"I am so impressed and thankful of the entire staff and volunteers. It has made our battle easier knowing that there is so much unconditional support." - Vancouver Island Centre patient
We see ourselves as your partners in finding the best treatment for your particular cancer. We want to ensure that you and your family and friends feel supported throughout your cancer journey. Additionally, we offer useful information and techniques for managing the challenges, both practical and emotional, that you and your family may face. Please feel free to ask questions at any time - our experienced and knowledgeable team will be happy to answer them.
Our cancer information notice boards are an excellent resource and are located on the first and second floors of the centre. Also our library is located on the third floor and has pamphlets, books, videos and tapes.
Explore our new website, Cancer in my Family (www.cancerinmyfamily.ca), aimed at children aged 8 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.
Patient and Family Counselling Services offer these counselling, education and support programs for patients, family and friends:
Support group information sheet 
attached; please contact Patient and Family Counselling at 250.519.5525 for further information.
Oncology Nutrition Services information sheet attached, please contact Oncology Nutrition at 250-519-5525 for further information.
Additionally, these programs are available for patients and their supporters:
Brain Tumour Support Group
This support group gives members an opportunity to share experiences and obtain information from health care professionals. Brain tumour patients, their families and friends are welcome. Drop-in sessions are on the second Thursday of each month from 11 am - 12:30 pm in the Vancouver Island Centre Quiet Room on the second floor.
Breast Cancer Support Group
This drop-in support group gives participants an opportunity to share experiences and obtain information. Meetings are held the third Thursday each month from 10:00am to 12:00 noon at Vancouver Island Centre in the Quiet Room on the 2nd Floor.
Chemotherapy Teach Session
Group education sessions held for chemotherapy patients on the third floor, Wednesdays 9 - 10 am in Conference Room #1 and Fridays at 1 - 2:30 pm in Conference Room #2. Friends and family members welcome.
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Children's Club
This program is for school aged children who have a parent or family member living with cancer. It provides a chance for kids to express themselves through art activities within a group. Times offered throughout the year vary according to the needs of children and their families. Registration required; please call 250.519.5525.
Counselling Services
Professionally trained counsellors and social workers who specialize in cancer care provide individual, couple and family counselling services and support programs. These are available to patients, families, caregivers and friends, before, during and after treatment. Typical concerns of cancer patients and their family members include: managing stress, anxiety and depression, family and couple communication and problem solving, responding to children's fears and questions, accessing practical and financial assistance, dealing with life post-treament, palliative and end of life preparation and planning.
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Cancer Transitions and EMPOWER:
Two programs for cancer patients and their support persons designed to help cancer survivors transition back to ‘regular life’.
CANCER TRANSITIONS is an education program geared to the needs of cancer patients who have completed active treatment and are trying to “get back to normal”. The six week program includes exercise, guest lectures and group discussion on topics relevant to cancer survivors including: dealing with fears, addressing health issues, nutrition, getting into—or back into—exercise, and generally moving forward in all aspects of life.
Cost: This is a free program, pre-registration is required
For more information or to register call 250-519-5525
Cancer Transitions is offered twice yearly
EMPOWER is a new program designed to help family members and support persons of cancer survivors make the transition from active treatment to post-treatment life. The Program will provide support, information and tools to help participants with their own coping and self-care along with being better able to understand and help their loved one in dealing with post-treatment life.
Cost: This is a free program, pre-registration is required
For more information or to register call 250-519-5525
For current Cancer Transitions and Empower courses please see the Coming Events page http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/ABCCA/comingevents/default.htm
Education Sessions
Education sessions are held on a monthly basis at the Vancouver Island Centre. Topics are ever-changing and geared to the emerging and evolving needs of cancer patients and their family members. Topics which have been offered ~ or are planned for the furture ~ including the following: Tools for Relaxation, Return to Work Challenges, Introducing Meditation, Dealing with Fatigue and Brain Strength: A workshop for people experiencing cancer-related brain fog. Look for posters around the Centre or in the Patient & Family Counselling/Nutrition Services area. You can also call (250) 519-5525 to find out more or to let us know topics you would like us to address. Patients, family members and other supporters are welcome. Pre-registration is not normally required.
Gyne Nutrition Session
Sessions take place in the Nutrition office at Vancouver Island Centre on the second floor, Wednesdays at 10:30 - 11:30 am.
Look Good... Feel Better
Vancouver Island Centre is one of two host venues for the Look Good Feel Better program here in Victoria. On the last Wednesday of every month, volunteers guide patients through a FREE hands on workshop hosted here at the Centre in Conference Room 2 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.
Launched in 1002 by a charitable foundation, the Look Good Feel Better program is dedicated to empowering women to manage the effects that cancer and its treatment have on their appearance. Created from the belief that if a woman with cancer can be helped to look good, chances are she will feel better, her spirits will be lifted and she will be better able to face her illness.
Participants take home a complimentary kit of cosmetics and personal care products that are generously donated by the member companies of the Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. In each workshop participants will learn how to master simple cosmetic techniques, explore hair alternatives and learn about cosmetic hygiene, nail and skin care. Al with the goal of helping them to look and feel a little more like themselves again.
For more information visit www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca. To register call 250.519.5717.
Lung Cancer Support Group
An opportunity to meet others affected by lung cancer. This group meets in the Vancouver Island Centre Quiet Room, second floor, 2:00 - 3:30 pm the first Tuesday of each month.
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Lymphoma/ Leukemia Support Group
Meet with others to learn and discuss living life with lymphoma or leukemia. Meetings take place the first Thursday of each month 7 - 8:30 pm at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Woodward Room, Begbie Hall. Call to confirm meeting date and place: 250.598.8166 or 250.652.0792.
Myeloma Support Group
Meetings held 2nd Monday of each month 1 - 2:30pm at Yakimovich Wellness Centre, 1454 Hillside Avenue. Nanaimo and Campbell River groups are also available. For information, please visit http://www.myelomavancouverisland.ca
Nutrition for Breast Cancer Patients
Patients pre-register at 250.519.5525. First and possibly third Wednesday of each month in Room #1228, 3 - 4 pm.
Nutrition & Counselling Education for Colorectal Cancer Patients
This group session provides nutrition information as well as coping skills and strategies pertaining to colorectal patients. It is held the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Location: Room 1228 Radiation Therpay Education Room - First Floor.
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Nutrition Group Session
By appointment only. This session takes place in Meeting Room #1228. Please register by calling 250.519.5525.
Ovarian Cancer Support Group
Meetings take place monthly in the Vancouver Island Centre Quiet Room, second floor, 12 noon - 1:30 pm. the third Thrusday of each month. For information contact Patient and Family Counselling at 250.519.5524.
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Pain Teach
Sessions take place on the first and third Wednesday of each month in the Vancouver Island Centre, Conference Room # 1 from 11 am - 12 noon.
Prostate Cancer Hormone Therapy
Teaching session by appointment only. Located at Vancouver Island Centre, Conference Room # 2, third floor, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month 2 - 3 pm. To register please call 250.519.5646 or 250.519.5655 or speak to a clinic clerk or nurse.
Prostate Cancer Support Association
Information and support forum for prostate cancer patients and their families. Meetings take place the second Tuesday of each month 7 - 9 pm in Begbie Hall at Royal Jubilee Hospital. For further information call 250.380.9607 or 250.380.0186.
Relaxation Program
This drop-in program is offered every Thursday from 2:30 to 4:00 pm in the Third Floor Conference Room #2. Experienced facilitators guide participants through a relaxation and visualization process within a supportive group environment. Open to cancer patients and their family members and friends.
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Rehabilitation Counselling
A counsellor who specializes in vocational rehabilitation is available to help patients with vocational assessment, resource referral, information, advocacy assistance and counselling related to rehabilitation issues for patients and family members. Please call 1.800.670.332, Local 2194 to book an appointment.
Therapeutic Touch Clinic
Therapeutic Touch is a technique offered by trained practitioners to promote relaxation and comfort. Patients and/or their support persons are welcome to book appointments. Appointments are 30-45 minutes, offered every first and third Wednesday. Registration required, please call 250.519.5525.
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Women with Metastatic Cancer Support Group
Share challenges and feelings in a safe, supportive environment, explore new ways of coping and experience and practise guided relaxation. Times and days offered vary according to participant needs. Registration required, please call 250.519.5525.