Deb Maskens
debmaskens.bsky.social
Deb Maskens
@debmaskens.bsky.social
Cancer patient advocate. Canadian. Interested in patient involvement in cancer research, evidence-based advocacy, shared decision making globally. #cansky #oncsky #kcsm #kidneycancer #shareddecisionmaking
An important read from @thelancetoncol.bsky.social that will resonate with patient orgs and cancer patients and caregivers globally. Towards a more human-centred approach that allows for compassion, psychological support, dignity. Bravo!
#cansky #shareddecisionmaking
#Qol
November 4, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
IKCC kindly invites you to complete the survey by Friday, 7 November 2025. It takes less than three minutes. forms.office.com/Pages/Respon... @GlobalCCN_org (2/2)
November 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
LAST CHANCE TO PROVIDE YOUR OPINION. Following an event at #ESMO25 in Berlin, the Global Cancer Coalitions Network (GCCN) and Ipsen are running a survey on Shared Decision-Making in Oncology. (1/2)
November 3, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
More for Dark Age 2.0...

Scientists had to change more than 700 grant titles to receive NIH funding. www.statnews.com/2025/10/29/n...

"They are trying to make people afraid to use the word ‘equity.’ They’re trying to make people afraid to use the term ‘transgender.’"
Scientists had to change more than 700 grant titles to receive NIH funding. Health disparities researchers fear what’s next
The titles of more than 700 multi-year NIH grants have been changed this year, according to an analysis by Jeremy Berg, a former agency official
www.statnews.com
October 29, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Congrats to @uiccofficial.bsky.social and 88 international authors for this new educational resource. Pleasure to join the panel today to represent cancer patients, advocates, charitable orgs. Moderated by the insightful @avisfavaro.bsky.social
#carrythefire
#princessmargaretfoundation
#Cancer
October 27, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Anyone else want this unsolicited garbage to stop being sent in the mail? This from the "Cancer Research Society" in Ottawa. Huge envelope. Junk. Socks. Gloves. Returning it all. #cancer #fundraising
cancerresearchsociety.ca?gad_source=1...
October 23, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Really an incredible resource for cancer patients. Discussion of evidence, clinical trials, real world toxicities. And support/moderation that keeps misinformation off the platform.

#cansky
#kidneycancer
How do you stand up to cancer? We stand every day with patients, caregivers, and families who refuse to let cancer have the last word. Our courageous community asks hard questions, supports each other, and reminds us that no one has to face cancer alone.

#SmartPatients #StandUpToCancer
September 12, 2025 at 5:14 PM
A powerful essay on being "a difficult patient" and the grace we seek as we come to terms. Applicable to many here in the #cansky community

(And #kidneycancer for sure.)
In A Few Words essay by Alan Finkelstein, PhD:

Giving Grace

bit.ly/45JzaUX (FREE)
September 2, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Gotta love the "Stupid Tariffs" tip jar at my local coffee shop. Made the coffee taste even better!
#Guelph #shoplocal #planetbean #coffee #elbowsup #stupidtarrifs
July 31, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Proud of fellow Canadian Dr Danny Heng, one of the kindest, most humble (and brilliant) oncologists in the global #kidneycancer community. Always supportive of the patient voice. A wonderful collaborator and communicator
@ikccorg.bsky.social #oncosky
July 28, 2025 at 9:58 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
51st State, My Fucking Ass!!! 😀🥰🍁💪 Thank you,Rod!!
Canada Will Survive (Canada Tribute) Finale - Rod Stewart - Toronto, Canada, July 22, 2025
YouTube video by Shonana
youtu.be
July 25, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Thrilled to see @ikccorg.bsky.social build its volunteer Board with international expertise and strong focus on addressing global disparities in #kidneycancer care.
Thank you Dr van Goudoever for your commitment.
#kcsm #globalcancer
#strongertogether
Announcement: Effective immediately, Dr Bart van Goudoever (NL) will assume the role of Secretary / Treasurer Elect on the IKCC Board and take on full responsibilities on 1 November, for a 3-year term. Welcome Bart ikcc.org/about-ikcc/b...
July 17, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
Mand has just gone and got herself an emotional support chicken. What more does a woman need?!

Good friends who knows what makes you tick, are invaluable. Even more so when you live with metastatic cancer.

#cansky #oncsky
July 17, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
🍁 Thinking about your next getaway?

Explore Canada—where stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming communities are just the beginning.

From the rugged coastlines of Newfoundland to the alpine peaks of British Columbia, Canada is a country that gives you space to breathe and wonder.
July 16, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Hey #cansky and all out there supporting others with #cancer #scanxiety.

I'm the patient. A very good friend knows of my upcoming scans, study results, and decisions... This amazing gift is what she assembled for me. A Scanxiety Distraction Kit that includes... wait for it...
July 14, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Congratulations to  Drs Simon Tanguay and Dr. Yasser Riazalhosseini and all collaborators, including patient partners. This mportant work will benefit #kidneycancer patients across Canada and beyond.
#oncsky #cancer #research
🍁🎯 Personalizing treatments for patients with renal cell carcinoma 🎯🍁

Under a microscope, most renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) look similar.

But their clinical behaviour—how they progress, respond to treatment and impact patient outcomes—can be vastly different.
Precision-RCC: Advancing personalized treatment strategies in renal cancers
www.marathonofhopecancercentres.ca
July 11, 2025 at 8:16 PM
"A fifth of researchers reported including PPI partners as co-authors, less than half provided remuneration, and over a third did not reimburse partners."
#ppi #patientengagement #cansky
July 6, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Recommended viewing for #kidneycancer patients and their families. Kidney function is something we all keep an eye on... sometimes with worry. Good evidence-based info here from @ikccorg.bsky.social #CKD
July 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
Happy Canada Day to those who celebrate. We are strong and free and we have a great sense of humour and understand humour and colour are spelled with a U. 🇨🇦 💪
I Am Canadian : The Rant
YouTube video by SHNKArchives
youtu.be
July 1, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
How do you take care of yourself? 🧘🏽
June 26 is #NationalCancerWellnessAwarenessDay, so let’s talk about the importance of self-care.
Trying to live well and stay as healthy as possible can be hard when #cancer is a part of your life.
June 26, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
Mr Angus says best what is on every Canadian minds. And I am sure a majority of Americans and others worldwide will agree.
Trump's bombing of Iran serves no larger political or security purpose.
He just didn't want to look like a loser as he was goaded by the war criminal Netanyahu.
Canada must separate ourselves from the reckless violence of the gangster regime in Washington.
June 22, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
Join the more than 500 people who have already viewed today's Global Patient & Carer Symposium! The recording is available at www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1LX... #WorldKidneyCancerDay #WKCD25
World Kidney Cancer Day 2025 Global Patient & Carer Symposium
YouTube video by International Kidney Cancer Coalition (IKCC)
www.youtube.com
June 19, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Recommending this to the global #kidneycancer community - patients, caregivers, and yes, you too HCPs! Did you know how worried we are about our kidney function?

A Nephrologist, Uro-Onc, and Med Onc discuss with patients, caregivers. #WKCD2025
June 19, 2025 at 9:17 PM
Patient partners in research, we've got a long way to go! #ppi #clinicaltrials #patientengagement

"A fifth of researchers reported including PPI partners as co-authors, less than half provided remuneration, and over a third did not reimburse partners."
June 19, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Reposted by Deb Maskens
Every year, over 400,000 people are diagnosed with #kidneycancer around the world. Behind every diagnosis is a story—a family, a future, a fight for more time. 💚
June 19, 2025 at 12:51 PM