Virtual Library

Start Your Search

Paul Robertson



Author of

  • +

    MA24 - Initiatives to Improve Health in Lung Cancer Patients (ID 354)

    • Event: WCLC 2019
    • Type: Mini Oral Session
    • Track: Advocacy
    • Presentations: 1
    • Now Available
    • +

      MA24.02 - Developing Regional Activity for a National Charity: The Lung Cancer Canada Experience (Now Available) (ID 962)

      14:30 - 16:00  |  Author(s): Paul Robertson

      • Abstract
      • Presentation
      • Slides

      Background

      Lung Cancer Canada (LCC) is the only national charity solely committed to the most common cancer in Canada. Its mission is to raise awareness; to advocate; and to provide support and educational resources for lung cancer patients and caregivers. At a strategic planning event the LCC Board held in 2017, the goal of building regional hubs was identified - to deliver the charities mandate within local contexts.

      Method

      A group of key stakeholders (patients, caregivers, fundraisers, social workers, nurses and physicians) met to identify local priorities. Specific programs were developed, with other initiatives flowing from that initial effort. Here we describe the group's achievements.

      Result

      From the initial stakeholder meeting two prime opportunities were identified.

      1. Create a support group for women with lung cancer.

      2. Take advantage of being in the national capital to more purposefully engage with Federal politicians.

      In addition to the stakeholder meeting, subsequent social gatherings of key individuals helped build momentum.

      Through partnership with a local charity (Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation), marketing through LCC, recruitment through the cancer centre, and program development from a senior psychosocial oncology social worker, the support group was formed for an initial 12 week period, and has now grown to an established permanent fixture. The benefits have been previously reported, but out of this group further local initiatives have included: regular patient-led lung cancer information sessions in the cancer centre; a regional patient summit for all lung cancer patients to learn latest research, patient testimonies and psychosocial challenges; the funding and initiation of an LCC podcast series.

      Concurrently more individuals and families have become engaged in fundraising for lung cancer: events including quiz nights, makeovers, golf days, wine raffles and more, which in addition to raising funds also builds awareness and builds the local community.

      These individuals have partnered with physicians to stimulate the second goal, initiating regular meetings with municipal, provincial, federal and senatorial politicians, in addition to military leadership and indigenous groups. This itself helped the national organization to hone the advocacy message we share (lung cancer awareness, lung cancer screening, access to treatments, and the establishment of a national registry).

      Conclusion

      Through identification of local champions who effectively work together, many initiatives have successfully developed. With funding and support from LCC, the charity’s mandate is being delivered within the local context. This serves as a model for other centres across Canada to develop local programs.

      Only Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login, select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout. If you would like to become a member of IASLC, please click here.

      Only Active Members that have purchased this event or have registered via an access code will be able to view this content. To view this presentation, please login or select "Add to Cart" and proceed to checkout.