Dear Odette Patients &

Family,

It is my distinct pleasure

to communicate with you

on the occasion of our

first Patient Education

newsletter. I would like to

congratulate Tamara

Harth, our Patient

Education Manager and

the rest of the Odette

Patient Education

Advisory Council on the

launch of this important

endeavor.

The purpose of the

newsletter is to enhance

patient education through

useful content. Just as

importantly, the

newsletter will seek to

connect patients and

their families to our many

services and staff, in

addition to partners in the

Sunnybrook community

and beyond that help

enhance a patient’s

experience through the

cancer journey. The

journey is long, and useful

educational tips can help

at many points in that

journey ranging from

prevention and diagnosis

all the way through to

complex treatment

issues, symptom

management and

survivorship.

In the first edition, Tamara

Harth highlights 5

important questions to ask

your health care team and

provides tips on how to

access the educational

resources you and your

family may need to help

navigate you through your

journey. As a physician

myself, I have always

thought that

knowledgeable patients

and families are terrific to

deal with and make for a

collaborative endeavor on

dealing with cancer.

Pauline Wisdom-Gilliam,

one of the Odette Cancer

Centre’s registered

dietitians, provides some

nutritional tips and a

recipe. Nutrition can play

a key role at all parts of the

cancer continuum

including prevention,

complex treatment and in

the survivorship period

when all major treatments

have been completed.

Finally, we are proud to

present the radiation

therapy patient education

module. This is part of our

expanding array of online

offerings to help patients

and their families learn

more about the specific

aspects of cancer care.

We are very proud of the

fact that the radiation

module has been

translated into 12

different languages to

reflect and serve our

increasingly diverse

patient population.

I sincerely hope that you

will find this newsletter

useful and that it will

connect you in a number

of important ways so that

patients and their family

can work collaboratively

with the health care teams

in an effort to ease the

burden cancer may bring

and to help enhance

quality of life.

Sincerely,

Andy Smith, MD, MSc,

FRCSC, FACS

Chief, Odette Cancer

Centre and Regional Vice

President, Cancer Care

Ontario

Patient Education at the Odette Cancer Centre

Issue No. 1

Spring 2011

Patient and Family Education

Newsletter Odette Cancer Centre

Patient and Family Education Newsletter

Do you have an

idea for an article

for our next patient

education news-

letter or do you

have any sugges-

tions about how we

better can serve

you and your educa-

tional needs?

Please e-mail us at: patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca

In This Issue:

Patient Education at the

Odette 1

Good Nutrition For A Healthy

Immune System 2

Recipe Corner 3

Online Radiation Therapy

Patient Education Module 4

Classes and Talks 6

Top 5 Questions To Ask Your

HealthCare Team 7

by Dr. Andy Smith, Chief, Odette Cancer Centre

We want to hear from you!

Whether you are about to start treatment or are currently on treatment one of

the most important ways to maintain a healthy immune system is to power up on

good nutrition. Good nutrition helps your body produce and maintain healthy

cells.

Essential nutrients like protein (amino acids), fats (essential fatty acids), vita-

mins and minerals are needed to help healthy immune cells grow.

PROTEIN

Meeting your daily protein requirement helps keep your immune system in

shape. Protein is used to make antibodies, white blood cells and other immune

compounds. Not sure how much protein you need? Aim for a serving of protein

with each meal and choose protein containing snacks. Protein choices such as

lean meat, poultry without skin, fish, eggs, legumes (dried beans and lentils),

nuts and seeds and dairy foods all provide the amino acids that are the building

blocks of the cells in your body.

HEALTHY FATS

Essential fatty acids found in fats and oils aid in maintaining healthy immune

system function. Fatty fish like salmon, trout, sardines and herring are rich in

immune boosting omega – 3 fats. If you don’t eat fish try walnuts, omega-3

eggs, ground flax seed. Other healthy fats and oils include olive, canola, sesame

and sunflower oils as well as avocado, nuts and seeds.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Try to include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure you are getting all

the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants you need to help maintain your immune

system. In addition to the variety of nutrients obtained from fruits and vegeta-

bles, the following nutrients may have a positive effect on your immune system.

Vitamin C

Good sources include berries, citrus fruits and juices, kiwi, mango, cantaloupe,

peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower and bok-choy.

Vitamin E

Good sources include nuts, olives, whole grains, green leafy vegetables espe-

cially kale, and vegetable oils.

Zinc

Good sources include seafood especially oysters, red meat, poultry, beans,

wheat germ, whole grains and enriched breakfast cereals, nuts, seeds and yo-

gurt. Other foods that may help improve immunity are mushrooms and those

containing probiotics like yogurt and kefir.

Good Nutrition for a Healthy Immune System

Page 2 Odette Cancer Centre

by Pauline Wisdom

-Gilliam, BsC, RD

It’s important to take a

“whole foods” ap-

proach to building a

healthy immune sys-

tem.

Your body needs more

than 45 nutrients to

stay healthy.

Keep in mind that

foods (rather than

supplements) contain

a mix of nutrients that

work together to pro-

vide health benefits.

The best approach to

foster a healthy im-

mune system is to eat

a nutrient rich diet

that meets all your

body’s needs.

Try this easy healthy frittata (like an omelet but even easier to make) recipe be-

low that will provide a variety of cancer fighting immune boosting nutrients! As

well as the veggies in this recipe you can substitute or add your own. Sauté

some mushrooms, chopped cherry tomatoes, or kale for your filling.

Broccoli and Potato Frittata

4 large eggs (can use omega-3 eggs, if desired)

4 large egg whites

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking spray, preferably olive oil

1⁄2 cup finely chopped onion

2 cups cooked broccoli florets

1 cup boiled or baked potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch thick slices

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

1 red bell pepper, cut into 1⁄2 inch rings

1⁄2 tsp. dried oregano

1⁄4 cup (1 oz.) grated parmesan cheese

Preheat broiler. In medium bowl, beat eggs, egg whites, salt and pepper until well

combined. Set aside.

Coat medium skillet (broiler-safe) with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat.

Add onions and sauté until translucent, stirring constantly. Add broccoli, mashing

with back of wooden spoon to flatten. Break potatoes into 1⁄2-inch pieces and add

to skillet, stirring until heated through. Add cooked vegetables to bowl of beaten

eggs.

Rinse pan and return to medium-high heat. Add oil, swirling to coat sides of pan.

Pour in egg and broccoli mixture. As eggs set, keep lifting edges of frittata while tilt-

ing pan, pulling cooked part aside without breaking to let uncooked liquid flow to

bottom of pan. Place bell pepper rings into top of nearly firm frittata. When eggs are

mostly set, but still moist on top, sprinkle oregano, then cheese, on top.

Place frittata under broiler until top is dry and set, about 2 minutes (checking fre-

quently after 1 minute). Slide frittata onto plate and let sit 15 minutes before cut-

ting. To serve, cut into four wedges and place on warmed plates.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 209 calories, 9 g total fat (3 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrate,

14 g protein, 3 g dietary fiber, 217 mg sodium.

Serve with a hearty whole-grain bread and a tossed green salad sprinkled with a

light vinaigrette dressing.

Recipe Corner

Recipe adapted from American Institute for Cancer Research e-newsletter, March 2008

Page 3 Patient and Family Education Newsletter

Did You Know?

If you have questions

about diet or nutrition

or need to access the

services of a Regis-

tered Dietitian at the

Odette Cancer Centre

drop by the Patient

and Family Nutrition

Resource Centre

located on the Ground

Floor or

call (416) 480-4623

to make an

appointment.

Another Dimension of Patient Care

An Online Patient Education Module for Patients Getting

by Kari Osmar, BSc.

M.R.T. (T)

Clinical Educator,

Radiation Planning

and Treatment

Delivery, Odette

Cancer Centre

Page 4 Odette Cancer Centre

Our Radiation Therapist Translation Team

One thing you may not know when you come to the Odette Cancer Centre is that

the 130 Radiation Therapists who may treat you speak a combined total of over

50 languages. The people we see at the Odette Cancer Centre speak a variety of

languages too and providing educational tools to serve the needs of a diverse

population is a priority. Recently we combined our team’s knowledge of different

languages and our expertise in radiation therapy and patient education to pro-

duce an online educational tool for patients receiving radiation therapy.

The Radiation Therapy E-module gives patients a visual, informational and audio

tour of radiation treatment. It gives the patient a detailed explanation of what to

expect during your radiation planning and treatment and answers questions re-

lated to possible side effects like loss of appetite, fatigue and skin reactions.

There is also a list of frequently asked questions with answers. It has been trans-

lated into 12 different languages including Cantonese, Persian, Gujarati, Tagalog,

French, Tamil, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Mandarin, Vietnamese and English. The

module can be accessed on the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre website by

anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The direct link is http://

sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=OCC_radonc_PatEd.

We are working on creating a similar e-learning module for chemotherapy and will

be releasing it shortly. If you have any questions or comments about this module

or any other patient education tools and materials please email us at

patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca

Page 5 Patient and Family Education Newsletter

The Radiation Therapy Online

Module screen. It is pictured

here in English (top) and

Cantonese (bottom).

The Radiation Therapy education module is available on the Sunnybrook website www.sunnybrook.ca.

To go directly to the module type the following address into your browser:

http://www.sunnybrook.ca/content/?page=Focus_OCC_Prog_RadOnc_Home

We are pleased to offer

you information in the fol-

lowing languages:

English

French

Cantonese

Mandarin

Persian

Tagalog

Tamil

Gujarati

Spanish

Italian

Urdu

Vietnamese

A complete schedule of all our classes and talks can be found in our monthly Patient Education Calendar. The

calendar gives information about talks and education events at Wellspring and the Canadian Cancer Society.

You can pick up a copy of this calendar in the waiting areas beside the clinics, the Volunteer desk at the North

entrance, in front of the main reception, or go to our website www.sunnybrook.ca. Go to Care Programs. Click

on the Odette Cancer Program. You will find a list of the classes and talks that are offered at the Odette Cancer

Centre.

Breathe Easy (Dyspnea) Patient Education Class (90 minutes)

AJ Dembo Lecture Theatre, Odette Cancer Centre and

Wellspring Westerkirk House (located on the Sunnybrook campus)

Breathe Easy is a 90 minute class for patients with Lung Cancer and their care providers. It is held on the first

Thursday of each month in the A.J. Dembo Lecture Theatre at the Odette Cancer Centre. On the 3rd Friday of

every month, from 11:00am-12:30pm at Wellspring. At this class you will learn breathing exercises and practi-

cal tips to help your breathing. If you would like more information about this class please speak to your primary

nurse.

Chemotherapy Patient Education Class (60 minutes)

RDT Jenkin Auditorium, Odette Cancer Centre

These sessions are open to patients, family, and friends and are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 3:00pm

– 4:00pm*. You will learn about treatments, how to control side effects, and how the Patient and Family Sup-

port Program can help you. Your doctor or nurse will arrange for you to attend a class. If this has not been ar-

ranged for you, please ask your doctor or nurse. *Note: classes are cancelled on holidays

Lymphedema Patient Education Class (60 minutes)

AJ Dembo Lecture Theatre, Odette Cancer Centre

Lymphedema is an abnormal swelling that is caused by a build up of lymph fluid in the body's tissues. Cancer

surgery or radiation therapy may sometimes lead to lymphedema. This group-based patient education session

provides an overview of lymphedema, its signs and symptoms, tips for reducing the risk of developing lymphe-

dema, and strategies for managing the condition. It is open to all Odette cancer patients that have had surgery

to remove cancer and/or lymph nodes, have undergone radiation therapy, or would like to learn more about

lymphedema. Held every Thursday from 10:00am-11:00am. If interested in attending this session please con-

tact Angela at 416-480-5000 ext. 1004.

What To Expect Following Your Breast Cancer Surgery? (60 minutes)

M-1006 or E-115, Sunnybrook Main Campus

This group-based patient education session prepares patients for what to expect for the first month following

their breast cancer surgery. The class is held for breast cancer patients booked for lumpectomy or mastectomy

surgery and is arranged along with the surgical date. Held every Tuesday from 10:30am-11:30am. If you have

any questions about this class, please feel free to contact Angela at 416-480-5000 ext. 1004.

Radiotherapy Information Session (60 minutes)

Wellspring Westerkirk House (located on the Sunnybrook campus)

These sessions are open to patients, family, and friends and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of

every month from 11:00am – 12:00pm. There is no need to register – just drop in! These sessions are led by a

Radiation Therapist and include: discussion on planning and treatment, radiation therapy side effects, question

and answer session, and information on further resources. For more information, please call Wellspring

Westerkirk House at 416-480-4440.

Patient and Family Education Classes and Talks

Page 6 Odette Cancer Centre

Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

Page 7 Patient and Family Education Newsletter

A CANCER DIAGNOSIS CAN IMPACT PEOPLE in a variety of different ways. Education can often help in

providing an understanding of the diagnosis, preparing patients and family members for what to

expect next and creating awareness about what services can help with coping during cancer.

The Odette Cancer Centre recognizes and believes in the importance of providing information

and education to patients and their loved ones. Studies have shown that information provision

to people with cancer and to their family members can result in better coping strategies and re-

duce distress and worry. Below is a list of questions that you can ask your health care team

with some tips on how to access some key educational tools available to you here. Our goal is

“To Provide The Right Education To The Right People In The Right Way At The Right Time”. We

hope that you find these helpful and welcome any suggestions you may have about your educa-

tional needs.

WHAT KIND OF CANCER DO I HAVE?

TIP: This seems like an obvious question but understanding the type of cancer can be helpful in

knowing what type of educational tools to focus on. Getting as much detail about your diagnosis

including stage and writing it down is useful for focusing your search and helping others who are

providing that education with more specific information.

WHAT IS MY TREATMENT PLAN?

TIP: This may include surgery, radiation, targeted chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and other

options. The Odette Cancer Centre has patient education classes to learn about chemotherapy,

a web based tool for teaching patients about radiation planning and treatment and a number of

different brochures and pamphlets on different types of surgeries. To access these tools please

ask a member of your health care team or check our Patient Education calendar. You can get a

copy at the information desk on the 1st Floor at the Odette Cancer Centre or e-mail us at patient-

education@sunnybrook.ca

WHAT SHOULD I EAT DURING TREATMENT?

TIP: Ask your health care team about seeing one of our registered dietitians or come down to the

Patient and Family Nutrition Resource Centre on the ground floor of the Odette Cancer Centre.

This team of experts can give you advice and counselling on what you can do if you are having

trouble eating and other tips on healthy eating.

IS THERE ANY INFORMATION ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS AND TREATMENT?

TIP: The chemotherapy patient education guide for patients and the radiation information guide

for patients provide information about possible side effects, how to manage these and who to

contact if you are having trouble dealing with these side effects. Please ask your primary nurse

or radiation therapist for a copy of these resources.

ARE THERE ANY PATIENT EDUCATION CLASSES OR TALKS I CAN ATTEND TO LEARN MORE?

TIP: There is a patient education calendar describing our classes, when they are held and how to

register. The calendar also provides information about Wellspring discussion series and informa-

tion about how to connect to the Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer Information Service. You can

pick up a copy of this calendar in the waiting areas beside the clinics, the Volunteer desk at the

North entrance in front of the main reception or go to our web site to get an electronic version at:

www.sunnybrook.ca and follow the links to the Odette Cancer Program under Care Programs.

by Tamara Harth,

M.L.I.S.

Program Manager

Patient Education

Chair Cancer Patient

Education Network

Canada

“I keep six honest

serving-men,

They taught me

all I knew;

Their names are

What and Why and When

And How and Where and

Who.”

Rudyard Kipling

Page 8 Odette Cancer Centre

Tamara Harth | Elaine Avila | Julie Burnett | Tracey Das Gupta | Carlo De Angelis

Lisa Di Prospero | Kathy Kwan | Angela Leahey | Barbara-Anne Maier | Kari Osmar

Annie Ngan| Dr. Ewa Szumacher | Pauline Wisdom-Gilliam

Editors: Tamara Harth and Helena Lam

This Newsletter Is Brought To You By

The Odette Patient Education Advisory Council

Providing

the Right Education,

to the Right People,

in the Right Way

at the Right Time. Patient Education Program,

Odette Cancer Centre

Do you have an idea for an article for our next patient education newsletter?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

e-mail us at: patienteducation@sunnybrook.ca

We want to hear from you!