Children and Cancer
Fertility After Cancer: What You Should Know Before Treatment
A cancer diagnosis brings countless decisions, but one conversation is too often overlooked, how treatment may affect future fertility. In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, host Dr. Bill Evans is joined by radiation oncologist Dr. Juliana Sienna and fertility expert Mike Neal to discuss why fertility preservation should be part of every childbearing aged cancer patient’s care. Together, they explain how chemotherapy, radiation and surgery can impact fertility, what options are available to preserve the chance of having children and why these conversations need to happen before treatment begins whenever possible.
The discussion also explores the emotional side of fertility after cancer, the barriers that prevent many patients from receiving timely information and the advancements in fertility preservation that are creating more hope than ever before.Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with cancer, or simply want to better understand the options available, this episode offers practical guidance, expert insight, and an important reminder that patients deserve the information they need to make informed decisions about their future.
Parenting Through Cancer: The Conversations Families Don’t Talk About
Parenting during cancer brings emotional, practical, and deeply personal challenges. In this episode, experts Laura Jin, Child Life Specialist (CLS), Grief & Bereavement at Kemp Care Network,(Formerly CLS at Juravinski Cancer Centre) and Ashley Mikitzel, Registered Social Worker, Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre, explain how parents can communicate with their children, ask for help, navigate uncertainty, and maintain connection throughout treatment and beyond. This episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast offers guidance, reassurance, and practical tools for families facing cancer.
Supporting Children and Teens Through A Parent’s Cancer Journey with Laura Jin
Laura Jin, Child Life Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Centre is our guest this episode. She joins our host, Dr. Bill Evans to discuss the importance of supporting children whose parents are receiving cancer treatment and the growing specialization of Child Life. In this episode, we learn more about tailoring strategies for dealing with a parent’s diagnosis and grief for specific age groups, families with kids spanning several age ranges, and empowering parents and loved ones through the journey.
Strength in the Storm: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Child’s Cancer Diagnosis
Samantha Taylor’s life was drastically changed in an instant when doctors revealed that her 10-year-old daughter has cancer. A caring mother and wife, Sam talks about her personal experiences detailing both the physical and mental impacts of cancer. We discuss the significance of engaging with other families, effective communication, and ways to keep a positive mindset to assist not only her family, but also others facing a similar situation.
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Talking to Children About Cancer
Join us for this important discussion with Bridget Veltri, Certified Child Life Specialist at the Juravinski Cancer Center. In this episode, we explore the role of a child life specialist, how we can best communicate to children when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, and tools and coping strategies for some of the stressful situations families may be going through.
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Children with Brain Cancer: Support, Developments, and Treatment
Today we sit down with Dr. Sheila Singh, chief pediatric neurosurgeon at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Singh shares her experience in pediatric neurology, highlighting the ongoing research and developments that support a brighter future for children diagnosed with cancer. We discuss what a diagnosis means for parents and siblings, and how palliative care is changing to better suit the needs of young families.
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The Cancer Assist Podcast
Listen to Dr. Bill Evans and other cancer care specialists as they discuss a variety of practical cancer-related topics to help navigate prevention, treatment and care.
