Seeking applications for a Patient Representative for the Head and Neck Disease Site Committee Wednesday, December 02, 2020 The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is currently seeking applications for a Patient Representative for the Head and Neck Disease Site Committee (cancer inside the nose, throat or mouth). This is a volunteer role for membership on the Head & Neck General Committee, the Head & Neck Executive Committee, and the CCTG Patient Representative Committee. Patient Representatives participate in all aspects of their Site Committee activities, and collectively all Site Committee Patient Representatives make up the CCTG Patient Representative Committee. The role of Patient Representatives at CCTG is to represent the perspective of patients and their families, and the public at large, in the development and delivery of clinical trials. The goal is to team with health care professionals/researchers to advance outstanding research in the treatment, care, and prevention of cancer to improve patient outcomes by assisting in identifying patient priorities, outcomes that are important to patients, and patient barriers. The CCTG conducts the entire range of trials from early phase (e.g. phase I-II) studies to large international randomized controlled (e.g. phase III) trials across all cancer types. Its primary mission is to assess the effectiveness of interventions to prevent the development of cancer or improve the treatment and care of those patients who do develop cancer. The CCTG facilitates access to cutting-edge cancer therapy for Canadian patients by: Conducting trials in all major cancer types, including brain, breast, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecology, head and neck, hematology, lung, melanoma, and sarcoma. Testing strategies that include systemic therapy (e.g. chemotherapy, biologic therapy), radiation therapy, surgery, dietary supplementation, and strategies associated with lifestyle change. Working with a network that includes: Over 80 institutions, including all cancer centres across Canada and many community hospitals; and, More than 3500 Canadian physicians, research nurses, data managers, and pharmacists involved in cancer care in Canada to enroll patients onto Canadian Cancer Trials Group studies. Each Site Committee, as well as the Patient Representatives Committee meet once a year in person at the Canadian Cancer Trials Group's Annual Spring Meeting of Participants in late April / early May and additionally schedule teleconferences throughout the year (usually quarterly). Patient Representatives also have opportunities to participate in educational events to expand their knowledge of clinical trial research issues. Applicants should have: An interest in cancer research; Experience with head and neck cancer or caregiver experience for someone with this cancer type; An ability to understand, at a top level, the scientific discussions that take place during meetings and / or be willing to become familiar with relevant research and medical language; Good communication skills and an ability to listen to others and be comfortable and confident constructively expressing their own views from a consumer perspective; The ability to commit the time required to become familiar with the role, and to prepare for and participate in the Patient Representatives Committee and Site Committee activities, meetings (teleconferences), email discussions, etc. as needed; The ability to commit to, prepare for, travel to and attend the CCTG’s Annual Spring Meeting of Participants in Toronto each year; Electronic communication skills, including basic computer skills and access to the internet; Willingness and ability to commit to the above for a 3-year term. To download an application form please click here. If you have questions, please contact Susan McEathron, smceathron@ctg.queensu.ca.
