APRIL 2026 | HEALTHINSIGHT.CA
@MediaplanetCA
Please recycle
A SPECIAL INTEREST SECTION BY MEDIAPLANET
Cancer Care
Bridging the Community Pharmacy Cancer Care Gap: The Extend Cancer Pharmacist Network As cancer treatment shifts to take-home therapies, Extend Cancer Pharmacist Network empowers community pharmacists to deliver expert, local oncology support across Ontario. Jason Wentzell, Oncology Pharmacist & Founder Extend Cancer Pharmacist Network
C
ancer care in Canada is changing. More people are being treated with take‑home cancer medicines, which means care is no longer limited to hospitals and cancer centres. The Extend Cancer Pharmacist Network (ECPN) was created to support the existing cancer care system and make sure patients receive accessible and timely support wherever they live — especially in their local community pharmacy. ECPN’s vision is simple and powerful: to collaborate with, support, and enable com‑ munity pharmacists to provide exceptional cancer care to their patients. Community phar‑ macists are among the most accessible and trusted health
professionals in Canada. ECPN helps them build the confi‑ dence and knowledge needed to support people living with cancer, close to home and close to family.
Empowering pharmacists with oncology expertise Today, many cancer treatments are taken by mouth at home. While this offers convenience, it can also create gaps in care if patients do not have easy access to oncology expertise. ECPN bridges this cancer care gap by connecting community pharmacists with specialized oncology pharmacists, edu‑ cation, and real‑time clinical support. This ensures patients receive safe medication use,
side‑effect monitoring, and clear guidance throughout their treatment. For patients, the benefit is meaningful. They can ask questions, manage symp‑ toms, and receive ongoing support from their community pharmacy team who are also familiar with their other medi‑ cations and health conditions. This team‑based approach helps patients feel supported, informed, and confident during an often overwhelming time. By strengthening com‑ munity pharmacies, ECPN is helping to bring high‑quality cancer care closer to home — improving access, safety, and peace of mind for patients across Ontario.
To learn more, visit ecpn.io. This article was sponsored by Extend Cancer Pharmacist Network.
Publisher: Arlene Asika Strategic Account Director: Anna Sibiga Content & Client Success Manager: Nicole Kansakar Country Manager: Samantha Taylor Creative Director: Kylie Armishaw Digital Media Manager: Vansh Chandwaney All images are from Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve Maclean’s Magazine or its editorial departments. Send all inquiries to ca.editorial@mediaplanet.com.