On November 16, 2023, the CMF hosted its second successful conference at the MaRS Discovery District at 101 College St. in Toronto, ON. Learn more about the conference objectives and the conference program below.
Attend to learn about early detection, promising research directions, and new treatments for mesothelioma. Together, we can develop a comprehensive Canadian response to asbestos and asbestos disease.
Conference objectives:
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Provide information on asbestos and mesothelioma to health and safety practitioners, patients, family members, advocates
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Provide information on early detection and innovative treatment for mesothelioma for general practitioners and specialists
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Engage researchers, clinicians, health and safety professionals, and advocates in Canada and internationally
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Promote asbestos awareness and support for mesothelioma research
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Link these efforts to the broader efforts to develop a comprehensive Canadian response to asbestos and asbestos disease
Conference Program:
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7:30 am |
Registration, coffee/continental breakfast |
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Welcome |
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8:30 am |
Dr. Eudice Goldberg, Chair Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation |
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Keynote Presentation |
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8:40 am |
The Honourable Hassan Yussuff, Senate of Canada: Canada’s Asbestos Ban |
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9:15 am |
Q and A |
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Session 1: From the Frontline – preventing current and future exposure to asbestos (9:30 am – 10:30 am) |
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Moderator: Dr. Paul Demers, Occupational Cancer Research Centre |
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9:30 am |
Dr. Paul Demers: Epidemiology of mesothelioma in Canada |
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9:45 am |
Dr. Cheryl Peters, CAREX Canada: Prevalence of exposure to asbestos in Canada |
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10:00 am |
Sean Douglas, Pinchin Ltd: Asbestos in the built environment |
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10:15 am |
Q and A |
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Refreshment and Networking Break (30 minutes) |
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Session 2: Voices of those affected by asbestos and mesothelioma (11:00 am – noon) |
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Moderator: Dr. Erik Vakil |
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11:00 am |
Lee Loftus (Canada): The experience of an asbestos-exposed worker |
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11:30 am |
Eric Jonckheere (Belgium): A patient, family and country point of view of mesothelioma experience |
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Buffet Lunch and Networking Break (60 minutes) |
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Session 3: Issues related to the recognition/compensation of mesothelioma (1:00 pm – 2:00 pm) |
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Moderator: Dr. Linn Holness |
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1:00 pm |
Alec Farquhar: Compensation of mesothelioma claims in Canada |
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1:15 pm |
Dr. Nancy Lightfoot: The impacts on caregivers of patients with an asbestos-related cancer |
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1:30 pm |
Dr. Sherry Mongeau: The experience of worker advocates who assist families with compensation claims |
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1:45 pm |
Q and A |
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Session 4: Screening and Early Detection of Mesothelioma (2:00 pm – 2:45 pm) |
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Moderator: Dr. John Cho |
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2:00 pm |
Dr. Erik Vakil: Screening for mesothelioma – when those exposed to asbestos should be investigated |
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2:15 pm |
Dr. Katarzyna Czarnecka-Kujawa: Diagnostic considerations in suspected mesothelioma |
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2:30 pm |
Q and A |
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Session 5: Aspects of Mesothelioma Management in Canada (2:45 pm – 3:45 pm) |
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Moderator: Dr. Jocelyne Martin |
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2:45 pm |
Dr. Camille Munro: Managing pain and symptoms – supportive and palliative care for mesothelioma patients |
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3:00 pm |
Dr. Marie Florescu: Immunotherapy |
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3:15 pm |
Dr. Andrea McCart: Peritoneal mesothelioma |
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3:30 pm |
Q and A |
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Networking Break (15 minutes) |
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Session 6: Panel Discussion – Challenges of Treating Mesothelioma (4:00 pm – 5:00 pm) |
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4:00 pm |
Moderator: Dr. Chris Lee Panelists: Dr. Camille Munro, Dr. Marc de Perrot, Dr. Marie Florescu, Dr. Erik Vakil, Dr. Andrea McCart |
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4:45 pm |
Q and A |
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Closing Remarks |
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5:00 pm |
Drs. Eudice Goldberg and John Cho: closing remarks and invitation to reception |
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Post Conference Reception (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm) |
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A Big THANK YOU to our Sponsors!
