Cancer Learning Centre

165 resources found

• Key points about cancer care to new patients Share

  The Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program has developed a new way for patients needing cancer treatment to better understand what their care may involve.

  The program has launched a five minute introductory video walking new patients through important aspects about cancer treatment.

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  Mark: Hello and welcome. My name is Mark Karjaluoto and I work for Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, By now, you’ve likely been told you that you’re going to need cancer treatment. We understand that you’re nervous and you may have a lot of questions.

  What we’d like to do is take you through cancer treatment in Waterloo Region and Wellington County, and tell you what you might expect along the way.

  With me today is Jennifer Lounsbury. Jennifer is a nurse practitioner and she’s been a care provider in Kitchener since 2002. So Jennifer, what would you like to talk about today?

  Jennifer: there’s a lot to absorb when you’re diagnosed with cancer and you’re starting treatment. I’d like to review seven important topics for patients when they’re starting their treatment.

  First and foremost, there’s a system of care in place within Waterloo Region and Wellington County to support our patients as they undergo cancer treatment. You may receive treatment in a regional cancer centre, a satellite clinic, or hospital close to home. We all work in partnership and collaboratively to deliver the highest standard of care throughout the region. Individual needs are unique and we want to work with you to address your needs.

  Mark: What about care providers? Is a patient going to have one doctor or one nurse along the way?

  Jennifer: Your care will involve a team of care providers. We’re going to work with you to understand your individual needs. Each provider has expert knowledge and will be able to work with you in partnership to provide you with the information that you require to get through your treatment. Cancer treatments may include medication, radiation therapy, and surgery.

  Mark: Cancer isn’t easy to deal with. So what are some of the ways that patients can get extra support?

  Jennifer: Cancer can be stressful for patients and their loved ones. We’re here to help.

  We have a team of care providers that offer additional support to our families when we understand what your unique needs are. We have social workers, registered dietitians, spiritual care providers, occupational therapists, and genetics counsellors. Throughout the region we have a team of volunteers that also support patients, navigating them through their cancer experience.

  Mark: For a patient, what’s the most important thing they need to do when they’re having cancer treatment?

  Jennifer: It’s important for our patients to tell us about their symptoms. Each time you come in and meet with a health care provider, you’ll be asked to tell us about your symptoms.

  In some cancer centres, we have computer terminals where you can self-report your symptom. . This is called “Your symptoms matter”. Your care team is then able to look at those symptoms to best address your need.

  The more information that you have, the better we can support you and your family.

  Mark: Patients sometimes would like to do their own research, find out own information about their care. How can they do that when they’re going through cancer treatment?

  Jennifer: Knowledge is power, we want to work with you to find out as much information as possible.

  When you start your cancer treatment, we’ll give you a binder like this one. This is unique to your cancer treatments and cancer experience. We encourage you to build information in the binder, and to bring it with you to each encounter when you meet with your care providers. Having this in one spot is important for the continuity of your care.

  We also have a patient and family resource centre and we encourage you to visit the resource centre and bring your binder in to build informational and educational resources for yourself. This patient and family resource centre is in partnership with Kitchener Public Library. You can download a movie or read a book for leisure. The patient and family resource centre has been supported by donors with the Grand River Hospital Foundation.

  Again, please ask us questions. Every question is a good question.

  Mark: How do patients get more support along the way?

  Jennifer: We encourage you to let us know if you need extra support. We’re here to support you and your family.

  We also recommend you to bring your family members or support people to your appointments. We can connect you with resources in the community as well.

  And we also welcome your presence on our patient and family advisory council when your treatment’s complete.

  Mark: What about the financial side of cancer care?

  Jennifer: This is something you may need to consider. Additionally, may need to take away of work.

  Most cancer treatments in the province are covered under health insurance plans. There may be some additional costs related to medications. We will work in partnership with you and your family to understand your financial needs. We may explore extended health benefits through your workplace if they’re required and if you have them in place.

  Many patients are also worried about parking and transportation. We want to re-assure you that we work in partnership with community organizations to support you. So if this is a concern, we can help.

  Mark: Thank you very much Jennifer for all of this information, which we hope will be helpful for you when you’re dealing with your cancer treatment, and we look forward to providing you the best care along the way.

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• My CANCERiQ Share

  This website, designed by CCO, helps you understand your cancer risk and what you can do to lower it. Visit the site to start a risk assessment.

• Colon and Rectal Cancer: From diagnosis to treatment Share
  Author: Paul Ruggieri   Year of Publication: 2012

  This handy, reassuring guide helps recently diagnosed patients answer pressing questions, such as: How far advanced is the disease? What tests are involved? What treatments will be recommended? This fully updated third edition is a quick, reliable reference that helps decipher confusing and intimidating medical jargon and explains the most current procedures and treatment options. Among these are the increasingly popular trend of using chemotherapy and radiation prior to surgery, targeted therapies involving newer drugs that limit their focus to the cancer cells, the use of laparoscopic surgery, and latest approaches in radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs, and immunotherapy. This work also reviews symptoms and risk factors for colon cancer, how the disease may be prevented, and pros and cons of various treatments.

  Available for Loan
  This book can be accessed at the J. Wesley Graham Patient and Family Resource Centre.
  Call number: 616.994 Ruggi

  Available for Purchase

  1. Amazon
  2. Indigo
• Bone Health During Cancer Treatment Share

  As you get older, your bones naturally get thinner. Some cancer treatments (like hormone therapy) and steroids (like prednisone and dexamethasone) can make your bones thin earlier than normal.

  Document

  1. Bone Health During Cancer Treatment Cco 2017 Pem Final (PDF File, 83.59 KB)
• Cannabis and Cancer Share

  Cannabis (sometimes called marijuana, pot or weed) is a type of plant. Cannabis is not usually recommended for treating health problems. Cannabis does not treat cancer or lower the risk of getting cancer.

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  1. Cannabis And Cancer Cco 2020 Pem Final (PDF File, 331.47 KB)
• Constipation During Cancer Treatment Share

  Constipation is when you are having bowel movements (going poo) less often than normal. Call your healthcare team if you have not had a bowel movement for 3 or more days (or 2 days if you are taking laxatives regularly). You may need medication to have regular bowel movements.

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  1. Constipation During Cancer Treatment Cco 2016 Pem Final (PDF File, 66.57 KB)
• COVID Vaccine Information Share

  Health Canada has approved two COVID-19 vaccines made by the drug companies Pfizer and Moderna. These approvals mean that Canadians can get the vaccines once they are available. Health Canada is reviewing other vaccines that may also be approved soon.

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  1. Covid Vaccine Resource Patients Jan 27 (PDF File, 149.52 KB)
• Exercise for People with Cancer Share

  Exercise can help you feel better while you are getting treatment for cancer. It is never too early or too late in your treatment to start exercising.

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  1. Exercise For People With Cancer Cco Nodate Pem Final (PDF File, 132.58 KB)
• Hand -Foot Syndrome Share

  Hand-foot syndrome is a side-effect of some chemotherapy. It is also called Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia or PPE. It affects the skin on your hands and the bottom of your feet. It usually starts with tingling or swelling of your

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  1. Hand Foot Syndrome Cco Nodate Pem Final (PDF File, 58.53 KB)
• How to Manage Bowel Problems for Men with Prostate Cancer Share

  This guide is for men who have had treatment for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer treatments like surgery or radiation can cause problems with your bowels. Talk to your healthcare team about any bowel problems you have. If you have bowel problems, it may help to keep a journal to write down when and how often you have a bowel movement as well as what you eat. Once your healthcare team knows more about your bowel problems, they can help you manage your symptoms and treat the problem.

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  1. How To Manage Bowel Problems Cco Nodate Pem Final (PDF File, 199.58 KB)
• How to Manage Hormonal Symptoms for Men with Prostate Cancer Share

  This guide is for men who have had treatment for prostate cancer. Hormonal therapy to treat prostate cancer can cause changes in your testosterone levels.
• How to Manage Loss of Appetite Share

  This guide is for people who have loss of appetite before, during or after cancer treatment. It can be used by patients, family, friends or caregivers. It does not replace advice from your health care team. Loss of appetite is when you do not have feelings of hunger or interest in food. If you are not able to eat you may lose weight and not be strong enough for your treatments.
• How to Manage Sexual Problems for Men with Prostate Cancer Share

  This guide is for men who have had treatment for prostate cancer. Sexual problems after prostate cancer treatment are common. Treatments can cause changes in your: erections, orgasms, ejaculation (when you orgasm), fertility, sexual desire, and feelings and attitudes about sex.

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  1. How To Manage Sexual Problems Cco Nodate Pem Final (PDF File, 197.8 KB)
• How to Manage Urinary Incontinence for Men with Prostate Cancer Share

  This guide is for men who have had treatment for prostate cancer. Urinary incontinence is when you are not able to control when and how you urinate (pee). It is common after prostate cancer treatments like surgery or radiation.

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  1. How To Manage Urinary Incontinece Cco Nodate Pem Final (PDF File, 154.75 KB)
• How to Manage Urinary Problems for Men with Prostate Cancer Share

  This guide is for men who have had treatment for prostate cancer. Urinary problems are common after treatment for prostate cancer.

  Talk to your healthcare team if you have any of these problems. They can help you make a plan to manage them.

  Document

  1. How To Manage Urinary Problems Cco Nodate Pem Final (PDF File, 198.17 KB)