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Hospa has one of the largest Cardio care programs in a community academic hospital in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and provides treatment for many types of CVD, including heart transplant, open heart surgery, engiogram prostate, gynecological and urinary.
Hospa General is constantly thinking and going beyond for our patients, our community and our people. As people and communities change, Hospa General will continuously evolve to meet their needs. We are driven to achieve the promise of people-centred care – to create a welcome and inclusive environment that contributes to health equity.
Enhancing the patient and family experience
We work to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of cancer care. All patients receive care guided by best practice standards of Cardio Care. These practices have been shown to provide the best patient outcomes. Patients and their families can quickly access a diverse range of cancer care services, including these facilities:
- The BMO Breast Diagnostic Clinic, part of the Karen, Heather & Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre
- The Baruch/Weisz Cardio Centre
- Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care
- Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Centre
Patients supported by dedicated team of experts
Our interdisciplinary team of highly skilled and compassionate health-care professionals includes physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, nurses, medical imaging professionals, case managers, and volunteers.
We partner with the two regional cancer centres: the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Princess Margaret Hospital at the University Health Network, to facilitate radiation treatments for our patients. A partnership between North York General and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offers patients easy and timely access to quality colorectal cancer care.
Information for new patient
This following series of videos are designed for patients who are receiving treatment at the Anne Tanenbaum Chemotherapy Clinic. The first video “A Day in Chemo Clinic”, is helpful to watch prior to starting treatment and want to know what to expect before your appointment.
Most patients will receive conventional chemotherapy and may find the videos that explain what chemotherapy is and how it is given, helpful. For a general introduction, start with “Chemo 101”. This video covers important day-to-day considerations such as “Can I take supplements while on chemo?”, “Can I drink alcohol while on chemo?” and “Do I have to avoid crowds while on chemo?” Additional videos include common side effects of chemotherapy, important prevention and management tips.
Available Doctors Under Food & Nutrition
Shazafar Ahmad
IT & Innovation Advisor
Sharon Noelker, RRT
Cosmetic Dermatologist
Melanie Dalton, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, Henry Ford Hospital, USA
Imad Awan
Lead - Art & AnimationAsk Any Question If You Have
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Cancer Screening: Why and When You Should Start for Better Health
Cancer can often grow silently in the body, with no symptoms to warn you. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have advanced. That’s why early detection is so crucial. Cancer screening helps identify cancers in their early, most treatable stages, making it easier to treat and increasing survival rates. In this article, we’ll dive into the 3 most common cancers in men that you should consider screening for: Colon, Lung, and Prostate cancer.
KEY POINTS
1. The goal of cancer screening is to detect cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. This means we do certain tests to look for cancer, even if there are no symptoms.
2. The three common cancers in men that you should consider screening for are: Colon, Lung, and Prostate cancer.
3. Screening for colon cancer starts at age 45. Colonoscopy is the most accurate test for colon cancer screening, recommended every 10 years.
5. Other ways to test for colon cancer are using stool tests. These tests look for hidden blood cells and abnormal DNA in the stool.
6. Screening for lung cancer starts at age 50 for people with a smoking history of 20 or more pack years. A yearly CT-scan of the chest is performed to look for lung cancer.
7. Lung cancer screening can be stopped at age 80, or, 15 years after quitting smoking.
8. Prostate cancer screening can be performed using a blood test for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) starting at age 50 years.
9. The risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening are not clear-cut and should be discussed with a doctor.
10. Abnormal screening results do not always indicate cancer but require further testing and investigation as advised by a doctor.
Colon Cancer Screening: Starting at Age 45
Colon cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and it can grow silently for years without symptoms. Screening starts at age 45 and continues with a colonoscopy, the most accurate test. Colonoscopies are generally recommended every 10 years.
If you prefer an alternative method, there are stool tests that detect hidden blood or abnormal DNA. If a stool test is abnormal, further tests, including a colonoscopy, may be needed.
By age 75, you may consider stopping colon cancer screenings, depending on your health and overall risks.
Lung Cancer Screening: Starting at Age 50
If you have a history of smoking, lung cancer screening is recommended starting at age 50. Specifically, this is for those who have smoked 20 or more pack years—equivalent to smoking one pack a day for 20 years, or half a pack a day for 40 years.
Screening involves a low-dose CT scan of the chest, performed annually until age 80, or 15 years after quitting smoking.
If you meet these criteria, it’s vital to discuss lung cancer screening with your doctor to assess your specific risks.
Prostate Cancer Screening: Starting at Age 50
Prostate cancer is common in men, and screening typically begins at age 50. The primary screening method is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which measures the levels of PSA in the blood. If the results are abnormal, further tests may be needed.
Prostate cancer screening is not as clear-cut as other screenings, as the risks and benefits are debated. The PSA test can be repeated every two years. You may consider stopping screening at age 70 or if you have significant health concerns.
Understanding the Need for Screening and What to Expect
Cancer screening tests are performed even when you have no symptoms. These tests look for signs of cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. If an abnormal result appears, it doesn’t always mean cancer—further tests and investigation will follow.
While the idea of screening can be stressful, early detection is far less stressful than facing an advanced cancer diagnosis that could have been avoided with timely action. Here’s what you need to know:
– Cervical cancer starts at age 21 with a Pap smear.
– Breast cancer starts at age 40 with mammograms every two years.
– Colon cancer starts at age 45 with a colonoscopy or stool tests.
– Lung cancer screening begins at age 50 for smokers or former smokers.
– Prostate cancer starts at age 50 with PSA tests.
Take Charge of Your Health
By understanding the importance of cancer screenings and following the recommended guidelines, you can take proactive steps toward a healthier future. Early detection is critical, so don’t delay in discussing your cancer screening plan with your doctor.
What to Discuss with Your Doctor
– When should I start screening for cancer?
– Which cancers should I consider screening for based on my personal history?
– What are the different screening tests available for colon cancer, and which is best for me?
– How do I know if I qualify for lung cancer screening based on my smoking history?
– What are the potential risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening?
– What should I do if I get abnormal results?
– How can I reduce my cancer risk through lifestyle changes?
Fantastic Fact!
Did you know that 85% of breast cancers are found early through screenings like mammograms? Early detection is key to better treatment outcomes. This concept applies to all cancers—early screening leads to better survival rates and treatment success.
Guest Experts
Dr. Muhammad Ahsan Zafar, MD, MSc
Pulmonary & Critical Care University of Cincinnati, USA
Dr. Kaitlyn Shrake, MD
Pulmonary & Critical Care, University of Kentucky, USA
Dr. Eric Warm, MD
Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA