Designing Cancer Care That Works for Patients: Inside Ontario’s Regional Cancer Plan Artwork

The Cancer Assist Podcast

Join Dr. Bill Evans, members of The Cancer Assistance Program and cancer specialists as they discuss cancer diagnosis, causes and treatment. The Cancer Assist Show is hosted by Dr. Bill Evans, MD, FRCP, Past President of the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre at HHS. Brought to you by the Cancer Assistance Program – an organization lending support to cancer patients and families of those affected by cancer.

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The Cancer Assist Podcast

Designing Cancer Care That Works for Patients: Inside Ontario’s Regional Cancer Plan

January 16, 2026 • Cancer Assistance Program

0:00 | 46:35

In this episode of the Cancer Assist Podcast, Dr. Bill Evans is joined by Jennifer Smyth, Director of Regional Cancer Programs, for an in-depth conversation about how cancer care is planned and delivered across the Hamilton, Niagara, Haldimand and Brant region.

Together, they explore how the Regional Cancer Plan is shifting beyond capacity and wait times to focus on equity, patient experience, prevention, and access to care closer to home. The discussion highlights early cancer screening, Indigenous cancer care, the mobile cancer coach, future chemotherapy capacity, and how partnerships across hospitals and the community are shaping a more seamless cancer journey for patients and families.

This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how cancer care systems evolve and what it takes to ensure patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the right place.