BC Cancer Agency staff can help with quality of life issues for those living with or affected by cancer. This includes the physical, emotional, psychological and practical aspects of care.

Each cancer experience is different, but in one way or another, many cancer patients share the same needs.

The effects of cancer and its treatment can present unique challenges: from practical concerns like money and housing, to emotional concerns like anxiety and grief.

If you need support with the practical and emotional impacts of cancer, or in managing symptoms and side effects, you can use the information here to connect to resources:

• Emotional Support - includes information on support groups, counsellors and how to deal with emotions such as anger, anxiety and depression. This section is maintained by our Patient and Family Counselling Services team
• Explore our new website, Cancer in my Family (www.cancerinmyfamily.ca), aimed at children aged 6 to 12. It's a fun interactive environment where children can feel safe, play games, create friendly characters – and at the same time explore how they’re feeling, and learn about cancer.
• Nutritional Support - includes information on what nutritional services are available, and commonly asked questions. This section is maintained by our Nutrition Services team
• Practical Support - includes financial information, home support services and work-related issues. This section is maintained by our Patient and Family Counselling Services team
• Managing Symptoms and Side Effects - includes information on the most common symptoms and side effects experienced by cancer patients, including nausea, breathlessness, fatigue and pain. This section is maintained by our Pain and Symptom Management/ Palliative Care Program and Nutrition Services teams
• Palliative Support - includes information on what to expect as cancer progresses and the Federal Compassionate Care Benefit. This section is maintained by our Pain and Symptom Management/ Palliative Care Program team
• Pamphlets/Handouts - BC Cancer Agency pamphlets, brochures and handouts for patients

Please note: In a medical emergency, call your physician or other health care professional, 911 or local emergency department immediately.

The creation of the Emotional Support and Managing Symptoms and Side Effects sections was made possible through the generous support of the Order of the Eastern Star - Grand Chapter of BC and Yukon.