Virtual Educational & Support Programs April 2025 | | 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 | 
實體華語互助小組 In-person Support Group for Chinese-speaking Patients & Families 卑詩癌症局華語互助小組讓病人及家屬在安全的氣氛下聯系、抒發感受及分享面對癌症經歷。小組由專業社工輔導員主持。自2005年至今，華語互助小組正邁入第二十個年頭，參與者彼此支持並共同成長，以生命影響生命。適逢20週年契機，卑詩癌症局將於今年4月24日舉行實體互助小組活動，讓大家可以親身見面相聚，繼續並肩同行，生命共鳴。 誠摯邀請居住於卑詩省的華語癌症病人及家屬參與。有興趣參加的人士，請先於網上登記，是次活動不設即場報名。 BC Cancer Chinese Support Group provides patients and caregivers a safe space to connect, share their feelings and experience in coping with cancer. The Group is facilitated by professional social workers (counsellors). Since 2005, the Chinese Support Group has entered its 20th year, with participants supporting each other and growing together, impacting lives through life. To mark the 20th anniversary, an in-person group meeting will take place on April 24th, 2025, offering everyone the opportunity to gather, reconnect, and continue their journey together. Chinese-speaking cancer patients and their families residing in British Columbia are welcomed to join. Please register online in advance. No walk-in registration is available. 詳細資料 登記連結 More information click here Register | 在線華語互助小組 Online Support Group for Chinese-speaking Patients & Families 卑詩癌症局「華語互助小組」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。小組由專業輔導員主持，分別以國、粵語舉行。利用在線視像會議形式進行，組員安坐家中參與。歡迎卑詩省華語癌症病人及家屬參加。 Online Support Group provides Chinese-speaking cancer patients and caregivers a safe space to connect, share their experience and feelings in coping with their cancer. Facilitated by professional counsellors, the Group is offered in Cantonese and in Mandarin, using the online video-conferencing format. Participants attend the group from their homes. Chinese-speaking cancer patients and their families living in BC are welcome. 粵語小組: 2025年5月27日(星期二) ; 上午 10:30 - 12:00 國語小組: 2025年5月29日 (星期四); 上午 10:00 - 11:30 Cantonese group: May 27th, 2025 (Wednesday); 10:30 am - 12:00 noon Mandarin group: May 29th, 2025 (Wednesday); 10:00 am - 11:30 am Click here for more details 報名在線國語互助小組 Online Mandarin Support Group Registration 報名在線粵語互助小組 Cantonese Support Group Registration | 
在線華語靜觀減壓課程 Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Online Program for Chinese-Speaking Patients 「靜觀減壓」課程是讓癌症病人學習活在當下，減輕壓力和心靈痛苦，培養心靜平和的生活態度面對未來不肯定的日子，提昇生活質素。課程由美國麻省大學醫學院退休教授Jon Kabat-Zinn 博士編創。 The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program is about learning to be present, managing stress, and facing uncertainties with peace. MBSR was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Professor of Medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1979. 國語課程: 預計2026年年初舉辦 粵語課程: 預計2025年9月至12月舉辦 Mandarin class: starts in early 2026 (dates to be confirmed) Cantonese class: starts in Sept and ends in Dec 2025 (dates to be confirmed) Register | Creative & Experiential Groups | Art & Music Studio Group A time for creativity and self care. We meet once per month over Zoom and participants are welcome to use their art materials of choice. Sessions run from 1-3pm on the following dates: Register | | Affirmation Workshop This is an in-person workshop at BC Cancer - Surrey. 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, or boost your self-esteem. Sessions are the last Thursday of the month, from 2- 4pm. Call to register: 604-930-4000 | | MAiD Bereavement Support Group Bi-Weekly Virtual Sessions When a family member chooses medical assistance in dying (MAiD) they may experience a wide range of emotions. PHSA Spiritual Care is hosting a bi-weekly bereavement support group for family, friends and loved ones of MAiD recipients from across B.C. and the Yukon. Our hope is to create a safe and compassionate space to share and express feelings within a supportive culture. Meets second and fourth Thursdays from 1:30-2:30pm or 6:30-7:30pm on Zoom. Email to register: virtualspiritualhealth@phsa.ca | | Spring Photography Experience the beauty of the Spring by practicing some simple photography techniques. No experience or cameras are required (your phone will do just fine for taking pictures). Virtual sessions will be held on Wednesday's from 10:30am - 12:00pm. First session will be held on April 9th, 2025. Register | | 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 | | Cultivating Your Spiritual GardenWorkshop Series Spring 2025 | This creative and experiential workshop series has been designed for patients who are wishing to explore and develop their own spirituality. Led by BC Cancer’s Multi-Faith Spiritual Health Practitioner, each participant will be guided through a cultivation process that will give them a deeper awareness and assessment of their own spirituality, meaning and purpose, and give participants tools to grow inner resources and develop practices to maintain a healthy spiritual garden. The workshop is open to people of all communities, cultural backgrounds, faiths, religious and non-religious traditions. The workshop, facilitated via Zoom, will have four sessions, each two hours in length, that will have a mix of education and discussion, as well as creative and spiritual exercises that are accessible to a wide variety of participants. There will be some light home practice, where participants will be asked to reflect on certain questions prior to class. | April 17th 2pm-4pm Session 1: Spirituality & Spiritual Distress, The Gifted Self & Self-Compassion April 24th 2pm-4pm Session 2: Values, Beliefs, Meaning Making, Individuals & Communities May 8th 2pm-4pm Session 3: Spiritual Practices, Sacred Texts, Sacred Spaces, Rituals May 15th 2pm-4pm Session 4: Spiritual Experiences, Leap of Faith, Mortality, Beyond Life Only 10 spots are available for this series and we ask that those who register aim to attend all 4 sessions. Please register by April 4th 2025. Register | | Eating Well on Your Cancer Journey Classes will be led by a BC Cancer Dietitian. Topics covered: - What it means to eat well with cancer
- Strategies to manage eating challenges
- Answers to common questions
A virtual session will be held on on Wednesday, April 16th at 1:30 - 2:30pm. Register | | Young Adults Group A group for younger adults with cancer, who are 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. Register | | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a weekly 8-session course designed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, University of Massachusetts Medical School. The goal of the course is to help people with serious illnesses or life challenges to lower their stress and suffering. It is about learning to be present while living with uncertainties. To express your interest and be added to our waitlist, please register. | | Painting Landscapes Like Emily Carr These workshops are an ideal way to discover your creativity and connect with others. We provide the materials and you do not need any experience to join. Sessions are held in-person at BC Cancer - Vancouver. - Tuesday, April 15th 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Register | | 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 | | Knitting Circle at BC Cancer - Vancouver & Victoria Library Join our in-person knitting circle! All materials provided. No experience necessary. BC Cancer Vancouver: Sessions are on Thursdays from 2:00 - 4:00pm on the following dates: The group is located at the BC Cancer Vancouver Library (675 W 10th Ave), first floor of the Research Building. Please call 604-675-8002 to be let inside. Register | | BC Cancer Victoria: Sessions are on Wednesdays from 2:00 - 3:00pm on the following dates: The group is located at the BC Cancer Victoria library (2410 Lee Avenue), by the fireplace on the 3rd floor. Call 250.519.5517 for more information. Drop in only, No registration required. | | 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 second 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 Call to Register: 250-519-5525 BC Cancer - Vancouver (Only Vancouver Patients) Last Wednesday of every month, 2-3:30PM Call to Register: 604-877-6000 ext. 672194 | | Brain Tumour Support Group This support group is for individuals living with a malignant brain tumour and their caregivers. The group provides a space for participants to share their experiences, exchange helpful information, and connect with others.
First Wednesday of Each Month (excluding statutory holidays) from 9:30 am to 11:00 am. Call to Register Your Interest: 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 10-11:30AM (Zoom) Call to Register: 604-930-4000 | | Practical Supports | Job Search Seminar This seminar is offered once every two months for those with a history of cancer and covers the following topics: - How to address gaps in a resume because of cancer
- Obligations for disclosure about health history
- Human Rights protection
The next seminar will be held on April 16th, 2025 from 9:30 - 11:30am (Zoom). Register Or Call to Register: 1-800-663-3333 ext 672194 | | Return to Work Group This seminar series is offered once every two months for those with a history of cancer. The series consists of four sessions and covers the following topics: - Preparing for your workplace transition
- Enhancing workplace wellbeing
- Understanding the return to work process
The next groups are scheduled for April 30th, May 7th, 14th and 21st, from 9:30 - 11:30am over Zoom. Register Or Call to Register: 1-800-663-3333 ext 672194 | | Self-Management Resources | Spiritual Health Spiritual health is important to a person’s well-being. It should be a part of each person’s healthcare plan. Watch our video to better understand spiritual health care and learn how to access this service if you are a BC Cancer patient, family member, or caregiver. More videos to come! To make an appointment for Spiritual Care please call: 1-604-877-6000 ex.672115 Video | | 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 | | Spiritual Care for Indigenous Patients At BC Cancer we recognize Indigenous spirituality and cultural backgrounds, traditional ceremonies, practices and traditions, are integral parts of holistic healing. Our Indigenous Patient Navigators can connect our Indigenous Patients (Métis, First Nations and Inuit) to Elders in various regions throughout the province, and you can also request traditional healing, practices, and medicines.
More Information: Indigenous Cancer Control
| | Community Workshops/Services | | | 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 | | | | 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 | | | | | Young Adult Brain Fog Having trouble thinking clearly? Is it sometimes hard to find the right words? You may have brain fog. Brain fog, sometimes called “chemo brain,” refers to cognitive difficulties that affect the clarity of thinking, memory, and concentration. Join this free, eight-week online program for individuals ages 18 – 39, to learn ways to address and improve these symptoms. Starting Monday, February 24th from 4:00-5:30pm PST (Online) Learn More & Register | | |
Young Adult Cancer Canada
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 | | | | InspireHealth Supportive Cancer Care InspireHealth is here to support your physical and mental health during cancer with one-on-one consultations and daily classes and workshops, available in-person and online. Exercise therapy, nutrition support, counselling, stress reduction, cancer education and more – all available free of charge and no referral needed. Find Support & Get Started | | | InspireHealth’s LIFE Program is a free 2-day in-person education program for cancer patients and caregivers. Led by healthcare professionals, this program offers practical tools to improve health & well-being during and after cancer treatment. Join an upcoming program: Kamloops: January 28-29, 2025 Kelowna: February 4-5, 2025 Vancouver: January 10-11, 2025 Victoria: February 25-26, 2025 Learn More & Register | | Fort St. John Cancer Support Circles Society This group provides a safe space for those impacted by cancer to share their stories and feelings with those facing similar challenges. Peer-based support encompasses: - Mental, physical, and emotional assistance
- Guidance with navigating and communicating with your healthcare team
- Providing access to essential information
- Helping you locate financial support if necessary
Fort St. John Hospital also offers a dedicated wig room to support clients from across the Peace Region. Support circles meet on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm. For more information, please contact fsjcsc@gmail.com | | New @ the BC Cancer Library! To access eBooks, please contact library@bccancer.bc.ca and we can set you up with an access account.
Visit the BC Cancer Library online to find our pathfinders and explore librarian recommended books, e-books, pamphlets, support services and websites on many types of cancer and support topics. Complete our Information Request Form to obtain cancer information that is customized to your needs. January 2025 Newsletter We asked, you answered! See the results of the Library's recent Needs Assessment Survey for BC Cancer staff in our INFOGRAPHIC! | | Cancer Exercise Research Patients are welcome to participate in an online study held by UBC: Cancer Exercise and Rehabilitation Studies. Click for more information and eligibility requirements More Information | | Questionnaire on Food Choices After Cancer Diagnosis Have you been diagnosed with lung, breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer within the past 12 months? If so, you are invited to participate in a research study to share if and how cancer has affected your food choices. Take the Survey For more information, please contact the study team at fdchoice@ualberta.ca or call 780-492-7820. | | 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 to the Foundation for making the Vancouver Supportive Care Centre possible! Check out the BC Cancer Foundation website to learn more about what they do and how to get involved. | | | | | |
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