Background
Today, brain cancers are classified using a combination of pathological and tumor molecular markers, which together inform the treatment plan and prognosis for the disease. While molecular classification of brain cancers have led to improvements in care, relatively less attention has been paid to the optimal means of communicating the complexities of this diagnosis to patients and their families. 

Objective
The objective of this ongoing patient engagement project is to assess gaps in patient understanding of their brain cancer diagnoses, and to develop educational resources which could be provided at the time of diagnosis to help address these gaps. 

Methods
We are collecting quantitative and qualitative patient questionnaire data detailing an individual's experiences receiving and coping with diagnoses of brain cancer. 

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Initial conclusions and future directions
Data collected so far reflects common concerns for patients coping with the diagnosis of brain cancers worldwide. We aim to use the insights gleaned from our questionnaires to guide the development of new educational materials and support resources for brain cancer patients. 

Meet the Team

Stephen Yip 

MD/Phd FRCPC, Clinical Genomics

Yaron Butterfield

BSc, Cancer Researcher and Patient Partner
http://yaronbutterfield.com

Kira Tosefsky

MD/PhD Student

        The good physician treats the disease, 
                the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.
​                                                                                                                                                                                        - William Osler