The teal and purple BC Cancer Logo appears on a white background. To the right, in white text on a teal background text reads "Supportive Care eBulletin"
Click image to view managing stress videos. Image depicts a woman lying on a mat, and another woman demonstrating how to place a bolster.

Virtual Educational & Support Programs

May 2024

Learning & Making Connections

Supportive Cancer Care has different types of group-based programs for people affected by cancer. These groups can help you stay informed and feel connected. Most programs are online, but some programs are in-person. Please follow the registration instructions for each program.

Educational/experiential sessions and regular support groups are run by BC Cancer Counsellors, Social Workers, Art Therapists, and Vocational Rehabilitation Counsellors. Programs provide information, tools and support for self-managing emotional, relational, and practical issues.

People with cancer and their family members can also speak with a Counsellor in-person, virtually over Zoom, or over the phone. Please contact Patient and Family Counselling Services to make an appointment.

View Programs & Calendar

Group Programs for Chinese-Speaking Patients and Families 

華語互助小組 Chinese Support Groups

卑詩癌症局「華語互助小組」由專業輔導員主持，讓病人及家屬在安全氣氛下聯繫、抒發感受和分享面對癌症的經歷。歡迎卑詩省華語癌症病人及家屬參加。

The Chinese Support Groups are facilitated by professional counsellors. The Groups provide cancer patients and caregivers a safe space to connect, share their experiences and feelings in coping with their cancer. Chinese-speaking cancer patients and their families in BC are welcome.

 

 報名國語互助小組請點擊此連結 Register for Mandarin support group

報名粵語互助小組請點擊此連結 Register for Cantonese support group

Creative & Experiential Groups

Relaxation & Music Therapy Group

Online guided imagery and music therapy experience, designed to promote relaxation and nervous system regulation. 

Mondays: 5:30-6:30PM

Wednesday: 10:30-11:30 AM

Friday: 2:30-3:30 PM

Call to Register: 604-877-6000 or 1-800-663-3333 ext 672194

Family Art Therapy

IN-PERSON

Family workshops at Vancouver Centre

Parents may meet with a Counsellor while children spend time with an Art Therapist

Wednesday May 15 or Tues May 28, 3:30 - 5:00pm

REGISTER

Young Adults Group

A group for younger adults with cancer, who are about 20 to 40 years old. This group connects members with others who are the same age. We focus on topics specific to young adults with cancer. We do some creative journaling and art exercises together.

Meets second Tuesday of every month, 10:30-12PM on Zoom. Next session is May 14.

Register 

​​​​​​​

Nature & Art

Experience the benefits of nature and art therapy in this online group. No experience in art is necessary to participate.

This group meets over Zoom. 

Wednesdays, 10:30am - 12:00pm

May 22 - June 19, 2024 

Register

 

Nutrition Classes

Virtual Nutrition Class: Eating well on your cancer journey

This class is for people who are interested in learning about preparing and planning a nutritious diet.

This group meets over Zoom. 

The third Wednesdsay of the month in February, April, May, June, September & October. 

The next class is

May 15 from 1:30 - 2:30pm 

Register

 

Practical Supports

Job Search Seminar

For those with a history of cancer. 

Offered once every two months

  • How to address gaps in a resume because of cancer
  • Obligations for disclosure about health history
  • Human rights protection

Next class is May 9, 9:30am - 11:30am

Register

Self-Management Resources

Memory Attention and Adaptation Training Program.

This book has been made to help with treatment-related cognition issues. If you are interested in this book, please contact library@bccancer.bc.ca.

Meditation & Relaxation Playlists

BC Cancer has created playlists with audio for meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation. You can access them on your web browser. 

View Playlists

 

Exercise Information

Regular exercise is safe and recommended before, during and after cancer treatments. 

Common Questions

 

Nutrition during cancer treatment

 

Looking for help managing a poor appetite or weight loss? Learn simple strategies from a dietitian in this video.

 

 

 

Understanding Spirituality

 

Spirituality is a core aspect of humanity through which people seek their meaning, purpose, and transcendence (being able to go beyond normal limits or boundaries) 

HANDOUT

 

 

Indigenous Cancer Journey Support

There are two booklets that offer information and insights through the voices of Metis and First Nations people who have lived with or are living with cancer, as well as space for your own reflections:

CLICK HERE FOR: First Nations Booklet

CLICK HERE FOR: Metis Booklet

Other resources available for patients: 

Silent Enemy 

If you have questions about Indigenous specific supports and services, please email icc@bccancer.bc.ca

Information about:

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT: Indigenous Patient Navigators

Tumour-Based Support Groups

Living with Metastatic Cancer

The focus is on living well and sharing your experience with others who understand, thereby breaking down isolation.

Every Friday 10-11:30AM (Zoom)

Pre-registration required

Call to Register: 604-930-4000000 ext. 672194

Head & Neck Cancer Support Group

Are you a patient, or a family member of someone, who is just beginning, going through, or completed treatment for head and neck (oral) cancer?

These monthly virtual sessions provide information, ideas for coping, and time to connect and share experiences with others.

 

BC Cancer - Victoria (Open to All)

1st Thursday of each month, 10:15-11:45AM 

The next session is March 7th.

Call to Register: 250-519-5525 

 

BC Cancer - Vancouver (Only Vancouver Patients)

Last Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30PM

The next session is March 27th.

Call to Register: 604-877-6000 ext. 672194

Brain Tumour Support Group

For people living with a brain tumour and their caregivers. This virtual session is run by a counsellor and nurse practitioner.

 

Held on the first Wednesday of each month (not statutory holidays) from 9:30-11:00AM. Next session is March 6th.

 

Call to Register: 604-877-6000 ext. 672194.

Lung Cancer Support Group

This virtual support group is for people with lung cancer in BC, to connect with one another and have a space to share experiences and information.

4th Monday of every month, next session is April 22nd.

10-11:30AM (Zoom)

Call to Register: 604-930-4000

In-Person Groups

Relaxation Group

BC Cancer Kelowna

Do you sometimes feel tense? Do you want to learn ways to calm your mind and relax your body? Join now!

Call or drop-in to Patient & Family Counselling

To register call:

250-712-3963 or 1-888-563-7773 ext 683963

Every Tuesday, 10 - 11:15am 

Okanagan Room, 2nd Floor

Affirmation Workshop

BC Cancer - Surrey

Surrey Patients Only

Create your own powerful affirmations and learn to reframe your negative thoughts and beliefs. Affirmations can help you to motivate yourself, encourage positive changes in your life, and boost your self-esteem.

Last Thursday of the month, 2-4PM

Next session is March 28th.

Call to Register: 604-930-4000

Community workshops/services

Young Adult Cancer Canda

Supporting young adults living with, through, and beyond cancer.

YACC is here to be the connection to peers, bridge out of isolation, and source of inspiration. Every cancer, every stage, YACC’s got your back.

Visit Young Adult Cancer Website
The Look Good Feel Better logo appears in purple

Look Good Feel Better Workshops

Virtual workshops for those with cancer learning how to manage the appearance-related impact of cancer and it’s treat­ment. With the pandemic all programs are now delivered virtually.   

 

Find Workshops & Register
The Canadian Cancer Society Logo is a 6 petaled yellow flower with white centre cyberon a black backgroun

Canadian Cancer Society

Provides information, programs and services to support people dealing with cancer. Services include: places to stay when travelling for treatment, talking to an information specialist, wig and breast prosthesis loan program, connecting with an online cancer community and Travel Treatment Fund.

Find Information & Support

BC Cancer Library
Click image to view library arrivals. Image shows multiple books under the title "New Patient and Public Arrivals"

Patient & Public Arrivals

Explore new book and eBook arrivals for both public and BC Cancer staff and patient borrowing. 

For remote/home access to BC Cancer Library eBooks, please contact requests@bccancer.bc.ca and we can set you up with an access account. 

Click Here to See More Arrivals!

Visit BC Cancer Library to see our pathfinders for lists of librarian recommended books, e-books, pamphlets, support services and websites on many types of cancer and support topics.                                                                       

                                                                                                  BC Cancer Library

Thank You to BC Cancer Foundation!

The BC Cancer Foundation is the fundraising partner of BC Cancer. Together with their donors, they are changing the outcome for people affected by cancer in B.C. and beyond by connecting personalized care, innovative research and opportunities to give back.

Thank you for their help in making the Vancouver Supportive Care Clinic possible!

Learn More