Grant: CIHR Café Scientifique Program

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the white blood cells. CLL is the most widely diagnosed type of leukemia in the Western World, accounting for 20-30 percent of all leukemias. The incidence is 5.9 per 100,000 patients, affecting men more than women, and typically striking patients in their early 70s. The survival at this age is less than 70 percent. The incidence of CLL is expected to increase as the Baby Boomer generation grows older. We intend to host the Cafe Scientifique on October 3rd, kicking off the 8th annual Canadian Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Conference in Winnipeg on October 4th and 5th. With the support of CIHR, this Cafe will bring a panel of scientists, patient navigators, and clinicians to dialogue with the public about new discoveries in CLL research performed at CancerCare Manitoba, University of Manitoba, and the BC Cancer Agency. North America's leading CLL researchers will be in Winnipeg and in the audience of the Cafe to discuss with the public their work. The night will include open and lively conversations about research discoveries that could pave the way to new treatments, better diagnoses, improving survivorship through a personalized medicine approach, and clinical trials. It is a night to listen to the public and introduce national patient advocacy groups. The Cafe is open to all patients and family members faced with a diagnosis of CLL and members of the public interested in learning more about leukemia and cancer research. It is an opportunity for the general public to discover the ground-breaking, CIHR-funded research conducted in Canada. The CLL Cafe will be held at a local independent coffee shop and bookstore, McNally Robinson, where all University of Manitoba Cafes are held. This popular event will be advertised to the national CLL meeting attendees, online, in print, via social media, with through patient advocacy groups at CancerCare Manitoba, and by McNally Robinson and the University of Manitoba