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Virtual Educational & Support Programs

September 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.

Please watch the eBulletin for future groups. 

 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

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 

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Family Art Therapy Program

Support is available for families who have a parent living with cancer.  Therapy is targeted to families with kids who are about 3 – 16 years old.

Individual and family art therapy sessions are also available by appointment.  These are offered in person at  Vancouver centre or online over Zoom.  Any family in B.C. can join.

Pre-register for one of these programs.

Register 

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Cultivating Your Spiritual Garden

This creative and experiential workshop series has been designed for patients who are wishing to explore and develop their own spirituality. 

This workshop is over Zoom. 

September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 2024
2:00-4:00pm

Register

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Session 1: Spirituality & Spiritual Distress, The Gifted Self & Self-Compassion

Session 2: Values, Beliefs, Meaning Making, Individuals & Communities

Session 3: Spiritual Practices, Sacred Texts, Sacred Spaces, Rituals

Session 4: Spiritual Experiences, Leap of Faith, Mortality, Beyond Life

Only 10 spots are available for this workshop.

Please register by September 3, 2024

 

 

Discovering Your Creativity

A three week online group to start the Fall with new endeavors.

Learn the basics of art therapy and connect with your creativity.

Tuesdays, September 10 - 24, 1:00-2:30pm

 

Register ​​​​​​​

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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.​​​​​​​

Register

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Held in-person at BC Cancer - Vancouver.  The following workshops are scheduled:

Intro to Art Therapy: Learn about the basics of art therapy and try some introductory art therapy exercises. Wednesday, September 18, 1-3:00pm.

Leaf Art Workshop: Experience a few different ways of using the changing leaves as inspiration in your artwork. Tuesday, October 15, 1-3:00pm.

Slow stitching: Try your hand at Sashiko stitching, the Japanese art of mending with embroidery, in this two-week workshop. Wednesdays, November 13 and 20, 10:00am – 12:00pm

Holiday Card Making: Learn a few different techniques for making cards for your loved ones. Wednesday, December 11, 1-3:00pm.

 

Fall Photography

Learn a few new techniques for taking pictures this season in this online group.

Wednesdays, October 9 - November 6, 10:30am - 12:00pm

 

Register

 

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.

September 25, October 16, November 20
and December 18, 1-3pm

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 Wednesday of the month in September & October. 

The next class is  September 18 from 1:30 - 2:30pm 

Register

Practical Supports

Job Search Seminar

For those with a history of cancer. 

This seminar is offered 4 times a year.

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

Next class is November 21, 2024

Register

Return to Work 

For those with a history of cancer. 

This seminar is offered 4 times a year.

  • Preparing for your workplace transition
  • Enhancing workplace wellbeing
  • Understanding the return to work process

Next classes are October 24 and 31, 2024  November 7 and 14, 2024.

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

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 
 

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 

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

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

Community workshops/services

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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

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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 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

 

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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

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BC Cancer Library

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New @ the BC Cancer Library!

Explore new book and eBook arrivals in the Library’s May 2024 Newsletter.

To access eBooks, please contact library@bccancer.bc.ca and we can set you up with an access account.


Click Here to See More Arrivals!

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. 

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 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.