CAPO News


  • 5 Jul 2023 11:23 AM | John Chagnon (Administrator)

    The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada has established an award of excellence to acknowledge the exemplary work of psychosocial oncology professionals, in collaboration with CAPO.

    The purpose of this award is to promote the dissemination of information related to the psychosocial care of children/adults/families with brain tumours and is given to support oncology professionals in continuing education activities.

    Congratulations to award winner Marco BonannoTranslating research data into practice to improve the trajectories of AYA pediatric brain tumour survivors (PBTS) following treatment: Preliminary results of two focused workshops, with different stakeholders, in Québec.


  • 12 May 2023 1:04 PM | Peter Traversa (Administrator)

    The Current Oncology Student Travel Award is established by Current Oncology to acknowledge the exemplary work of a trainee presenting psycho-oncology research and to promote the dissemination of information related to psychosocial care.

    We are pleased to announce the Sydney Wasserman has won for her paper titled: An Evaluation of Interactive Mobile Health (mHealth) Applications for Adults Living with Cancer.

    Sydney Wasserman is a registered nurse clinician, working clinically as an Emergency Trauma nurse at the Montreal General Hospital. Having recently graduated from the master’s in advanced nursing, she will now be pursuing her PhD in Nursing at McGill University. Sydney balances her passion for clinical work with teaching and research. She has been a Teaching Assistant, Clinical Instructor and Preceptor Support throughout her graduate degree. She also values her mentorship role as a First Aid training instructor and training coordinator for St. John Ambulance, and the President of the Nursing Graduate Students Association (NGSA). She has been very involved as a research assistant at St. Mary’s research centre and McGill University, where her research primarily focuses on self-management interventions curated for both patients and their caregivers. She also has a special interest in mobile health applications and implementation sciences for psychosocial oncology. With Dr. Lambert as her supervisor, she will be starting her PhD in the Fall studying the acceptability of Coping-Together Advanced for patients and caregivers facing advanced cancer with a pilot SMART. She is active in disseminating findings from her research by presenting at the Canadian Association for Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO), International Psycho Oncology Society (IPOS) and Canadian Centre for Applied Research in Cancer Control (ARCC) conferences.

    Sydney will present her paper at the CAPO Conference in Montreal in June.
  • 12 May 2023 12:53 PM | Peter Traversa (Administrator)

    The CAPO Student/Trainee Committee is currently seeking both professional and student/trainee members who would be interested in participating in the CAPO Mentorship Consultation Program. 

    The overall purpose of this program is to create meaningful connections between students/trainees and CAPO professionals. Mentoring is a shared learning experience that not only benefits the mentee but the mentor as well. For the mentor, the experience expands leadership and coaching skills and is a way to help build future leaders in the field of psychosocial oncology. For the mentee, the partnership is a learning experience that provides the opportunity to gain practical knowledge and valuable career insights.  

    CAPO’s Mentorship Consultation Program was designed to include a first meeting between mentors and mentees during the annual conference and potential future collaboration that both members are free to arrange with each other post-conference. 

    If you are interested in this opportunity, please let us know before June 5th, 2023, by responding to this survey below. 

    Sign-Up as a MENTOR

    Sign-Up as a MENTEE

    Thank you in advance for your time and consideration of this invitation. 

    For more information, please contact Justine Albert, CAPO Student Liaison: [email protected]

  • 12 Dec 2022 10:41 AM | Peter Traversa (Administrator)

    Justine Albert is currently an M.Sc. candidate in Experimental Medicine at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Carmen Loiselle and is the recipient of the Kuok Fellowship provided by the Rossy Cancer Network. Justine’s graduate research focuses on the experiences of English-speaking informal caregivers in Quebec of patients who have undergone medical assistance in dying or palliative sedation until death. Prior to her M.Sc. Justine completed a Bachelor of Arts with an Honours in Psychology from Western University as well as a Graduate Diploma in Oncology from McGill University with a specialization in Psycho-Oncology and Palliative Care.

    Justine has also worked as a research assistant for Dr. Melissa Henry on various psychosocial oncology projects including research on body image concerns in patients with head and neck cancer, the representation of psycho-oncology in national cancer care plans, and studies relating to suffering at the end-of-life. Justine is originally from White Rock, British Columbia and is now located in Montréal, Quebec. 

  • 25 Apr 2022 5:00 PM | John Chagnon (Administrator)

    You are invited to take part in a research study, “The Survivor Identity Index: How Does Cancer Survivor Identity Relate to Emotional Well-being”. People who have been diagnosed and treated for cancer vary in their comfort with the concept of "cancer survivorship". We want to learn more about how a person’s comfort with the idea of survivorship relates to their type of cancer, treatment history, and their relationships with the primary members of their healthcare team. You are invited to take part in this research study if you are over 18 years old, have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and can read and understand English.

    If you choose to participate, you will be asked to complete an online survey. The survey contains questions about the following:

    • The extent to which you are comfortable identifying as a cancer survivor
    • Measures of emotional comfort
    • Your demographic information
    • Your breast cancer history
    • Your relationship with your healthcare providers

    The questionnaire is expected to take between 15-20 minutes to complete.

    By participating in the study, you will have the option to enter a draw for one of three $50 gift cards for Amazon or Tim Hortons.

    If you are interested in participating in this study, please use this link to access the consent form and questionnaire:

    https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZTMbmyAUPlIHE9

  • 11 Apr 2022 11:29 AM | John Chagnon (Administrator)

    Job Description:

    Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for the development, oversight and management of the CCC Patient Support program. Supporting and working with the CCC team, this position ensures the continued quality of existing programs, adapts existing programs and develops new programming in response to CCC’s needs.

    Key Responsibilities:
    • Liaises with existing Patient Support community groups and identifies opportunity areas for new groups and/or areas of support
    • Provides direct support to patients and caregivers and families
    • Handles telephone and e-mail requests for support
    • Facilitates peer to peer support when required
    • Undertakes statistical reporting on all requests
    • Creates and maintains patient portal to monitor progress against KPIs.
    • Facilitates patient support groups; providing psychoeducational and therapeutic support and provides brief and ongoing individual, family and caregiver counselling. Makes appropriate recommendations in collaboration with cancer patient(s)
    • Prepares documents and other resources for patients, clinics, hospitals and other groups
    • Manages patient cases follows up by telephone; makes appropriate referrals; researches and coordinates internal and external services; works with multidisciplinary professionals
    • Handles requests from individuals and various organization for educational and information materials
    • Develops patient education materials
    • Maintains material inventory
    • Maintains database of resources/contacts (i.e. GI clinics, cancer clinics, physicians, hospitals, etc.)
    • Manages and develops patient volunteers
    • Participates in CCC hosted events and conferences

    Required Qualifications
    • Must have knowledge/awareness of cancer treatments; knowledge of colorectal cancer is an asset
    • Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, English and French
    • Ability to make presentations to professionals, patient and community groups
    • Social worker, Psychology/Psychosocial Oncology, Nurse or related discipline

    Experience
    • Two years’ experience in patient support.

    Additional Requirements
    • Must keep up to date on all new colorectal cancer treatments and research

    Please send your CV to Carole Brohman, Executive Director: [email protected]


  • 25 Mar 2022 3:32 PM | John Chagnon (Administrator)

    Purpose of Grant: To support rigorous scientific oncology nursing research. Research projects may include investigator-initiated research, pilot or feasibility studies, supplements to current funded projects, or developing a new aspect of a program of research. Funding preference is given to projects that involve nurses in the design and conduct of the research activity and that promote theoretically based oncology practice. Competitive applications will address a topic(s) in the ONS Research Agenda. See "Research Agenda of the Oncology Nursing Society: 2019-2022," published in the Oncology Nursing Forum, November 2019, Volume 46, No. 6.

    The following three (3) key areas in need of oncology nursing research articulated in the ONS Research Agenda are:
    • Symptom Science 
      â—¦ In Immunotherapy and Emerging Therapies in Precision Health  
      â—¦ In Precision Health and Biosignature
    • Health Disparities
    • Palliative and Psychosocial Oncology Care

    Additional resources and updates related to the ONS Research Agenda are located here: “Update to the 2019-2022 ONS Research Agenda: Rapid Review to Address Structural Racism and Health Inequities,†published in the Oncology Nursing Forum, November 2021, Volume 48, No. 6; and, “ The Oncology Nursing Society Rapid Review and Research Priorities for Cancer Care in the Context of Covid-19,†published in the Oncology Nursing Forum, March 2021, Volume 48, No. 2.

    Funding Amounts:
    $50,000 and $100,000

    Duration of project and funding:
    2 years

    Letter of Intent Due Date:
    May 8th, 2022

    Visit Oncology Nursing Foundation Research Grants page for more eligibility information and to apply


  • 26 Jan 2022 2:22 PM | John Chagnon (Administrator)


    Job Description

    Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka (GCSM) is a non-residential cancer support community. Our mission is to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community.

    Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Program Director (PD) is responsible for the administration, oversight and leadership of all community member-related clinical programs of GCSM; the supervision of all clinical facilitators, adjunct instructors; and the provision of direct clinical services for people of all ages affected by cancer.

    The PD also provides program statistical consultation as it related to general operations, outreach and marketing, grant writing and reporting and, on an as needed basis, participates in fundraising activities.

    The PD builds and maintains relationships with members, program professionals, speakers, and key programmatic constituents in the healthcare, medical and academic arenas; develops and manages the program budget, maintains program statistics and reports.

    Required Qualifications:
    • 3 years of experience in a similar role ideally in a non-profit organization, including clinical work plus program implementation and administration
    • Successful completion of a post-secondary diploma/degree in sociology, social work or psychology
    • A masters-prepared mental health professional licensed to practice in Ontario
    • Successful completion of a masters graduate degree in one of the following areas: Social Work, Counselling, Marriage and Family Therapy
    • A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results
    • Experience in program development and implementation in support of diverse populations
    • Experience in individual counselling and group facilitation
    • Proficiency with Microsoft office applications, presentation skills and data management
    • Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends.
    • A clean criminal background and vulnerable sector check
    • Fully vaccinated status to enable working with members who are immune-compromised individuals undergoing cancer treatment

    Please visit the following link for the full job description
    https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/2891626497/?eBP=JOB_SEARCH_ORGANIC&recommendedFlavor=JOB_SEEKER_QUALIFIED&refId=0PdIkiWmh0P7fmFSHVVtDw%3D%3D&trackingId=YyUhffqz7hYxdVk8%2FJeTUQ%3D%3D&trk=flagship3_search_srp_jobs

    • Qualifications
      • 3 years of experience in a similar role ideally in a non-profit organization, including clinical work plus program implementation and administration
      • Successful completion of a post-secondary diploma/degree in sociology, social work or psychology
      • A masters-prepared mental health professional licensed to practice in Ontario
      • Successful completion of a masters graduate degree in one of the following areas: Social Work, Counselling, Marriage and Family Therapy
      • A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results
      • Experience in program development and implementation in support of diverse populations
      • Experience in individual counselling and group facilitation
      • Proficiency with Microsoft office applications, presentation skills and data management
      • Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and occasional weekends.
      • A clean criminal background and vulnerable sector check
      • Fully vaccinated status to enable working with members who are immune-compromised individuals undergoing cancer treatment

    APPLY HERE

  • 13 Jan 2022 3:29 PM | John Chagnon (Administrator)

    Toronto ON.

    Job Description

    University Health Network (UHN) is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network. The scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care.

    The role will be 70% research/ 30% clinical, involving:

    Research activities, including on medical assistance in dying (MAID) and cancer experience at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM), which will include attention to health equity in these areas. The applicant is expected to establish an internationally recognized research program with grant support and to work collaboratively with other investigators at PM.

    Clinical activities, including provision of health psychology assessment, evidence-based psychotherapy and biopsychosocial intervention to oncology patients. The applicant will engage in collaboration and consultation with other disciplines, including Oncology, Social Work, Psychiatry, Psychology, Palliative Care and Spiritual Care. The applicant will maintain patient care documentation in compliance with institutional and regulatory College requirements. Registration in practice area of couples within health psychology an asset..
    Qualifications:
    • • At minimum, completion of a PhD degree in Clinical Psychology, or recognized equivalent
      • Minimum of one (1) year of practical and related experience
      • Registered with, or eligible for registration with, the College of Psychologists of Ontario with designated practice area that corresponds to the specific clinic requirements
      • Expertise in research methodology, including psychometrics, in health equity and in the psychological and social dimensions of cancer
      • Strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
      • Works effectively independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team
      • Comfortable using various forms of technology
      • Results-oriented and demonstrated time management skills
      • Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities

      Please apply by February 3rd, 2022.
    APPLY HERE


  • 22 Sep 2021 2:06 PM | John Chagnon (Administrator)

    CAPO is inviting a member of the public to join the CAPO board as a patient and/or family representative to raise awareness of the challenges and priorities of patients and families affected by cancer. The patient and/or family representative will provide strategic advice and guidance to enhance how CAPO communicates its work to the membership and external stakeholders as it relates to person-centred and quality psychosocial care. The Member will also provide strategic advice and guidance to the CAPO Board in its efforts to increase revenues through fundraising efforts and other funding opportunities.

    Role/Responsibility for the Patient and/or Family Representative on the CAPO Board:
    • Share vision and ideas for person-centred care based on patient and family member experience; provide clarification and context as needed on patient and family-related issues
    • Provide strategic advice and guidance to fundraise and/or secure other funds through granting agencies to advance the mission to ensure equity in access to psychosocial care across Canada.
    • Regularly attend and be an active participant in monthly board teleconference/Zoom (in a non-voting capacity)
    • Participate on other CAPO working committees and offer advice on other CAPO initiatives and strategic priorities as needed
    • Represent the CAPO board as a Patient and/or Family Representative at speaker engagements and committee work internal and external to CAPO  
    Eligibility/Term/Application process:
    • Cancer Patient and/or family member who can provide strategic advice and guidance on communication strategies and/or fundraising. A family member may include a person who is not directly related to a survivor yet can identify themselves as a member of a patient’s care team. 
    • Two-year term 
    How to submit interest:
    • Please email the following information by October 15th to: [email protected]
      • First and Last name
      • Email address
      • Description of Patient Experience
      • City and Province/Territory located in
      • Twitter handle


The Canadian Association of
Psychosocial Oncology (CAPO)

189 Queen Street East, Suite 1
Toronto, ON M5A 1S2
P. 416-968-0207
[email protected]

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