Services
Supportive Care professionals are a part of your cancer care team.
Some
services allow self-referral, while others require a referral from a doctor or nurse. For more information about referrals, please review the referral criteria listed in each service section below.
Doctors and nurses can refer patients to Supportive Care services. Download the referral form (PDF).
Cancer rehabilitation services provide specialized care during or after cancer treatment. They help you maintain or improve your physical, cognitive and functional well-being, and manage symptoms and side effects related to cancer or its treatment.
See Cancer Rehabilitation to learn more.
Registered dietitians can help you manage eating and nutrition challenges during cancer treatment.
They can:
- Help you meet your nutritional goals
- Answer nutrition-related questions
- Suggest strategies to support healthy eating
- Provide follow-up assessments
See Nutrition Services to learn more.
Pain and Symptom Management/Palliative Care clinics help manage pain and other physical symptoms at any stage of cancer.
These symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
The clinics also support care planning and decision-making.
Counsellors can meet with you and your
family members in person or by phone.
They can help with:
- Coping with emotions
- Relationship challenges
- Practical concerns
- Financial concerns related to a cancer diagnosis
Counsellors also lead support groups and educational sessions. Programs vary by cancer centre.
Physiotherapy (PT) services can help with:
- Mobility and movement
- Pain management
- Fatigue
- Balance
- Lymphedema
- Other cancer-related physical concerns
BC Cancer - Vancouver offers in-person or and virtual appointments with a physiotherapist. your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, develop a treatment plan based on your needs and goals, and help you access home safety equipment if needed.
See
Physiotherapy to learn more.
Talk to your oncologist or health care provider about a referral to Physiotherapy at BC Cancer - Vancouver.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health.
They can help with:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Overwhelming fears
- Changes in thoughts or personality
Treatment is tailored to your individual needs and may include counselling, medication, or both.
Speech-language Pathology (SLP) services help patients maintain or improve their communication and swallowing abilities.
You may benefit from assessment or treatment for:
- Swallowing difficulties
- Restricted jaw movement
- Swelling
- Speech challenges
- Language difficulties
- Voice changes
- Cognitive changes related to cancer or cancer treatment
We recognize that inequity and discrimination have affected health care in the past and continue to affect people today.
British Columbia is home to people from many backgrounds and communities. We are committed to providing high-quality care to patients and families of all ages, identities, cultures, abilities, beliefs and backgrounds.
Every person's experience is unique. We strive to create a safe, welcoming environment where patients and family members feel heard, respected and valued.
We offer a wide range of programs to help BC Cancer patients manage the physical, emotional, social and practical challenges that can come with cancer and its treatment.
