Victoria, B.C. – For many cancer patients and their loved ones, fighting the disease extends far beyond the physical challenges. They also face psychological distress, anger, fear, and frustration.

For 62-year-old Noel Schacter and his wife, his diagnosis of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in June 2006 was a shock. “Fourteen years ago, when my wife was diagnosed with cancer, I was her main source of support. For her to see me diagnosed with cancer was heartbreaking,” says Schacter. “Cancer throws your life into turmoil. In the beginning, all you know is that you have cancer, but none of the details. This creates anxiety and fear.”

To address the emotional challenges faced by cancer patients and their family, the BC Cancer Agency will host the “Skills for Healing” weekend retreat in Victoria on March 14 - 16, led by Dr. Rob Rutledge, a radiation oncologist from the Nova Scotia Cancer Centre, and Tim Walker, a psychotherapist who runs a mindfulness-based stress reduction clinic in Halifax. The retreat aims to educate and empower cancer patients through knowledge about cancer, the medical system, stress reduction techniques, and principles of mindfulness.

“With the help of my wife, I was able to adjust to having cancer once I knew all of the specifics. A second challenge was the fatigue I felt after my treatments. Sometimes depression would set in and it was difficult for my wife as well because intense emotions can be contagious,” explains Schacter.

Retreat participants will take part in a series of educational presentations and exercises including meditation, thought reframing, gentle yoga, and small group discussions to encourage mutual support and sharing.

“The retreat will give participants a chance to connect with one another and learn skills in a nurturing and inclusive environment,” says Nancy Payeur, Regional Practice Leader, Patient and Family Counselling, BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre. “Dr. Rutledge has a passion for leading these retreats and for a holistic approach to cancer care.”

To date, Dr. Rutledge has led 19 retreats, including one in New Zealand. “The weekend experience actually encourages people to confront their fears, frustrations, anger and other difficult emotions,” says Dr. Rutledge. “We, as a society, often try to push down these feelings and they simply get stuck. By exposing the 'negative' or 'dark' parts of ourselves, there is an opportunity to transform the experience. The response from past retreats has been overwhelmingly positive because people learn ways to reframe their difficult experience with wisdom and kindness to themselves.”

“I hope those who attend the weekend retreat will connect with other like-minded people, develop friendships, and ultimately support each other in the months and years to come,” says Dr. Rutledge.

The “Skills for Healing” weekend retreat, sponsored by the BC Cancer Foundation, will take place Friday evening, March 14, to Sunday afternoon, March 16. Space is limited. Please register by calling 250.519.5525. Registration fee is $50 per person to cover the cost of meals. Limited financial assistance is available if required. For more information, go to Coming Events on the BC Cancer Agency website at www.bccancer.bc.ca.

Dr. Rutledge will also deliver a free public forum on “The Mind-Body-Spirit Connection” on Thursday, March 13 at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre, 2410 Lee Avenue, from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Registration is not required. Please call 250.519.5525 for more information.

For more information, or to schedule an interview, please contact: