Topic: Advocacy

Doctor and patient

What Questions Should You Ask Your Oncologist?

Published by on October 14, 2020 | Share your thoughts

15 to 20 mins. That’s the average length your oncologist has to talk with you at your appointment.  No wonder they’re not able to tell you about ALL your treatment options. Nor ALL the diagnostics available.  Your oncologist’s day is full to the brim: they see, on average, over 50 patients per week! Plus meetings, rounds, and learning new standard protocols. They are exhausted. Between 47% to 74% of oncologists report burnout. 67% report exhaustion. Those numbers don’t exactly inspire confidence… Oncologists do not have time – even if they wanted – for personalized cancer research. Nor learning about all the NEW protocols beyond standard care. Not their fault; it’s just how public healthcare works. This means, unfortunately, that it’s your job to find out...
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DNA

My Personal Story…Dealing with Cancer in the Family

Published by on October 8, 2020 1 Comment

Michelle Morand here. I co-founded CTOAM, alongside research scientist Alex Rolland, over a decade ago. Each day we hear stories from people around the world who are struggling with cancer. So I thought it was high-time that I shared a personal story with you…about my own experience with cancer in the family. Like a Punch in the Gut… I had a beloved uncle who was like a father to me. He was a pianist who inspired my love of music and his sweet little dog, Inch, cemented my own love of animals. He was the family member I related to the most. I loved him dearly.   When he was diagnosed with cancer I was devastated…as was my mother, his big sister. Determined to do everything we could...
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CT Scan Misdiagnosis

Cancer Misdiagnosis – Should You Trust a CT Scan?

Published by on August 19, 2020 | Share your thoughts

Pretty much everyone dreads finding out they, or a loved one, have cancer. But that’s not even the worst part of a cancer diagnosis – what’s more stressful is wondering about cancer misdiagnosis. No fun. Read on to hear what happened to Gerry and how our research scientists at CTOAM were able to help. Gerry’s Cancer Misdiagnosis Story Gerry had been going about his life as usual. He worked an office day job that he liked, at a large company with decent health benefits. His wife, along with their two young boys, were the light of his life. Things were good. But after a routine work physical exam, everything changed. Gerry was given the news that no one ever wants to hear. A nightmare come...
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An older couple stand outside and the man kisses the woman on the cheek.

How to be a Better Cancer Care Advocate in 8 Simple Steps | Newsletter Issue 5

Published by on September 10, 2018 | Share your thoughts

Do you really need a Cancer Care Advocate or is the basic care you receive from your public oncologist good enough? Read on to find out the truth about standard care and decide for yourself. Joan was 45 years old when she was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma. Her public oncologist gave her the option of  standard chemotherapy , which, according to studies, would’ve given her approximately less than a year to live. Since her disease would not respond to  standard treatments , her oncologist told her that there were no other treatment options. She was told to get her affairs in order. But Joan wasn’t ready to accept this – so she and her husband reached out to CTOAM. Our cancer experts helped them to access the...
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