Patient Appreciation Policy
The Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research believes that all people with lived experience, such as patients and caregivers, deserve to be recognized and compensated for their time and contributions to research, projects, and initiatives.
Cancer Therapies and the Heart
Medications and cancer therapies may have short and long-term effects on the heart. Some cancer survivors are at risk of developing heart problems as a result of their cancer treatment. Cancer is treated with one or more of the following: chemotherapy, immune therapy, surgery, radiation and HER 2 targeted therapies.
How is Cardiotoxicity Diagnosed and Managed?
Oncology and cardiology teams can work closely together on providing care for people undergoing cancer treatment before problems arise. These “cardio-oncology” teams monitor patients at risk of developing heart problems during cancer therapy, diagnose any heart issues, and begin early treatment. These teams continue to monitor patients in the months and years following cancer treatment. Cardiotoxicity is diagnosed by physical exams and specific tests.
I May Look the Same, But…
December 8, 2009: I hurried my dog along the sidewalk for a short walk before a lunch meeting with a colleague. As we rounded the uphill corner of the street, I waved a hello to our mailman as we passed by. That was the last thing I remember. Moments later, I opened my eyes to discover I was lying face down on the sidewalk, chin bleeding, and my dog waiting patiently at my side. Within the hour, two ambulances arrived at our house, and my husband had rushed home. I was taken to emergency and, once my chin was stitched up, hospitalized for three days of observation and tests. On the third afternoon, a staff cardiologist appeared at my bedside: “It’s heart failure.”
Living with Cardiotoxicity
Living with Cardiotoxicity The goal of a cardio-oncology program is to help prevent short- and long-term cardiac complications of cancer therapy. As a result, your team works closely with you and other specialists to ensure that your heart is safe prior to, during,...
What is Cardiotoxicity?
What is Cardiotoxicity? Cancer and heart disease are well-known diseases and the world’s leading causes of mortality. However, many people do not realize the short and long-term effects of cancer therapy on the heart. Some cancer survivors are at risk of developing...
PWLE Engagement
The voices and perspectives of patients, caregivers, and family members are essential to the work of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research. This commitment is shared by the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre and by UHN as a whole.
Advocating for Yourself
More and more health care organizations have a formal role called a patient advocate who provides direct, personalized assistance to patients and caregivers as they navigate the healthcare system. The following are the responsibilities of a patient advocate:
Caring for Someone with Heart Failure
Heart failure is a very common condition where the heart is unable to meet the demands of the body. In general, heart failure can be treated, but not cured. However, many treatments are available to help patients live longer and better.
