
Debi Lascelle (left) and Stephen Aronson are patient advisors on a lung screening pilot program. Both Lascelle and Aronson were diagnosed with lung cancer and treated successfully after taking part in an early screening study.
When people found out that Debi Lascelle had been diagnosed with lung cancer, they almost always reacted the same way.
“Most of them would say, ‘Well, did you smoke?’ I try to own it and say, ‘Yes, I did. Next question?’”
Her cancer was diagnosed in 2011 when she took part in a study about lung screening. At the time, she was training to volunteer at the May Court Hospice.
“My dad died of lung cancer. So when I saw the ad for the study, I carried it around for a while, thinking about it, and then I called,” she said.
Family history was also on Stephen Aronson’s mind when he registered for the same study and was diagnosed with lung cancer.
“My father was a smoker, and his father was also smoker. My father had lung cancer and he ended up dying of it in the ‘90s,” he said.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death for women and men in Ontario. About 7,100 people died of lung cancer in 2016 – more than breast, colorectal and prostate cancers combined.
Regular lung screening for people at a high risk of lung cancer isn’t standard practice in Ontario. For both Aronson and Lascelle, screening meant that their cancers were found at a more treatable stage.
The Champlain Regional Cancer Program, based at The Ottawa Hospital, is one of three regions in the province taking part in a Cancer Care Ontario program to pilot screening for people at a high risk of lung cancer. Lascelle and Aronson are patient advisors for the pilot at The Ottawa Hospital and Renfrew Victoria Hospital.
“The chance of someone surviving lung cancer has not improved very much over the last few decades,” said Dr. Donna Maziak, a surgical oncologist and the physician lead for the program. “We wanted to pilot this program because we think that combining lung screening with smoking cessation will improve the odds for our patients. It will give us a new weapon in our fight against lung cancer.”
The program launched June 1. People between the ages of 55 and 74 who have smoked for 20 or more years – not necessarily consecutive years – are considered to be at a high risk of developing lung cancer, and might be eligible.
For Dr. Treena Greene, Aboriginal Cancer Lead at The Ottawa Hospital, there are clear benefits for screening.
“I have had to say goodbye to my grandfather and my husband’s ataatatsiaq [maternal grandfather], who both died from lung cancer,” she said. “I need you to ask about lung cancer screening. Taking the time now could give you more years with your loved ones.”
Aronson quit smoking for good before he got his diagnosis, but, “it’s like with any addiction. You may have quit, but you’re still a smoker,” he said. By acting as a patient advisor for the program, he said, he’s able to address some of the stigma directly.
Lascelle agreed. “Attitudes towards smoking have changed a lot, but I was around smokers my whole life. Everyone in my family smoked. I took it up at 14 and quitting was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
Everyone referred to the program will be offered support to quit smoking. If you or someone you know would like to learn more about quitting or reducing smoking, visit www.myquit.ca, or call 1-877-376-1701.

Comment on this post
Support patient care and research at
The Ottawa Hospital
You might also like…
Mental health professionals and paramedics team up to help people in crisis
Seven days a week, a mental health professional from The Ottawa Hospital hits the road with a paramedic from the Ottawa Paramedic Service. Together, they respond to 911 calls for mental health emergencies across the city. Social worker Cindy Gill and paramedic Scott Farrell share how the Mental Wellbeing Response Team provides quality care for patients out in the community.
A team from The Ottawa Hospital helps organize first-ever oncology conference in the North
When it comes to cancer treatment, there’s no place like home. This spring, a team from The Ottawa Hospital helped organize Nunavut’s first-ever oncology conference to figure out how to bring oncology care closer to home for patients.
“Stewards of hormones”: Our Gender Diversity Specialty Clinic guides medically complex patients on their affirmation journey
Often, trans and non-binary patients struggle to find health-care providers to support them on their affirmation journey. It is even more difficult for patients with complex medical needs. That’s why we launched our Gender Diversity Specialty Clinic, one of the first of its kind in Canada.
The comfort of home: Home Dialysis Program empowers patients to live more independent lives
For people living with kidney failure, the most ideal form of dialysis treatment is done in the place where they are most comfortable—their home. Five years ago, we transformed our Home Dialysis Program, enhancing quality of life for our patients, welcoming more patients, and turning it into a model for dialysis programs across the province.
Type 2 diabetes: Are you at risk?
Type 2 diabetes is a serious health condition that affects nearly two million Canadians (and rising), but there are actions you can take today to reduce your risk. Our experts offer evidence-based tips on how to support your body’s blood sugar balance system and keep yourself healthy.
A dietitian’s not-so-common tips for healthy eating on a budget
Food prices are on the rise, and many people are feeling the pinch. Mistralle Brouillard, a registered dietitian at The Ottawa Hospital, offers some tips on how to eat well on a budget – and some reassuring words to those who feel like they might be missing the mark.
both CBC and your website talks about this new screening program, however, none say how to sign up! I’ve been smoking 40 plus years and trying to quit via vaping and nicorette spray, along with a quitting nurse specialist AND cigarettes.
Second Louise’s observation and question about where or how to sign up.
Hi there,
To learn more about how you can get referred to the program, visit http://www.ottawahospital.on.ca/lungscreening
Hope this helps,
TOH Communications