"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.
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.
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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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.
Life After Cancer
For women who have completed radiation and chemotherapy. Takes place on five alternate Tuesday sessions in the Quiet Room, second floor, Vancouver Island Centre at 7 pm - 9 pm. Registration required by calling 250.519.5525.
Look Good... Feel Better
Enjoy a pleasant two hours and learn makeup, skin care and hair alternative techniques that can help you deal with the appearance-related changes that may occur. Cosmetic industry experts volunteer their time to pass on some ideas to make you look and feel better. Participants receive a free tool kit. In Victoria, this program is offered monthly on the second Tuesday from 10 am to 12 noon. Registration is required. In Victoria, call 250.592.2244. For other locations, call the toll-free number 1.800.914.5665 or visit the website at www.lookgoodfeelbetter.ca
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. For information please contact 250.743.2693 or 250.656.9392.
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.
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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.
Young Women Living with Cancer Support Group
This group is for younger women with cancer (age 45 and under) who are interested in learning a variety of skills in a facilitated, small group environment. Sessions cover instruction, discussion and practice in good coping, goal setting, relaxation, mindfulness, communications and sexuality. Registration required, please call 250.519.5525.
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.