Top Research Impact Stories of 2016

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Dr. Camilla Zimmermann is featured on the Canadian Cancer Society’s annual list.
Posted On: January 13, 2017
A study led by PM Senior Scientist Dr. Camilla Zimmermann is featured among the Top 10 Canadian Cancer Society–funded research stories of 2016. The annual list highlights the breadth of research across the cancer spectrum that is funded by the Canadian Cancer Society.

Dr. Zimmermann was featured for her study on the perception of palliative care among those with advanced cancer as well as their caregivers. In the study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, Dr. Zimmermann and her research team found that patients and their caregivers described palliative care as carrying a negative stigma associated with death and with care at the very end of life, which provoked fear and avoidance. This impeded earlier access to the supportive care, which has been demonstrated to improve the quality of life—highlighting the need to reframe how palliative care is perceived.

Says Dr. Zimmermann of the research findings, "What we need to do is promote the message and do so in actions as well as words that palliative care is supportive care that improves quality of life throughout the course of illness. It is not something to be afraid of or that is stigmatizing, but is helpful even while patients are receiving life-prolonging therapies."

You can learn more about the study here, which also includes links to a video and a podcast in which Dr. Zimmermann discusses her research.

This marks Dr. Zimmermann’s third and UHN’s twelfth appearance on the annual list since its inception in 2010. The full list of the 2016 honorees can be viewed here.