$5M donated to research emotional burden of cancer diagnosis

Cancer patients and researchers are hoping a $5-million donation Thursday to cancer-focused emotional and psychological research in Calgary will help future patients deal with the weight of receiving a diagnosis. 

Survivor Beth Fortin, who was told two years ago she had Stage 3 breast cancer, says the emotional toll of a diagnosis can rival the strain of physical recovery. 

"There is a big stigma around mental health and how we should just be thankful to be alive," said Fortin.

"But the fact of the matter is we are thankful to be alive but we still walk away with a storm inside." 

The donation comes from Calgary philanthropist Patrick Daniel, former president and CEO of Enbridge Inc., through his Daniel Family Foundation.

The funds will go toward establishing and funding a research chair in psychosocial oncology at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, located at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. The institute is a partnership between the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services. 

Dr. Barry Bultz, a pioneer in the field of psychosocial research, says psychological care is an essential part of treatment and recovery.

"Because we now screen all patients for distress, we're able to determine what level of distress they experience, not only from time of diagnosis, treatment, recurring disease or end of life, but it's a way for us to better access and destigmatize the challenges that they face," said Bultz. 

The donation will also go toward creating a collaborative space for psychosocial oncology research inside the new Calgary Cancer Centre, set to open next year at Foothills.