session 5 | Track A
Management & Survivorship
3:00 – 4:30
Empowering Patients with Choice
Each stage of this journey presents its own set of challenges. Today there are new options for relieving pain, ending suffering, enhancing decision-making, and improving quality of life. Join us in exploring some of these new options, including the use of new technologies, cannabis and Medical-Assistance-in-Dying (MAID).
Moderator: Joan Bottorff
Panelists: Dr. Pippa Hawley, Michelle St. Pierre, Dr. Bernie Garrett & Dr. Tarnia Taverner, Dr. Harsh Hundal, Dr. Barb Pesut
Session 5 | Track B
Management & Survivorship
3:00 – 4:30
Technology for Communicating with Patients
Snap! In this fast communicating world, there are ample platforms for us to improve the way we communicate with patients. Join us in exploring today’s landscape of communication and technology and uncovering how we can leverage these new channels to improve the patient journey.
Moderator: Lisa McCune
Panelists: Dr. Kevin Wade, Dr John Oliffe, Bernice Budz, Patient Partner
4:30 – 5:15
Wrap Up – A Healthy Dose of Happy Hour
5:15 – 6:00
Documentary Screening of Cracking Cancer


