Patient and Family Support Centre

Surveys and feedback confirm that patients are overwhelmingly satisfied with the medical care received at the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island Centre. At the same time, patients and their families feel that psychological and emotional support before, during and after treatment still needs vast improvement. Our dream is to provide this, and conduct cutting-edge research focused on the psychosocial aspects of cancer.

Patient Navigation Programs

The stage between diagnosis and a first appointment with an oncologist often creates anxiety and fear for many patients and their caregivers. While waiting for appointments, patients often search the internet, and may find inaccurate or misleading information. The Support Centre will offer a program in which trained volunteers will be connected with patients at the BC Cancer Agency. Volunteers, with the guidance of professionals, will ensure patients receive the full circle of supportive and emotional care throughout their entire cancer journey.

Health and Lifestyle Seminars

Care is about more than just treatment. Supporting a patient’s emotional well-being, his/her nutrition, and overall health facilitates the healing process, improves quality of life and enhances recovery and health. Thanks to your support of Inspire the World, there will be dedicated space to support health and lifestyle changes, including nutrition, meditation, yoga, and relaxation classes.

Telehealth

Central and North Island patients will benefit from enhanced telehealth technology available at the new Support Centre, connecting patients and caregivers via live videolink.

Counselling and Support Groups

The new Support Centre will offer an opportunity for patients to discuss their deepest concerns through individual counselling and support groups. Are there treatments for sexual dysfunction? Why is one treatment favoured over another? Will cancer treatment affect my mental functions? My self-esteem? Relationships with others? What happens next?Should I quit work? Will I need help at home? How do I keep my hopes and spirits up?

Public Education Forums

Our goal is to create a space which is inviting and welcoming to patients, their families and the Vancouver Island community. With your contributions to Inspire the World, the Support Centre will offer public education forums and invite the community to learn about services and support available.

Predictive Cancer Research Centre

The BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver Island PREDICT (Personal Response Determinants in Cancer Therapy) program is the first cancer centre-wide program in Canada to conduct research that looks at all cancers, focusing on patient factors that predict responses to treatment. The transformed centre will provide a forum to broaden and deepen partnerships between researchers and patients, and explore news ways to prevent and treat individuals with cancer. 

Radiation Innovation Wing

Vancouver Island has pioneered technological advances in radiation therapy, which have led to changes in patient treatment protocols. Our researchers work in tandem with international scientists and clinicians to ensure that Vancouver Islanders receive the best care possible.

BC Cancer Agency medical physicists are increasing the level of accuracy for matching radiation to the size and shape of a patient’s tumour, while avoiding nearby healthy tissues. The Inspire the World capital campaign will also build a Radiation Innovation Wing, which will help researchers discover new ways to conduct radiation treatments.