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Episode SummaryÂ
In this episode of Amplify: Elevating Patient Voices, hosts Ursula Mann and Barry Liden are joined by Barry Stein, President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about colorectal cancer, early screening, and why patient voices matter in shaping healthcare systems.
Barry Stein shares his remarkable journey—from a late-stage colorectal cancer diagnosis in the mid-1990s, through multiple surgeries and innovative treatments, to becoming one of Canada’s most influential patient advocates. His story highlights how determination, shared decision-making, and advocacy can drive meaningful change at both the individual and system level.
Together, the hosts explore why colorectal cancer screening is so critical, how screening programs have evolved across Canada, and the real-world barriers patients face when it comes to testing and access to care. The conversation also dives into the importance of patient engagement in research, clinical trials, and health technology decision-making—reminding us that data alone is never enough without lived experience.
This episode is a compelling reminder that patients are not just stakeholders in healthcare—they are essential partners.
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In This Episode, You’ll Hear About:
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- Barry Stein’s personal experience with stage IV colorectal cancer and what it taught him about advocacy
- Why early detection and screening save lives
- The role of FIT testing and colonoscopy in colorectal cancer screening
- How patient voices influence policy, access, and innovation in healthcare
- Why patient preference and lived experience matter in research and decision-making
- The long-term impact of advocacy—for individuals, families, and health systems
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Episode highlights
[00:00:33]
Setting the stage for a conversation on colorectal cancer and why it deserves greater attention.
[00:04:00]
The current state of colorectal cancer in Canada—and why timing matters.
[00:05:30]
Meeting Barry Stein and the diagnosis that changed everything.
[00:07:30]
A moment no patient forgets—and the decision that followed.
[00:12:15]
How personal experience led to national patient advocacy.
[00:18:45]
Turning patient stories into system-level change.
[00:22:00]
Why screening is delayed—and how fear shapes health decisions.
[00:28:54]
The role of patient voices in research, policy, and innovation.
[00:30:52]
Reflecting on life beyond diagnosis and milestones once thought unreachable.
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Barry Stein
Medical Disclaimer:
The content shared on Amplify is for informational and educational purposes only.
Nothing discussed on this podcast—including stories, experiences, perspectives, or commentary from hosts, guests, or contributors—should be interpreted as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
Always seek the guidance of your physician or other licensed provider with any questions regarding your health, medical conditions, or treatment options.