Supports the Gastrointestinal Disease Site Committee Resides in Vancouver, BC | CCTG Patient Representative since 2025“Clinical trials should be accessible to all eligible patients across Canada, and involving patients in their development helps ensure they are understandable and approachable for everyone.”Lesley Beaton brings both professional and lived experience to her role as a CCTG patient representative. A former Biological Compliance Specialist with Health Canada, Lesley worked in microbiology and regulatory compliance for 34 years. Her career took her across the country, offering her insight into healthcare delivery throughout Canada.In January 2023, Lesley was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer and underwent radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. In 2024, her cancer progressed to the liver and lungs. Lesley believes that patient involvement is key to ensuring that clinical trials are understandable, accessible, and truly reflective of patient needs. Her scientific background and personal journey provide a unique and valuable perspective to CCTG in her role as a patient representative.Lesley is an avid traveler and lifelong explorer. Alongside her husband, she has hiked and adventured around the world—from Bhutan and Easter Island to Vietnam, India, Mont Blanc, and, most recently, Peru. Lesley continues to approach life with energy and optimism, staying active through regular exercise and outdoor pursuits.“Diagnostic and treatment regimens have come a long way, and much of that progress is due to the patients who took part in clinical trials. Let’s keep building on that progress and ensure treatments continue to improve.”
