CanPath Access Office Hours

Join us for the CanPath Access Office Hours to learn more about how you can leverage CanPath data for your research. Members of the Access Office will be available to answer your questions, including Atlantic PATH Executive Director, Jason Hicks and our CanPath colleagues, Nouar Elkhair and Sheraz Cheema. The “Access Office Hours” virtual series provides researchers with an opportunity every quarter to ask questions they may have about CanPath data and biosamples, the access process or the CanPath Portal.

Hypertension Awareness Month

It’s Hypertension Awareness Month, and population health research is helping to advance how we predict, manage, and understand high blood pressure ? Recent studies using CARTaGENE and Alberta’s Tomorrow Project data have uncovered insights on: ? Suboptimal antihypertensive prescribing patterns in Quebec ? Why we should discard the first BP reading in clinical practice ❤️‍? How a hidden hormonal condition may drive heart damage ? The (surprising) effectiveness of traditional vs. ML models ? The impact of statins on diet quality in adults with metabolic syndrome CanPath and its regional cohorts offer the depth and scale to explore hypertension from every angle, from meds to models to metabolic risk. ? Explore the data: https://portal.canpath.ca/

Mental Health Week & Research

Unmasking mental health means asking deeper questions, and CanPath data is helping researchers find the answers. This Mental Health Week, we’re recognizing how interconnected mental health is with every part of life. Researchers are using Atlantic PATH data to explore: ? Mental health and shift work (Sweeney et al., 2021) ? Depression, anxiety and the risk of cancer incidence (van Tuijl et al., 2023) ? Socioeconomic status, depression and prostate cancer survivorship (Ilie et al., 2021) ? Post-treatment adverse health correlates among prostate cancer survivors (Ilie et al., 2021) ? Anxiety and depression in prostate cancer survivors (Ilie et al., 2020) Researchers are using CanPath data to explore: ? COVID-19 and mental health in 23 international cohorts (In progress) ? Depression, diet, and diabetes (Schmitz & Sen, 2024) ? System costs of effective mental healthcare coverage (Vasiliadis et al., 2024) ? And more, like how our environments and chronic diseases like cancer intersect with mental health When we look beyond the surface, we see the whole person, and more possibilities for care, policy, and prevention. ? Watch the webinar on depression, diet, and diabetes >> https://lnkd.in/eHNm97YM ? Read the latest publications addressing mental health using CanPath data >> https://lnkd.in/ecQkdGQR  

National Volunteer Week and Thank You Thursday

Happy National Volunteer Week and Thank You Thursday from CanPath and Atlantic PATH! Atlantic PATH participants are critical partners in advancing health research. For more than fifteen years, their voluntary contributions have enabled discoveries shaping the future of disease prevention, diagnosis, and care. Atlantic PATH participants’ commitment reminds us that every data point represents a person, and every discovery represents hope for healthier communities. Thank you to all our participants for making population health research possible. Learn more about participants’ impact, including Atlantic PATH participant, Barbara Campbell! https://canpath.ca/meet-canpath-participants/

CanPath data sheds light on air pollution’s hidden role in rheumatic disease

Air pollution isn’t just a lung issue. It has far-reaching effects on immune function and autoimmune diseases. CanPath’s vast dataset offers researchers a unique opportunity to explore these connections and advance air pollution and autoimmune disease research. Air pollution is often associated with respiratory conditions, but emerging research reveals its impact extends beyond the lungs, influencing immune system function and contributing to autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Understanding these connections is critical for disease prevention, treatment, and public health strategies. Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, a rheumatologist and epidemiologist, has been at the forefront of this research. Her work highlights how air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), may act as an environmental trigger for immune dysfunction. CanPath, Canada’s largest population health study, provides researchers with the data needed to examine these links in depth. How air pollution affects the immune system and autoimmune disease Air pollutants include PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone, and other entities. PM2.5 can enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation. While air pollution’s effects on respiratory conditions like asthma and lung cancer are well documented, its role in autoimmune diseases is a newer area of investigation. “One of the really cool things about these kinds of analyses was that it provided one of the first indications that air pollution may affect the immune system,” said Dr. Bernatsky. “Prior to these kinds of analyses, we had good data on what happens when you are exposed to PM2.5 in terms of asthma risk or lung cancer. That makes sense because you breathe in the air, and there’s a local effect. But this was one of the first analyses looking at a totally different kind of disease. It convinced people at Health Canada’s air health effects assessment division that, indeed, you can have health effects far beyond just the lung.” This growing body of research underscores the need for large-scale, longitudinal data to better understand the full spectrum of air pollution’s impact on immune-mediated conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus. CanPath’s role in advancing rheumatic disease research Arthritis data resources in CanPath: Biosamples, genotyping, and self-reported diagnoses for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other forms CanPath’s large-scale, longitudinal dataset is an invaluable resource for researchers undertaking air pollution and autoimmune disease research. By linking environmental exposure data to genetic, lifestyle, and health information, CanPath enables scientists to explore how air pollution contributes to immune-mediated diseases over time. “CanPath serum samples and data were extremely helpful,” Dr. Bernatsky emphasized. “In fact, I just don’t see any way we could have done what we did without CanPath.”  Dr. Trevor Dummer, an expert in environmental health, reflected on the study’s evolution and its potential for continued discoveries: “It’s nice to see some of those results because I can think back to many, many years ago. You know, CanPath has been going for 15 years. Now it’s a considerable amount of time. I recall the early collaboration, so it’s great to see the fruits of all of those labours.” This extensive dataset allows researchers to track patterns over time, assessing how long-term exposure to air pollution affects disease development and progression. Implications for future research and public health The insights gained from CanPath’s data have the potential to: Inform air quality policies and environmental regulations Improve public health strategies for reducing autoimmune disease risks Enlighten scientific, patient and physician groups regarding immune-mediated disease etiology As air pollution remains a global concern, leveraging large-scale datasets will be key to understanding and mitigating its impact. Researchers can utilize CanPath data linked with environmental exposure data from the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE) to investigate immune-mediated diseases and the environment. Explore available datasets and application processes on the CanPath Portal By continuing to explore how pollution influences immune-mediated disease, researchers can also help shape policies and interventions that protect both individual and population health. For those looking to advance this work, CanPath data is invaluable for uncovering new insights in environmental and autoimmune disease research.

Synthetic Dataset Workshop (In-Person in Toronto)

Synthetic Dataset Workshop (In-Person in Toronto) Date: June 24, 2025 Time: 9:00 am- 4:30pm Location: Centre for Research and Innovation Support Register for the workshop Join us for an exclusive hands-on workshop on the CanPath Synthetic Dataset, designed for faculty, researchers, and trainees looking to explore Canada’s largest population health dataset. This workshop will introduce participants to Lifebit’s cloud-based platform and provide practical training on analyzing synthetic health data. What is the CanPath Synthetic Dataset? The CanPath Synthetic Dataset is a versatile resource designed for research, education, and practical applications. It was manipulated to mimic CanPath’s nationally harmonized data but does not include or reveal actual data of any CanPath participants. Interested in exploring the data? Check out the CanPath Data Dictionary. What is the Trusted Research Environment? The Trusted Research Environment (TRE) is a secure, cloud-based platform where researchers can access and analyze CanPath data without downloading it to their local machines. The TRE ensures data privacy and security, providing a controlled environment for conducting research while offering powerful tools for analysis. Participants in this workshop will learn how to navigate and use the TRE efficiently. Lifebit, CanPath and AWS have collaborated to bring this platform to life. Who should attend? This workshop is open to: Faculty/staff using the dataset for education (e.g., incorporating it into a course assignment). Faculty/staff using the dataset for training purposes (e.g., teaching trainees how to analyze population health data or preparing to apply for real CanPath data access). Trainees (e.g., postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students) interested in learning how to work with CanPath data. Learning objectives By the end of the workshop, participants will: Navigate and analyze the CanPath Synthetic Dataset using the Lifebit cloud-based platform. Work with pre-created analytical pipelines in R and Python (basic familiarity required). Understand how to bring in additional data and use platform tools such as the Cohort Browser, Airlock, and Data Factory. Gain insights from real-world case studies and demonstrations from CanPath experts. Connect with fellow researchers, instructors, and clinician scientists to foster future collaborations. Agenda The final agenda will be sent to attendees prior to the event. Time Session 9:00 AM Introduction to CanPath, Lifebit, staff and attendees 9:30 AM Training on the Lifebit platform and guided exercise 11:00 AM Coffee Break 11:15 AM Demonstration and case studies with CanPath data 12:00 PM Lunch Break 1:00 PM Hands-on analyses in the platform 2:30 PM Discussion: key learnings and future data strategy 3:30 PM Snacks and networking reception Additional support Need extra help? Attendees can attend Office Hours to get one-on-one support from Lifebit and CanPath experts. Participants can book sessions for personalized assistance. The location, date, and time will be announced soon. How to apply Participants must fill out an application to be considered. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Initial deadline: March 28 Space is limited! Apply early for the best chance of securing a spot.

The Government of Canada highlights progress on breast cancer screening research and implementation in Canada

News release Ottawa, Ontario | Public Health Agency of Canada Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. One in eight women in Canada is expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Raising awareness of breast cancer screening, which aims to detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage, is a priority for the Government of Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the health of women by addressing knowledge gaps in breast cancer screening and prevention. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), in collaboration with federal, provincial and territorial experts and stakeholders, hosted the event Closing the Gap: Action for Equity in Breast Cancer Screening. This event discussed improving accessibility and inclusivity in breast cancer screening, especially for underserved populations. Participants shared lessons learned and best practices that will be compiled into a resource guide that will be shared broadly across all jurisdictions to help improve equitable implementation of breast cancer screening in Canada. PHAC is working closely with Statistics Canada to conduct analyses of national cancer trends, including examining differences in breast cancer rates based on where people live, their age and ethnicity. This will support informed and data driven breast cancer screening policy. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and partners have developed a multi-disciplinary roadmap that identifies research gaps for breast cancer screening and provides recommendations to guide future research activities in Canada. The roadmap summarizes what was heard from partners alongside key research areas and strategies to support breast cancer research in Canada. The Government of Canada is also working directly with our partners, like the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow’s Health and the Canadian Cancer Society, to generate better data to inform breast cancer screening practices and raise awareness of its importance in Canada. Together, these initiatives support collaborative and scientific research, data collection, and public health guidance for breast cancer screening in Canada. Quotes “I would like to thank our partners and stakeholders for their commitment to overcome barriers and improve access to breast cancer screening in Canada. Awareness and access to breast cancer screening will make life changing differences for the health of Canadians.” The Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health “Breast cancer touches the lives of so many, either through a personal diagnosis or that of a loved one. Through this work and the dedication of our partners, we are taking important steps to safeguard women’s physical and mental health.” The Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health Quick facts Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women living in Canada, after non-melanoma skin cancer. While it can also be found in men, male breast cancer is a very rare occurrence. Breast cancer screening is used to detect cancer in people who do not have any signs or symptoms. This differs from diagnostic testing, which is used when someone does have signs or symptoms (e.g., a lump). The Government of Canada recognizes and respects that each province and territory has unique needs and different approaches to breast cancer screening. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for diagnosis, treatment, services, programming and education. Associated links Canadian Cancer Society – Get your mammogram Canadian Partnership For Tomorrow’s Health Government of Canada invests in breast cancer research and public awareness Contacts Matthew Kronberg Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Mark Holland Minister of Health 343-552-5654 Callum Haney Press Secretary Office of the Honourable Ya’ara Saks Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health 343-576-4407 Media Relations Health Canada 613-957-2983 media@hc-sc.gc.ca Public Inquiries 613-957-2991 1-866-225-0709

Upcoming Webinar – CanPath’s Genomic Landscape

Webinar: CanPath’s genomic data landscape: Insights from Ontario and Quebec Canada’s largest genomic data resource just got bigger … how will you use it? ?? CanPath now offers even more genotyping data from the Ontario Health Study (OHS) and CARTaGENE (Quebec), creating new opportunities to explore genetic ancestry, disease risk, and innovative research approaches. Join Dr. Philip Awadalla and Dr. Guillaume Lettre on Tuesday, March 2, at 11:00 AM EDT as they describe: Ontario’s latest genotyping data & research applications Genetic ancestry, the French Canadian founder effect & whole genome sequencing Emerging tools like liquid biopsy, cell-free DNA & single-cell studies Registration: https://bit.ly/41mOPq1

Webinar – Understanding the connections between air pollution and rheumatic disease

Join us for an upcoming CanPath webinar that considers the connections between air pollution and rheumatic disease. February 20, 2025   ~   12pmEST/1pmAST Registration: https://bit.ly/40YZNBx About the webinar Join Dr. Sasha Bernatsky, a leading researcher in rheumatic disease and environmental health, as she delves into how environmental exposures impact autoimmunity and inflammation. Drawing on her extensive work with CanPath, Dr. Bernatsky has demonstrated potential associations between air pollutants, including PM2.5, and autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases. In this session, Dr. Bernatsky will also preview her new research on the impact of wildfire smoke and temperature extremes on rheumatic diseases in Canada, supported by recent CIHR funding. Researchers interested in environmental health, autoimmune diseases, and leveraging population-based data for innovative studies won’t want to miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and explore future directions in the field. About the presenter Dr. Sasha Bernatsky Sasha Bernatsky, MD PhD, is a rheumatologist, a James McGill Professor of Medicine at McGill University and a Senior Scientist of the Centre for Health Outcomes Research at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.  Dr. Bernatsky is also affiliated with the McGill Environmental Epidemiology Research Group, a network with expertise in pharmacology/toxicology, and environmental sciences. She is a member of the Canadian Urban Environmental Health Research Consortium (CANUE), the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC), and the Canadian Network for Improved Outcomes in SLE (CaNIOS). Her research focuses mainly on outcomes in rheumatic diseases, pharmacoepidemiology, and air pollution’s effects on health.