Delivering more thoughtful cancer care through translational research

What if some patients could safely undergo fewer hospital visits without compromising the care they receive?

In a recent Three Minute Thesis (3MT) presentation at the LMP Research Conference (LMPRC) 2026, Translational Research Program (TRP) student Shanuga Thavarajah presented her research on how care for breast cancer patients could be delivered more thoughtfully by rethinking how heart health is monitored during treatment.

For some therapies, patients require regular cardiac imaging to manage potential side effects. While essential, this can mean repeated hospital visits, added wait times and increased anxiety for patients already navigating a cancer diagnosis. Emerging evidence suggests that not all patients face the same level of risk, raising an important question: can monitoring be more tailored to individual needs?

Her research focuses on what helps or holds back healthcare professionals from adopting new approaches in practice. By engaging clinicians across Canada, the project aims to better understand how decisions are made and to develop practical tools that support more, patient-centred care.

The work reflects the TRP’s emphasis on translating evidence into real-world impact, bridging the gap between research and practice to improve both care delivery and patient experience.

Watch the presentation below.