MACO - Medical Affairs and Community Oncology

Psychosocial oncology resources

Resources for patients, families and service providers
There are many community-based, national and international services and organizations working to support people living with cancer, their families, friends, care providers, and communities. The following are some key links which may be of interest.

Tapestry
The Tapestry Retreat Program is a residential retreat program given over five days at a retreat and renewal centre in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains for people living with cancer. This program is modeled after the well regarded Commonweal Cancer Help Program in Bolinas, California. It has been designed to incorporate a holistic approach to the well-being of the individual.

The Emotional Facts of Life with Cancer: A Guide to Counseling and Support for Patients, Families and Friends
This booklet was written by a cancer survivor with the support of an advisory committee made up of psychosocial oncologists, psychologists, social workers and cancer nurses. It is a 32-page information guide to counseling and support for cancer patients, families and friends. The booklet is intended to improve cancer patients' awareness that the disease affects the spirit and emotions as well as the body, and inform patients and families of the availability and value of psychosocial support. A combination of first-person patient accounts and useful information is targeted at emotional and practical needs, aimed at helping all of those affected to better cope with their experience of cancer. The booklet is available in Adobe Acrobat format by clicking here (.pdf document, 405 KB).

Cancer Information Service (offered by the Canadian Cancer Society)
The Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service is a national, bilingual, toll-free service offering comprehensive information about cancer and community resources to cancer patients, their families, the general public and healthcare professionals. Information specialists respond to inquiries in a supportive manner and provide information in clear, understandable terms to meet individual needs.

The source of information used by information specialists is the Canadian Cancer Encyclopedia, a comprehensive, bilingual database containing credible, accurate information on cancer and related topics. Another source of information is the Canadian Cancer Society community services directory.

The Cancer Information Service can be contacted toll-free by phone at 1-888 939-3333, Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., anywhere in Canada, or by e-mail.

CancerConnection (offered by the Canadian Cancer Society)
CancerConnection is a peer support program of the Canadian Cancer Society designed to put people living with cancer, and their caregivers, in touch with someone who has already been through a similar experience. Volunteers are trained to listen, provide emotional support and share practical insights about living with cancer.

CancerConnection is for adults at any stage of their cancer journey, as well as their caregivers. The program is accessible as a toll-free phone call from anywhere in Alberta and the Northwest Territories from Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-263-6750.

What is psychosocial oncology?
Psychosocial oncology care in Alberta
Current activities of the Psychoocial Oncology Network