Home / News / News & Updates / 2021 New Year's Message from the President 2021 New Year's Message from the President January 2021 Well, there is no doubt that 2020 was a doozy. Looking back 12 months I’m pretty sure none of us could have predicted the devastation and disruption that was lying ahead of us. At Lung Cancer Canada our hearts go out to all those who have the disease. Having lung cancer is hard enough, but now many have had to go through the illness isolated, without access to the usual levels of support from family and friends due to the all too familiar restrictions on travel and gatherings. As we look ahead in 2021 surely things will improve, although at the time of writing case numbers are on the rise in many parts of the country, and jurisdictions are generally moving back into some degree of lockdown. Why will they improve? Because we have learned how to live and manage despite the pandemic. We have learned as a community about how to deliver cancer care effectively despite the pressures on healthcare. And of course, the vaccines are now starting to become available to protect us and allow us to dream of a return to normality. Should lung cancer patients receive the coronavirus vaccine? In the large majority, this answer is an unequivocal YES. We know cancer patients can be more vulnerable and may be at higher risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. Questions remain about the optimal timing of receiving the vaccine for those actively on treatment, but answers are coming rapidly. If you are offered the vaccine, check with your healthcare team about the best time to accept it. How can we at Lung Cancer Canada support you this year, and indeed how can you support us? Our team of volunteers and staff rapidly adapted in 2020 to the virtual world, and in fairness, we were already moving in that direction anyway as part of our aspiration to be relevant and available for lung cancer patients in all provinces and territories. Support groups, podcasts, webinars, materials on the website, virtual gatherings for the Stakeholder briefing, Evening of Hope, Advocacy campaigns, and more – all of these programs and events can be accessed from the safety of your own home. Look out especially in 2021 for our ‘What’s new in lung cancer?’ webinar series that we recently launched in November 2020. We are moving forward with supporting more research activities, primarily through the Geoffrey Ogram Memorial Research Grant, and in 2020 we received more donations to support research than ever before. What is happening in the broader lung cancer world as we continue as an organization to advocate for access to treatment? I think the biggest ‘good news’ of recent months was the announcement by British Columbia that they will launch the first comprehensive lung cancer screening program in 2022. We are looking for other provinces to make their own announcements in 2021. Screening with low-dose CT scans is the single most important initiative to save lives in lung cancer, which unfortunately remains the most common cancer in Canada, and causes by far the most cancer deaths. The high fatality rate is due to the diagnosis of two-thirds of patients at stage 3 or 4. With screening, we can change this to the majority diagnosed at stage 1 or 2. Access to the newest and most effective drugs for lung cancer is a priority, and with the science marching forwards and identifying more and more targeted agents and immunotherapy options, hopefully, 2021 will see positive news. We are looking specifically at the lung cancer subtypes ROS1, BRAF, and NTRK in hoping to have new treatments available, as well as some novel immunotherapy approaches, and we also seek access to immunotherapy for those who have either small-cell lung cancer or mesothelioma. To my knowledge, we are the only charity that has provided input to advocate for access for EVERY lung cancer drug that has gone through the regulatory process. Our mission at LCC is to support patients with lung cancer and their families, to raise awareness, to educate, to advocate, and to support research. We will be doing it differently in 2021, but we are ready, and we are working for you. Thank you for your continued support of our organization, and we hope you will continue to support us in 2021. Paul Wheatley-Price MD President of Lung Cancer Canada News News & Updates Current News CANADA'S PREMIER LUNG CANCER FUNDRAISING & AWARENESS EVENT RETURNS JUNE 1st: GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, May 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Lung cancer remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked cancers in Canada, despite being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung Cancer Canada is calling on all Canadians to join the movement for change by participating in the Give a Breath 5K, the nation's premier fundraising and awareness event dedicated to supporting the lung cancer community. Founded by Tim Monds and his family in 2019, Give a Breath began as a local 5K walk/run in Edmonton and has since grown into a nationwide event. This year's event will take place on June 1st in Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, and virtually, allowing participants from all over Canada to join in support. "Lung Cancer Canada is thrilled to be partnering with the Monds Family and our event hosts across the country for such an important event," said Shem Singh, Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada. "With lung cancer impacting more Canadians than any other type of cancer, we need to shine a spotlight on the critical need for increased funding and awareness. Through Give a Breath, and with the support of donors, sponsors, and participants from across Canada, we're doing just that." Funds raised through the Give a Breath 5K support Lung Cancer Canada's Airways of Hope program, ensuring individuals facing lung cancer receive comprehensive care throughout their journey. This program offers healthcare navigation, peer and group support, and one-on-one support from a registered social worker. Additionally, Lung Cancer Canada is excited to announce that, thanks to Give a Breath and the Monds family, it will be expanding its research program with a new research award aimed at supporting the best and brightest minds in lung cancer research in Canada. This new annual award will launch in November 2024 as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This year, there will be two awards of $25,000 each for projects focused on patients with advanced lung cancer, specifically exploring options after first-line therapy. Future announcements will coincide with Give a Breath in early June. Tim Monds, founder of Give a Breath, shared his perspective: "Our family started this event to raise awareness and funds for a cause that has deeply affected us. Seeing Give a Breath grow into a nationwide movement has been incredibly rewarding. We're grateful for the support and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lung cancer." To get involved and help build a movement towards greater awareness and support for lung cancer, visit www.giveabreath.ca. About Lung Cancer Canada: Lung Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to increasing awareness, providing patient and caregiver support, advocating for policy change, and funding research to improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. Through events like Give a Breath 5K, Lung Cancer Canada aims to rally the community and advocate for the attention and funding that lung cancer desperately needs. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada For further information: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Peter Glazier, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, Communications & Strategy, T. 416.879.1953, E. [email protected] Read More LA CAMPAGNE VEDETTE DE COLLECTE DE FONDS ET DE SENSIBILISATION AU CANCER DU POUMON AU CANADA REVIENT LE 1er JUIN : GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, le 29 mai 2024 /CNW/ - Le cancer du poumon demeure l'un des cancers les moins bien financés et les plus négligés au Canada, bien qu'il soit la principale cause de décès par cancer dans le pays. Cancer pulmonaire Canada invite tous les Canadiens à se joindre au mouvement pour le changement en prenant part au 5K Give a Breath, la campagne vedette de collecte de fonds et de sensibilisation visant à venir en aide à la communauté de personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. Fondé par Tim Monds et sa famille en 2019, Give a Breath a commencé par une marche/course de 5 km à Edmonton avant de devenir un événement d'envergure nationale. Cette année, l'événement aura lieu le 1er juin à Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver et en virtuel, permettant aux participants de tout le Canada de se joindre au mouvement. « Cancer pulmonaire Canada est ravi de s'associer à la famille Monds et à nos hôtes de partout au pays pour organiser un événement aussi important, a déclaré Shem Singh, directeur général de Cancer pulmonaire Canada. Comme le cancer du poumon touche plus de Canadiens que tout autre type de cancer, nous devons mettre sur le devant de la scène le besoin crucial d'accroître le financement et la sensibilisation. C'est ce que nous faisons grâce à Give a Breath et à l'appui des donateurs, des commanditaires et des participants partout au Canada. » Les fonds amassés par l'entremise de Give a Breath appuient le programme Voies de l'espoir de Cancer pulmonaire Canada, qui vise à aider les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon à recevoir des soins complets tout au long de leur parcours. Ce programme comprend le cheminement dans les soins de santé, le soutien par les pairs et les groupes d'entraide, ainsi que le soutien individuel assuré par un travailleur social agréé. De plus, Cancer pulmonaire Canada est heureux d'annoncer que, grâce à Give a Breath et à la famille Monds, il élargira son programme de recherche grâce à une nouvelle bourse de recherche s'adressant aux esprits les plus brillants de la recherche sur le cancer du poumon au Canada. Ce nouveau prix annuel sera lancé en novembre 2024 dans le cadre du Mois de sensibilisation au cancer du poumon. Cette année, deux prix de 25 000 $ chacun décerné à un projet axé sur les patients atteints d'un cancer du poumon avancé, étudiant plus particulièrement les options après un traitement de première intention. Les prochaines annonces coïncideront avec Give a Breath début juin. Tim Monds, fondateur de Give a Breath, a fait part de son point de vue : « Notre famille a lancé cet événement pour sensibiliser le public et amasser des fonds pour une cause qui nous tient profondément à cœur. Je suis incroyablement gratifié de voir Give a Breath devenir un mouvement national. Nous sommes reconnaissants pour tout le soutien reçu et apportons notre appui aux efforts visant à changer la donne dans la vie des personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. » Pour participer et aider à créer un mouvement de sensibilisation et de soutien à l'égard du cancer du poumon, rendez-vous sur www.giveabreath.ca. À propos de Cancer pulmonaire Canada: Cancer pulmonaire Canada est un organisme de bienfaisance national qui se voue à la sensibilisation, au soutien des patients et des proches aidants, à la promotion de changements dans les politiques et au financement de la recherche afin d'améliorer les issues cliniques pour les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon. Grâce à des événements, comme le 5K Give a Breath, Cancer pulmonaire Canada vise à rallier la population et à plaider en faveur de l'attention et du financement dont le cancer du poumon a désespérément besoin. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada Renseignements: Source : Peter Glazier, Conseiller principal, Affaires publiques, communications et stratégie, Tél. : 416 879-1953, Courriel : [email protected] Read More Questions To Ask Clinical Trials Share Your Story Community Activities Make A Donation Peer to Peer Network
Home / News / News & Updates / 2021 New Year's Message from the President 2021 New Year's Message from the President January 2021 Well, there is no doubt that 2020 was a doozy. Looking back 12 months I’m pretty sure none of us could have predicted the devastation and disruption that was lying ahead of us. At Lung Cancer Canada our hearts go out to all those who have the disease. Having lung cancer is hard enough, but now many have had to go through the illness isolated, without access to the usual levels of support from family and friends due to the all too familiar restrictions on travel and gatherings. As we look ahead in 2021 surely things will improve, although at the time of writing case numbers are on the rise in many parts of the country, and jurisdictions are generally moving back into some degree of lockdown. Why will they improve? Because we have learned how to live and manage despite the pandemic. We have learned as a community about how to deliver cancer care effectively despite the pressures on healthcare. And of course, the vaccines are now starting to become available to protect us and allow us to dream of a return to normality. Should lung cancer patients receive the coronavirus vaccine? In the large majority, this answer is an unequivocal YES. We know cancer patients can be more vulnerable and may be at higher risk of complications if they contract COVID-19. Questions remain about the optimal timing of receiving the vaccine for those actively on treatment, but answers are coming rapidly. If you are offered the vaccine, check with your healthcare team about the best time to accept it. How can we at Lung Cancer Canada support you this year, and indeed how can you support us? Our team of volunteers and staff rapidly adapted in 2020 to the virtual world, and in fairness, we were already moving in that direction anyway as part of our aspiration to be relevant and available for lung cancer patients in all provinces and territories. Support groups, podcasts, webinars, materials on the website, virtual gatherings for the Stakeholder briefing, Evening of Hope, Advocacy campaigns, and more – all of these programs and events can be accessed from the safety of your own home. Look out especially in 2021 for our ‘What’s new in lung cancer?’ webinar series that we recently launched in November 2020. We are moving forward with supporting more research activities, primarily through the Geoffrey Ogram Memorial Research Grant, and in 2020 we received more donations to support research than ever before. What is happening in the broader lung cancer world as we continue as an organization to advocate for access to treatment? I think the biggest ‘good news’ of recent months was the announcement by British Columbia that they will launch the first comprehensive lung cancer screening program in 2022. We are looking for other provinces to make their own announcements in 2021. Screening with low-dose CT scans is the single most important initiative to save lives in lung cancer, which unfortunately remains the most common cancer in Canada, and causes by far the most cancer deaths. The high fatality rate is due to the diagnosis of two-thirds of patients at stage 3 or 4. With screening, we can change this to the majority diagnosed at stage 1 or 2. Access to the newest and most effective drugs for lung cancer is a priority, and with the science marching forwards and identifying more and more targeted agents and immunotherapy options, hopefully, 2021 will see positive news. We are looking specifically at the lung cancer subtypes ROS1, BRAF, and NTRK in hoping to have new treatments available, as well as some novel immunotherapy approaches, and we also seek access to immunotherapy for those who have either small-cell lung cancer or mesothelioma. To my knowledge, we are the only charity that has provided input to advocate for access for EVERY lung cancer drug that has gone through the regulatory process. Our mission at LCC is to support patients with lung cancer and their families, to raise awareness, to educate, to advocate, and to support research. We will be doing it differently in 2021, but we are ready, and we are working for you. Thank you for your continued support of our organization, and we hope you will continue to support us in 2021. Paul Wheatley-Price MD President of Lung Cancer Canada News News & Updates Current News CANADA'S PREMIER LUNG CANCER FUNDRAISING & AWARENESS EVENT RETURNS JUNE 1st: GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, May 29, 2024 /CNW/ - Lung cancer remains one of the most underfunded and overlooked cancers in Canada, despite being the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Lung Cancer Canada is calling on all Canadians to join the movement for change by participating in the Give a Breath 5K, the nation's premier fundraising and awareness event dedicated to supporting the lung cancer community. Founded by Tim Monds and his family in 2019, Give a Breath began as a local 5K walk/run in Edmonton and has since grown into a nationwide event. This year's event will take place on June 1st in Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver, and virtually, allowing participants from all over Canada to join in support. "Lung Cancer Canada is thrilled to be partnering with the Monds Family and our event hosts across the country for such an important event," said Shem Singh, Executive Director, Lung Cancer Canada. "With lung cancer impacting more Canadians than any other type of cancer, we need to shine a spotlight on the critical need for increased funding and awareness. Through Give a Breath, and with the support of donors, sponsors, and participants from across Canada, we're doing just that." Funds raised through the Give a Breath 5K support Lung Cancer Canada's Airways of Hope program, ensuring individuals facing lung cancer receive comprehensive care throughout their journey. This program offers healthcare navigation, peer and group support, and one-on-one support from a registered social worker. Additionally, Lung Cancer Canada is excited to announce that, thanks to Give a Breath and the Monds family, it will be expanding its research program with a new research award aimed at supporting the best and brightest minds in lung cancer research in Canada. This new annual award will launch in November 2024 as part of Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This year, there will be two awards of $25,000 each for projects focused on patients with advanced lung cancer, specifically exploring options after first-line therapy. Future announcements will coincide with Give a Breath in early June. Tim Monds, founder of Give a Breath, shared his perspective: "Our family started this event to raise awareness and funds for a cause that has deeply affected us. Seeing Give a Breath grow into a nationwide movement has been incredibly rewarding. We're grateful for the support and look forward to continuing our efforts to make a difference in the lives of those affected by lung cancer." To get involved and help build a movement towards greater awareness and support for lung cancer, visit www.giveabreath.ca. About Lung Cancer Canada: Lung Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to increasing awareness, providing patient and caregiver support, advocating for policy change, and funding research to improve outcomes for those affected by lung cancer. Through events like Give a Breath 5K, Lung Cancer Canada aims to rally the community and advocate for the attention and funding that lung cancer desperately needs. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada For further information: For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Peter Glazier, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs, Communications & Strategy, T. 416.879.1953, E. [email protected] Read More LA CAMPAGNE VEDETTE DE COLLECTE DE FONDS ET DE SENSIBILISATION AU CANCER DU POUMON AU CANADA REVIENT LE 1er JUIN : GIVE A BREATH 5K TORONTO, le 29 mai 2024 /CNW/ - Le cancer du poumon demeure l'un des cancers les moins bien financés et les plus négligés au Canada, bien qu'il soit la principale cause de décès par cancer dans le pays. Cancer pulmonaire Canada invite tous les Canadiens à se joindre au mouvement pour le changement en prenant part au 5K Give a Breath, la campagne vedette de collecte de fonds et de sensibilisation visant à venir en aide à la communauté de personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. Fondé par Tim Monds et sa famille en 2019, Give a Breath a commencé par une marche/course de 5 km à Edmonton avant de devenir un événement d'envergure nationale. Cette année, l'événement aura lieu le 1er juin à Edmonton, Halifax, Toronto, Vancouver et en virtuel, permettant aux participants de tout le Canada de se joindre au mouvement. « Cancer pulmonaire Canada est ravi de s'associer à la famille Monds et à nos hôtes de partout au pays pour organiser un événement aussi important, a déclaré Shem Singh, directeur général de Cancer pulmonaire Canada. Comme le cancer du poumon touche plus de Canadiens que tout autre type de cancer, nous devons mettre sur le devant de la scène le besoin crucial d'accroître le financement et la sensibilisation. C'est ce que nous faisons grâce à Give a Breath et à l'appui des donateurs, des commanditaires et des participants partout au Canada. » Les fonds amassés par l'entremise de Give a Breath appuient le programme Voies de l'espoir de Cancer pulmonaire Canada, qui vise à aider les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon à recevoir des soins complets tout au long de leur parcours. Ce programme comprend le cheminement dans les soins de santé, le soutien par les pairs et les groupes d'entraide, ainsi que le soutien individuel assuré par un travailleur social agréé. De plus, Cancer pulmonaire Canada est heureux d'annoncer que, grâce à Give a Breath et à la famille Monds, il élargira son programme de recherche grâce à une nouvelle bourse de recherche s'adressant aux esprits les plus brillants de la recherche sur le cancer du poumon au Canada. Ce nouveau prix annuel sera lancé en novembre 2024 dans le cadre du Mois de sensibilisation au cancer du poumon. Cette année, deux prix de 25 000 $ chacun décerné à un projet axé sur les patients atteints d'un cancer du poumon avancé, étudiant plus particulièrement les options après un traitement de première intention. Les prochaines annonces coïncideront avec Give a Breath début juin. Tim Monds, fondateur de Give a Breath, a fait part de son point de vue : « Notre famille a lancé cet événement pour sensibiliser le public et amasser des fonds pour une cause qui nous tient profondément à cœur. Je suis incroyablement gratifié de voir Give a Breath devenir un mouvement national. Nous sommes reconnaissants pour tout le soutien reçu et apportons notre appui aux efforts visant à changer la donne dans la vie des personnes affectées par le cancer du poumon. » Pour participer et aider à créer un mouvement de sensibilisation et de soutien à l'égard du cancer du poumon, rendez-vous sur www.giveabreath.ca. À propos de Cancer pulmonaire Canada: Cancer pulmonaire Canada est un organisme de bienfaisance national qui se voue à la sensibilisation, au soutien des patients et des proches aidants, à la promotion de changements dans les politiques et au financement de la recherche afin d'améliorer les issues cliniques pour les personnes atteintes d'un cancer du poumon. Grâce à des événements, comme le 5K Give a Breath, Cancer pulmonaire Canada vise à rallier la population et à plaider en faveur de l'attention et du financement dont le cancer du poumon a désespérément besoin. SOURCE Lung Cancer Canada Renseignements: Source : Peter Glazier, Conseiller principal, Affaires publiques, communications et stratégie, Tél. : 416 879-1953, Courriel : [email protected] Read More Questions To Ask Clinical Trials Share Your Story Community Activities Make A Donation Peer to Peer Network