Rev ised July 28, 2009
When might I need support programs?
“After coming to the Centre a few times, I realized I was looking forward to seeing other people who were having treatments too. It made me realize how much I valued talking with others “who’ve been there, done that”. I talked to someone in Patient Family Counselling who showed me all the different support programs that I could access in my community or the centre, or even on the internet.”
We all need support in our lives to remain healthy. The amount of connections to others we need is different for each of us. Support programs provide social support, information, resources and a great way to learn new skills.
There are programs that address coping, aftercare issues, grief and loss and stress management techniques. There are programs you can meet with for a time limited period, drop in as you need, in person or on the web. One size does not fit all.
Family, friends and caregivers benefit from using support programs as well.
What's available in the cancer centre I go to?
What’s available in my community?
Here are some community contacts that will be able to help you in your search for support:
Other resources that may be useful in discovering local groups and supports:
- Your Local Health Unit
- Your Local Library
- The internet
Online Skills and Support Research Study for People affected by Cancer
A research program run by the BC Cancer Agency called CancerChatCanada provides people who are affected by cancer (patients, survivors, or caregivers) with the opportunity to link to others in similar situations through online chat with a professional facilitator. The study is ongoing and available to any Canadian affected by cancer, free of charge. If you are interested, please call the study coordinator at 1-800-663-3333 ext 4966.
Moving Forward: A study of Support and Education for Young Breast Cancer Survivors
A new multi-provincial study of support and education for young women survivors of breast cancer begins November 2010 and will be enrolling participants through the summer of 2012. To be eligible, participants must be younger than 46 years, not more than 3 years past the last treatment date and be able to speak and write in English. Read more. YWFlyer3.pdf 