Winning the War on Cancer
The July 19-25th edition of The Economist features a lead story and briefing on world progress in the fight against cancer. It is a very positive story! The story’s subtitle is: “Progress has been remarkable. Death rates are down substantially, and are likely to fall further.” While the story only cites some universities and does not reference The Ottawa Hospital, I have included it in today’s Weekly Media Review because its focus is the global effort, in which The Ottawa Hospital plays a significant part. Many of the scientific advances referenced in the briefing are familiar to us at The Ottawa Hospital, as they are the subject of so many of the patient and research stories we have published and continue to tell. Stories like Camille’s, a young woman whose life was saved thanks to cancer research, is a great example.
The briefing’s theme is that progress in tackling cancer, particularly over the last 30 years, has been substantial and can be expected to continue. That progress has been gradual but steady, and as such has been less noted and celebrated as is warranted. The article notes that while total deaths from cancer have been rising, that can be attributed to the effects of population growth (more people) and ageing (greater likelihood). Stripping these out, the rate of deaths from cancer has fallen markedly. Increased prevalence of cancer can seem disheartening, but it masks real progress in saving lives from the disease.
One area of focus in the briefing is biotherapeutics and cancer vaccines, and the positive results coming forward in clinical trials -- familiar territory for The Ottawa Hospital, our Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre and our leadership in clinical trials.
The briefing closes with: “Cancer has already become a much less deadly disease than it was 30 years ago. Thirty years from now, it will almost certainly be much less deadly than it is today.” Donors that support The Ottawa Hospital can be confident in our role in that effort.
Further expanding virtual care in Nunavut
As covered by CBC, The Ottawa Hospital (TOH) has further expanded virtual care in Nunavut, now incorporating dermatology. Provided in partnership with Qikiqtani General Hospital in Iqaluit, the dermatology program is tailored to the needs of Nunavut’s Indigenous communities, set up to treat conditions present in the community. Several times a year, dermatologists fly in from Ottawa, seeing up to 120 patients per visit. For many in the community, it’s their first opportunity to receive this kind of care. The program is now being expanded to include longer hours and virtual care options, with support from local nurses and pharmacists to ensure continuity of care. This improves access and expands reach within Nunavut.
This virtual program is in addition to services that TOH is already providing in Nunavut, incorporated as part of the Virtual Care Clinic that was covered in my Weekly in May.
The CBC coverage features an interview with TOH’s Dr. Mark Kirchhof, Head of Dermatology, who reviews the benefits of the program. The initiative is a great example of expanding access to TOH care and expertise through advances in technology, which can serve as a game-changer in remote communities.
Home fundraiser will raise awareness
Last week, CTV Morning Live covered the story of Jayne Lowell and Steve Lowell hosting a garden party at their home in Manotick to raise awareness of The Ottawa Hospital’s New Campus Development and the build of our new state-of-the-art hospital. While it is a little hard for the CMO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation to hear, the Lowells were surprised by the lack of awareness of the new build. Indeed, an Ipsos market research survey held in 2024, showed awareness of the NCD build to be 72% in Ottawa and 28% in Gatineau. Their garden party, to be held on August 6th in support of the Foundation, aims to address that. I am very pleased to have their support and this CTV coverage is in itself immensely valuable to that end.
As a Foundation we are very proud of our efficiency in raising money and thereby of our marketing spend, and the best way to raise support and awareness is through the engagement of our community and through the voices of friends and family. That same Ipsos study shows that of those aware of the new campus build, 91% perceive it to be of high value to our community. We need to spread the word!
If you are interested in hosting your own event this summer, check it out here. And thank you Jayne and Steve!