S4 E6 A Doctor’s Cancer Journey: From Healing to Hope

Cancer journeys can begin in many different ways, with symptoms often appearing to be minor: a seemingly innocent skin mole that starts changing colour or size; an annoyingly persistent cough; or inexplicable weight loss.

“I was in the operating room at Peace Arch Hospital getting ready for a day of surgery. And alongside me was one of my surgical colleagues. And he noted that I had an unusual mole on the left side of my back. And he said, Roy, it looks a little unusual and you should probably get it taken care of.”

In this special episode of Power to Heal, our sole guest, a doctor himself, has not only personally experienced the sometimes easy-to-miss early warning signs of cancer, but also the all-too common heartbreak of a repeat cancer diagnosis after initially believing the disease was in his past.

What makes Dr. Roy Jackson’s journey especially poignant is its reminder that cancer can impact anyone, anywhere, anytime—including medical professionals. But his story is also about hope and determination, as an experienced doctor turns his life-saving skills from the operating room to the world of cancer research and promising new treatments.

In a powerful interview, Dr. Jackson, a former obstetrician and gynecological surgeon at Peace Arch Hospital, speaks openly about not only the life-altering reality of his cancer diagnosis, but also his determined advocacy for both innovation in cancer treatments, and the philanthropy that drives them forward.

Guests:

• Dr. Roy Jackson, obstetrician-gynaecologist and entrepreneur.

Power to Heal is hosted by Lance Peverley, a former newspaper reporter, editor of the Peace Arch News for 12 years, and a longtime resident of the White Rock/South Surrey area.

About the Power to Heal podcast:

Presented by Peace Arch Hospital Foundation in White Rock, British Columbia, Power to Heal takes you behind the scenes of an innovative hospital Foundation and introduces you to the team who find new and sometimes surprising ways to engage with the local community and help fund the best healthcare possible in the region.

Since 1988, the Foundation has raised over $250 million for capital projects, medical equipment, and community health programs. Its passionate and caring team’s number one priority is the prudent stewardship of your gifts and the resulting positive impact on patients and medical staff at Peace Arch Hospital and the entire White Rock-South Surrey community.

Download Power to Heal wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

Links:

Peace Arch News: “From doctor to patient: Dr. Roy Jackson's melanoma journey”

Support the Peace Arch Hospital Foundation’s commitment to delivering the highest quality of care. Make a donation today.