Mona Baryluk is the new chair of Cancer Care Nova Scotia’s advisory board of directors.

The Department of Health and Wellness and Cancer Care Nova Scotia announced today, Nov. 19, that Ms. Baryluk is replacing Heather Hogg, who completed her term as board chair on Aug.

31.

A seasoned health care professional, Ms. Baryluk has more than 35 years of experience in many aspects of health system management including: patient care; education; program development; research; and administration. Before retiring in 2012, Ms. Baryluk held several senior positions with the Cape Breton District Health Authority, including ten years as administrative director of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Earlier experiences include roles as a clinical research associate, palliative care consult nurse, pediatric nurse, and instructor and curriculum coordinator at the Sydney Hospital School of Nursing.

Ms. Baryluk is also active in her community. She has served on various community committees including as chair of the Board of Bereaved Families of Cape Breton, as a board member of the Cape Breton Mental Health Association, and as a canvasser for the Canadian Cancer Society.

“Ms. Baryluk’s knowledge of the health system in general and the cancer system, in particular, will be invaluable to her new role,” said Leo Glavine, Minister of Health and Wellness. “I would also like to thank Ms. Hogg for her contribution to Cancer Care Nova Scotia, first as a board member and then as Board Chair.”

“Nova Scotia has the highest incidence in the country for some cancers, and Cancer Care Nova Scotia’s leadership and work with health professionals, administrators and others across the province is critical to reducing the impact of this family of diseases on cancer patients and families,” said Mr. Glavine.

“I am confident Ms. Baryluk’s leadership and the advice of the advisory board will help the team at Cancer Care Nova Scotia to continue its work to enable high quality care for cancer patients and families.”

“During Mona’s years as administrative director of cancer and palliative care services she was a valued colleague, partner and stakeholder of Cancer Care Nova Scotia, working with us to further cancer prevention, treatment and care for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families,” said Dr. Carman Giacomantonio, chief medical director, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. “We are pleased to welcome her as board chair. Her leadership abilities, knowledge of the cancer system, and expertise in education and program development will serve us well as we continue our work to enable high quality care for Nova Scotia cancer patients and their families.”

Cancer Care Nova Scotia, a Department of Health and Wellness program, was created in 1998 to facilitate quality cancer prevention and care for all Nova Scotians. It supports health-care professionals in providing patients with high quality care.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia’s work with other organizations and its screening programs raise awareness about the importance of healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer risk, and educate Nova Scotians about available testing, such as Pap tests for cervical cancer and home screening kits for colon cancer.

Source: Release