We are seeing an important shift in colorectal cancer, with more cases being diagnosed in younger adults. This is why prevention and early detection are so important. When we screen earlier, we have a better chance of finding concerns before they become more advanced or harder to treat. Scroll down to read our update about the changes to screening and if you have any questions at all, please get in touch with us.
Home June 2026
Newsletter
June, 2026
Important screening changes, happy Pride and other news from our team!
June is here, and this month’s newsletter includes a few important updates and stories from the Winterberry community. We’re sharing information about the upcoming change to colon cancer screening, recognizing Pride Month, and continuing our monthly Team Showcase to help patients get to know the people behind their care. This month, we’re featuring Rachel, one of our hardworking and skilled Nurse Practitioners. Rachel shares more about her role at Winterberry, her passion for mental health and women’s health, and what she loves to do outside the clinic.
As always, we hope this newsletter helps you feel informed, connected, and supported in your health and wellness.
Early colon cancer detection can save lives.
Happy Pride!
June is Pride Month, and it is an important time to recognize and support the LGBTQ+ community here in Hamilton and beyond. At Winterberry, we want every patient to feel respected, welcomed, and safe asking questions about their health. Our team is here to help with accurate health information, care, and support that reflects each person’s needs. To learn more about local Pride events and community resources, visit Hamilton Pride.
Message from Patient Liaison Rachel
Our team works hard to help you live your best life. Did we get it right? Share a compliment.
Fun things to do in the city!
City of Hamilton events calendarTake part in Pride!
Hamilton Pride siteMove better. Feel better!
Winterberry PhysiotherapyEase the change from school to summer
CMHA resource for parentsNews
CHANGE: Colon Cancer Screening
Good news! Ontario is lowering the starting age for colon cancer screening, which means more patients are eligible to get checked earlier. We’ve put together a simple overview of what is changing, who qualifies and what to do next if you’re eligible for testing. Click here to read the full blog and learn how to get started with screening.
Team Spotlight
Rachel, Nurse Practitioner
Rachel is an important and valued part of our Nursing Team!
Helping You To Know Us Better
Meet Rachel, a valued Nurse Practitioner.
Each month, we connect with a member of the Winterberry team and sit down with them to ask a few questions. These conversations help our patients get to know our team members and better understand the important roles they play in patient care.
Rachel, thanks so much for sitting down with us!
Tell us about your work at Winterberry. What’s your role?
I am a nurse practitioner at Winterberry.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
From a young age, I knew I wanted to go into healthcare. As I explored different roles within the healthcare field, I felt that nursing was the best fit and aligned with how I wanted to give back to my community.
I have always wanted to be an advocate for mental health and women’s health, and being a nurse practitioner has allowed me to do that through a medical lens.
What is your educational and professional background? Where did you study and train?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Laurentian University, and my master’s degree and post-graduate nurse practitioner certificate at McMaster University.
I have also completed multiple continuing education courses through the University of Toronto and other organizations to further my training in mental health and addictions, with a special interest in women’s health.
Read the full story by clicking here.
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