For Cancer Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting some of the incredible team members who are involved with cancer care.
Libby is a social worker in oncology at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital. Libby supports patients and their families at every stage of their journey, from cancer diagnosis through treatment, and in survivorship and end‑of‑life care.
Her role is both clinical and practical. She helps patients navigate the health care system while addressing the emotional, social, financial, and systemic challenges that can come with a cancer diagnosis. She also connects patients with community resources, advocates on their behalf, and provides counselling support.
“It is such a privilege to be a part of someone’s health care journey,” said Libby.
Social workers improve quality of life, treatment adherence, and the emotional wellbeing of those affected by cancer.
We’re also spotlighting the important role of medical physicists like Todd, who is part of the radiation oncology team at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital.
Todd has been with the team for 10 years and has a PhD in medical biophysics, along with a two-year radiation oncology physics residency.
He was drawn away from pure research to a clinical career after a close family member was diagnosed with cancer.
“I wanted to be able to put my finger on what I was contributing,” he said. “Clinical medical physics offers a balance of complex problem-solving and knowing you are part of a team that is helping patients in a concrete way.”
Medical physicists specialize in the science behind radiation oncology. They ensure the accuracy, safety, and quality of radiation therapy by overseeing equipment, software, treatment planning, and radiation safety protocols. They also play a leadership role in the development and adoption of new treatment techniques. Their expertise helps ensure patients receive their prescribed radiation dose with the highest level of precision.
Based at Horizon’s Saint John Regional Hospital, cancer registrars are the “behind-the-scenes” stewards of cancer data in New Brunswick. They dig into the complex clinical records of every cancer patient in the province to capture the complete history, diagnosis, and treatment of each patient.
Using a unique coding system, the data is translated and then reported to the New Brunswick Cancer Network and then annually to both the Canadian Cancer Registry and the North American Association of Central Cancer Registries.
This data helps with monitoring cancer trends, supporting cancer prevention efforts, advancing treatments, and improving both patient outcomes and provincial screening programs.
“At the end of each day, I feel proud of the work we do and the impact it has on the health of our communities,” said Hannah, a cancer registrar with the team.
In 2025, this stellar team achieved a gold certification for data that is exceptionally complete, accurate, and timely.
Let’s give a hand to the dedicated NB Cancer Registry team for the important work they do!
To learn more about cancer care at Horizon visit: https://horizonnb.ca/services/cancer-care-oncology/
