Ep35: Holistic Approach to Cancer-Related Pain with Dr. Jenna Smith-Turchyn and Holly Edward

In this episode, we talked about:

1. Experiences of having cancer and cancer-related pain
2. The significance of physiotherapy in cancer rehab and managing cancer-related pain
3. Common misconceptions about physiotherapy for people living with or beyond cancer
4. How physiotherapists can consider the evidence of cancer rehab and the unique biopsychosocial realities of individuals when providing care 

 

Jenna Smith-Turchyn, PT, PhD, is a physiotherapist and Assistant Professor in the School of Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University. She is also co-chair of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Oncology Division. Jenna has an active research program at various cancer centres across Ontario. Her research focuses on cancer rehabilitation for individuals living with or beyond a cancer diagnosis, with the goal of maximizing participation and physical functioning.

 

Holly Edward is a physiotherapist and PhD Candidate working under the supervision of Dr. Jenna Smith-Turchyn at McMaster University. Holly's thesis project explores and evaluates the use of a physiotherapist-navigator role for individuals newly diagnosed with cancer. Holly's research promotes symptom assessment and management to be included in standard and routine cancer care in Canada to promote optimal physical function and improve the quality of life in individuals living with and beyond cancer. Holly is also a member of the executive of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association’s Oncology Division.

 

Resources

1. Canadian Physiotherapy Association Oncology Division website: https://www.oncologycpa.ca
2. Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors (Campbell et al., 2019): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8576825/
3. Cancer Care Ontario Exercise Recommendations: https://www.cancercareontario.ca/sites/ccocancercare/files/ExerciseGuide.pdf
4. Prospective Surveillance Model (Stout et al., 2012): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22488693/
5. Cancer Care Ontario Symptom Management Guide- Pain:  https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/system/files_force/symptoms/CCOPainFull.pdf?download=1
6. Website containing free resources to learn about oncology: https://www.learnoncology.ca/modules

 

Social Media handles

X and LinkedIn @SmithTurchyn

Instagram and LinkedIn @oncologyphysiotherapy @holly_edward

 

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