Meet Les Oystryk: A Dedicated Voice for Patients and Families

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Les Oystryk has been a committed and thoughtful member of the SCA’s Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC) for several years. As a prostate cancer survivor, Les brings both lived experience and a deep sense of purpose to his role. 

Les was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the summer of 2020. Like many patients, he remembers the fear and urgency that came with hearing the word “cancer.” 

“I was very worried when I first found out. I knew that early detection and treatment was critical to survival.”

His care at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre left a lasting impression. He describes it as “absolutely excellent!” To this day, he is thankful for his care team. 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to make sure that my cancer treatments and after care were the best possible experiences in my life.”

That gratitude—and a desire to give back—ultimately led him to PFAC. 

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Les officially joined PFAC in late 2022 after learning about the council during a meeting with the SCA Board of Directors. He recalls feeling immediately drawn to the idea of helping to shape and strengthen the patient experience. 

“PFAC serves a vital role by giving patients, family members and caregivers a say in making improvements to patient care,” he said. “It also allows the SCA to have a group of people who can bridge that gap between the staff/practitioners and the thousands of patients who seek and obtain help with their cancer experiences.”

He is particularly proud of the open, honest dialogue within PFAC and always strives to be an active participant in PFAC discussions and active patient representative. 

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He has contributed to several committees and initiatives, including:

• First Nations and Métis Culturally Responsive Advisory Committee
• FNMCRAC Recruitment Sub‑Committee
• Joint Ethics Committee
• Radiation Treatment – Patient Education Material Review

“Just being able to have a voice that may help others is pretty great,” he says.

For Les, PFAC has become more than a volunteer role—it has become a community. 

“PFAC is an excellent group of people who have become friends and who are committed to helping each other and other patients and families.”

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Les’s dedication, warmth, and willingness to share his experience make him an invaluable member of PFAC. His insights help ensure that patient and family perspectives remain at the heart of SCA’s work. 

“It’s nice to feel like we are making a difference. SCA puts patients first by ensuring that PFAC is involved and consulted continuously.”

When Les is not volunteering his time to help others, he is conducting northern historical research and enjoying life in Creighton with his wife, Karen. They love spending quality time together with their children and grandchildren.