GOSH Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to the first episode of Season 5! We kick off the new season by exploring the experiences of students from the seed2STEM program, the Summer Research Program for Indigenous Youth. It offers paid internships that offer Indigenous youth hands-on opportunities in scientific research. We hear from Shana, Caty and Catalina as they share their journeys working in gynecologic cancer research labs. Whether you're interested in science or looking for inspiration, this episode highlights the power of opportunity and growth through mentorship and education. 

Shana George - student at Huntsman lab 

Caty Janze - student at Hanley lab 

Catalina Claxton - student at Hanley lab

Resources:
seed2STEM program website -  https://icord.org/seed2STEM/

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca  
 
Where to learn more about us:  
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster 
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative 
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

🚀 A New Chapter Begins! Our newest episode is live! Join the conversation as we celebrate the past and look forward to the future with our new co-host, Anita Wright.

As Stephanie will transition into her new role as a Knowledge Exchange Leader for Mental Health and Substance Use at Fraser Health, She'll be moving on from the GOSH podcast.  We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Stephanie for her incredible dedication, passion, and contributions to the podcast. Today, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey of the GOSH podcast. We'll discuss some of the significant milestones we've reached and the impactful stories our guests have shared.

Anita Wright is a 76-year-old cake artist from New Westminster. With more than 600 thousand followers on TikTok, Anita, known as 'TikTok Nana,' has captured hearts with her mesmerizing "acrylic piping art." Once a marketing manager, she found her artistry after retiring and starting her own event business in Toronto. Upon moving to Vancouver in 2017, she ventured into baking custom cakes and shared her creations online. In 2022, Anita received a stage four ovarian cancer diagnosis. She openly communicated this diagnosis to her followers and now uses her platform to document her ovarian cancer journey, aiming to increase awareness about this type of cancer.

Mentioned Episodes:
Season 2 Episode 7: A Chinese Perspective – Hereditary Cancers, Genetic Testing and Language Accessibility (一個華人對癌症遺傳基因檢測的體驗)

Episode 8: On Cancer Survivorship, Sexual Health and Mindfulness

Season 2 Episode 8: A New Gynecologic Cancer Survivorship Clinic in BC

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca 

Where to learn more about us: 

Twitter – @GCI_Cluster

Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative

Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

GOSH Podcast survey:
https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9vJ2Jt3Mr6OPJBk 

Welcome to the first episode marking the 4th season of the GOSH podcast! We are excited to share with you more fascinating discussions with researchers and physicians, and inspiring patient stories. 

Today we have the founders of Down there aware(or DTA in short) podcast which was launched in 2020 to propagate a real and relevant discussion about women’s health. Meet Alex Massey who with her mother Mary co-founded and host Down there aware podcast. Alex was born and raised in Florida and currently resides in the capitol city, Tallahassee, with her perfect pooch, Sadie Mae. At the age of 32, she was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Her journey with gynecologic cancer motivated her to become an Women's Health advocate and encourage women to be aware of their bodies and become their own best health advocate.  

Meet Alex’s mom, Mary Massey is the co-founder of DTA and a retired, career teacher. She began her career as a music teacher and, after earning masters and doctoral degrees, she wrapped up her teaching career as a college professor, training future teachers. Having experienced several serious, and some unusual, medical issues, personally, and through her family members, Mary has developed a keen interest in all things medical, researching and delving deeply into causes, treatments, and outcomes of various health issues. Her incentive to become involved in DTA was to support Alex after her cancer diagnosis and to help inform, educate, and advocate for other young women.  

Down There Aware website - https://www.downthereaware.com/  

Down There Aware episode: Alex’s Cancer Story - https://www.downthereaware.com/podcast/episode/f4e3dd31/my-cancer-story  

Down There Aware episode: A Mother's Perspective - https://www.downthereaware.com/podcast/episode/2bced4d9/a-mothers-perspective 

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca  
 
Where to learn more about us:  
 
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster 
 
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative 
 
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

GOSH Podcast survey:
https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9vJ2Jt3Mr6OPJBk

In the last episode of Season 3 of the GOSH podcast, we are honored to have our co-host Nicole Keay sharing her fertility journey as a cervical cancer survivor. Nicole shares her personal experiences with fertility loss and the challenges she had to navigate along the way. Nicole takes us on a heartfelt journey sharing her decision-making process, shedding light on the financial and legislative aspects of surrogacy and egg donation in Canada. Nicole provides valuable tips and resources for others facing similar situations. Join us for this inspiring episode as Nicole's story offers hope and resilience on the path to parenthood. 

CancerConnection from the Canadian Cancer Society: 

https://cancerconnection.ca/s/ 

Fertile Future - Charity that provides a reduction in cost for fertility preservation for cancer patients: 

https://fertilefuture.ca/programs/power-of-hope/ 

If you would like to reach out to Nicole, please reach out at:
info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

Join us for the final episode of our collaborative series with Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), where we delve into the incredible work being done to support ovarian cancer patients across Canada. In this episode, we're honored to have Stephanie, a program director at OCC, and Starla, a patient partner, as our special guests. 

Starla shares her personal experience as an ovarian cancer patient and reveals how she utilizes social media to document her cancer journey and foster connections with fellow patients. Her story is one of strength, resilience, and the power of community. 

Stephanie, the program director at OCC, sheds light on the range of resources and initiatives available to support ovarian cancer patients. From awareness campaigns to tailored programs, Stephanie provides valuable insights into the diverse ways OCC is making a difference in the lives of those affected by ovarian cancer. 

Bio:  

Stephanie Gosselin 

Stephanie Gosselin is the Programs Director at Ovarian Cancer Canada. She has a passion for building community and supporting those diagnosed with ovarian cancer, ensuring that no one is alone on this journey. Stephanie is committed to making sure that everyone in the ovarian cancer community has access to the most up to date and accurate information through a wide variety of education and support programs. She is proud to call Shellbrook, SK her home, where she lives on a farm with her husband and three kids. In her spare time you will find her running the trails of northern SK. 

Starla Fiddler 

Starla Fiddler was diagnosed with a rare form of ovarian cancer at age 23. Since being diagnosed, Starla has faced multiple recurrences and rounds of treatments. She is a strong advocate for ovarian cancer awareness by making connections through social media engagements, speaking at events, and doing media interviews. She is from Saskatoon Saskatchewan where she shares her life and makes memories with her 5-year-old son. 

Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) Website - https://ovariancanada.org/ 

OCC Patient Resources - https://ovariancanada.org/creating-connections

OVdialogue - https://ovdialogue.ovariancanada.org/

Teal Tea - https://ovariancanada.org/events/teal-tea-for-everyone-diagnosed-with-ovarian-cancer

OCC email: 

info@ovariancanada.org 

Follow OCC on social media: 

https://www.instagram.com/ovariancancercanada/  

https://twitter.com/OvarianCanada 

https://www.facebook.com/OvarianCancerCanada/  

https://www.youtube.com/user/OvarianCancerCanada 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovarian-cancer-canada/  

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca  
 
Where to learn more about us:  
 
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster 
 
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative 
 
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative 

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

Continuing our collaborative series with Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC), we are pleased to welcome our next guest, Dr. Alicia Tone. In this episode, Dr. Tone shares the personal story of how her work with real women living with ovarian cancer continues to inspire and motivate her work. Dr. Tone elaborates on the critical role of patient involvement in advancing ovarian cancer research and how OCC ensures patient-centeredness in many areas of their work. She also outlines the resources available for scientists in the ovarian cancer field such as an extensive collaborative network of researchers, clinicians, trainees, and patients, funding opportunities, specimen bank and others. 

Bio: Dr. Alicia Tone is Scientific Advisor at Ovarian Cancer Canada. Dr. Tone has been in the ovarian cancer field for 20 years. Her history prior to joining Ovarian Cancer Canada includes a PhD at the University of Toronto in Ontario, post-doctorate training at BC Cancer, and 7 years as a Scientific Associate in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.   In 2020, Dr. Tone started her work with Ovarian Cancer Canada where she runs the national OvCAN research initiative and performs collaborative research to understand and improve care along the ovarian cancer continuum (prevention, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care).   

Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) Website: 

https://ovariancanada.org/ 

OCC email: 

info@ovariancanada.org 

Follow OCC on social media: 

https://www.instagram.com/ovariancancercanada/  

https://twitter.com/OvarianCanada 

https://www.facebook.com/OvarianCancerCanada/  

https://www.youtube.com/user/OvarianCancerCanada 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovarian-cancer-canada/  

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca  
 
Where to learn more about us:  
 
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster 
 
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative 
 
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative 

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

We are excited to announce the first episode of our collaborative series with Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC). In this series, we will have the opportunity to speak with patient partners, research scientists, and program coordinators from OCC, who will share about the research, awareness, and advocacy work they are doing in OCC. As the only registered Canadian charity solely dedicated to overcoming ovarian cancer, the organization provides leadership in research, advocacy, and support, so that women live fuller, better, longer lives.

To kick off our collaborative series with OCC, we have Donna Peppin sharing her personal experience with low-grade serous ovarian cancer and her advocacy work with OCC. Donna emphasizes the significance of patient-centered research and how patient involvement has led to a greater research focus on rare subtypes of ovarian cancer. She also provides valuable information on OCC's support services and other resources available for patients. By the end of this episode, we hope that you will feel empowered and inspired, just as we did.

Bio: Donna Pepin of Toronto, Ontario, faced a serous borderline ovarian cancer diagnosis at the age of 49.  During her cancer journey, Donna realized that most women she knew were not informed or aware of ovarian cancer, and that there were very few ovarian cancer advocates. So, she decided to become one. She began volunteering with Ovarian Cancer Canada in 2008. From speaking publicly about her experience with ovarian cancer to planning gala events, she focused on raising the profile of this cause. Donna had a vital role in successfully advocating alongside Ovarian Cancer Canada for a historic federal investment in research. Today, she is the Patient Representative on the Governing Council of Ovarian Cancer Canada's OvCAN research initiative and the Patient Lead for OvCAN’s national Patient Partners in Research Team.

Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) Website:
https://ovariancanada.org/ 

OCC upcoming events: 

https://ovariancanada.org/events-support/find-local-events 

OCC guide on clinical trials: 

https://ovariancanada.org/Research/Clinical-Trials  

OCC support serives: 

https://ovariancanada.org/Living-with-Ovarian-Cancer/Find-Support  

Follow Ovarian Cancer Canada on social media: 

https://www.instagram.com/ovariancancercanada/  

https://twitter.com/OvarianCanada 

https://www.facebook.com/OvarianCancerCanada/  

https://www.youtube.com/user/OvarianCancerCanada 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ovarian-cancer-canada/  

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca 

Where to learn more about us: 

Twitter – @GCI_Cluster

Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative

Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

We're delighted to welcome Dr. Farhia Kabeer as our featured guest, where she shares her expertise on pre-clinical models for research and chemotherapy resistance. Additionally, she highlights some of the promising research projects that aim to enhance treatment strategies and reduce toxicity levels for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer. 

Bio: 

Dr. Farhia Kabeer is a gynae surgeon from Pakistan. Her cancer research took off from MSc at McGill University studying the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Farhia’s PhD research encompassed the fields of cancer evolution and translational breast cancer research. She obtained a real-time look at how cancers evolve and why chemotherapies that are initially effective fail over time. Currently, Farhia is a post-doctoral fellow at OVCARE and her work focuses on high-grade serous ovarian cancer pre-clinical models to test novel combinations therapies. 

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca 

Where to learn more about us: 

Twitter – @GCI_Cluster

Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative

Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

In today's episode, we welcome Dr. Melanie Altas. Melanie talked about the struggles gyne cancer survivors face with sexual health. She also outlined useful resources and tools around sexual health available for patients as well as for healthcare providers.

Originally from the Maritimes, Dr. Melanie Altas finished her residency in Obstetrics & Gynaecology at UBC in 2007. Currently, Dr. Altas is a Director of BC Centre for Vulvar Health and a Clinical Associate Professor at the UBC in the Department of ObGyn. Her current clinical practice is dedicated to cancer survivorship, menopause, and sexual pain disorders. She is committed to empowering women with education and tools to heal themselves and is a passionate advocate for patient collaboration and shared decision-making.
 
Links: 

Cancer & Sexual Health Clinic 

https://bcvulvarhealth.ca/cancer-sexualhealth/ 

BC Centre for Vulvar Health: 

https://bcvulvarhealth.ca/about/people/  

Hello Vulva! Instagram page: 

https://www.instagram.com/hello.vulva/?hl=en 

Dr. Lori Brotto GOSH podcast episode: 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/1387837/episodes/8056177  

Dr. Lori Brotto’s book: 

https://www.loribrotto.com/  

OHNUT- wearable tool to adjust the depth of the penetration during sexual intercourse: 

https://ohnut.co/ 

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca 

Where to learn more about us: 

Twitter – @GCI_Cluster

Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative

Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh

This episode of the Season 3 GOSH podcast features Lexi Mestas. Lexi shares her struggles of navigating a rare type of cancer as a young adult including feelings of isolation and infertility. You can learn how family support, community, and advocacy through social media helped Lexi in her journey.

Lexi is a creative with a background in city development, urban food access, community health, social media campaigns, fundraising, and state-wide project management. In her late teens, Lexi was suffering from symptoms of ovarian cancer but didn’t know they were related to ovarian cancer until undergoing the necessary tests. She was diagnosed with a rare type of ovarian cancer, Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer when she was 27 years old. Lexi became her own advocate pursuing her passions, raising over $72K and spreading awareness through social media campaigns, a weekly newsletter, media appearances, and community partnerships.

Lexi's Social Media accounts:
https://www.instagram.com/leximestas/?hl=en

https://www.tiktok.com/@leximestas?lang=en

STAAR fundraiser for women with low-grade serous ovarian cancer:
https://staarovariancancerfoundation.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTQzODY5 

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For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca 

Where to learn more about us: 

Twitter – @GCI_Cluster

Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative

Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative

For more information on the Gynecologic Cancer Initiative, please visit https://gynecancerinitiative.ca/ or email us at info@gynecancerinitiative.ca

Where to learn more about us:
Twitter – @GCI_Cluster
Instagram – @gynecancerinitiative
Facebook – facebook.com/gynecancerinitiative
TikTok – @gci_gosh