Small Steps, Big Gains: Optimizing Health Through Exercise

Dr. Alicia Sarabia speaks with Dr. Breffni Hannon, Princess Margaret Cancer Center site lead for palliative care. They discuss the importance of the integration of palliative care early in the course of the patient’s cancer journey. They also discuss the physical complications of ovarian cancer, which may often occur throughout the journey, including the end stage. Lastly, they discuss practical aspects related to end of life.  

Dr. Alicia Sarabia speaks with Cynthia Mulligan, Senior CityNews reporter, and Andrea Warnick, Registered Psychotherapist and nurse. Cynthia shares the story of her journey with breast cancer in relation to her two daughters. Andrea provides her expertise on understanding and helping children of parents with serious illnesses.

Dr. Alicia Sarabia is joined by Dr. Michelle Jacobson, assistant professor at the University of Toronto department of obstetrics and gynaecology and menopause specialist at Women’s College and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.  Together, they discuss premature menopause which affects a significant number of women undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.  

Dr. Alicia Sarabia, ovarian cancer patient and podcast host, speaks with Dr. Taymaa May, gynecologic oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Center. Listeners will hear about maintenance therapy options available to women with high grade serous ovarian cancer. Dr May provides clinical expertise and Alicia shares her experience with PARP inhibitor treatment.  

Dr. Alicia Sarabia is joined by Dr. Jeanna McCuaig, genetics counsellor at Princess Margaret Cancer Center, and Halley Sauve, who has been able to take measures to decrease her risk of developing cancer after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation.  Listeners will learn about the role of genetic mutations in the development of ovarian cancer and the benefits of genetic testing.  

The fear of recurrence gives rise to one of the greatest unmet needs in ovarian cancer patients. Dr. Alicia Sarabia is joined by Gill Deacon, CBC radio host and Dr. Mary Elliott, Princess Margaret Cancer Center psychiatrist and mindfulness teacher. Both Gill and Alicia share their personal experiences as Dr Elliot provides professional insight and management strategies.  

Dr. Alicia Sarabia is joined by Dr. Santa Mina, Associate Professor with the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Toronto,  and Dr. Ferguson, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto and Director of Research, Division of Gynecologic Oncology at UHN.  This episode focuses on the benefits of exercise as it relates to women before, during and after receiving treatment for ovarian cancer.  Alicia reflects on how exercise has helped her throughout her cancer journey.

Dr. Alicia Sarabia, ovarian cancer patient and podcast host, speaks with Dr. Liat Hogen, oncologist with the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Listeners will hear about chemotherapy options available to women with ovarian cancer and what measures are in place to tailor treatments according to the individual patient.  

Dr. Alicia Sarabia is joined by Dr. Marcus Bernardini, head of the Gynecologic Oncology department at Princess Margaret, and Jodi-Ann Manhertz, Clinical Nurse Specialist at Princess Margaret. This episode focuses on the surgical management of ovarian cancer, with Alicia providing a patient's perspective on her own experience.

Dr. Alicia Sarabia, ovarian cancer patient and podcast host, is joined by Paul and Michael, her husband and her son, to discuss the very difficult topic of sharing and receiving the news of a new cancer diagnosis with those you love.  Dr. Mary Elliot, Princess Margaret psychiatrist and mindfulness teacher, provides insight on the nature of emotions and behaviours during these difficult times and provides coping strategies.