BC Cancer Agency

Provides a full-service library to help patients, members of the public, and health-care professionals find cancer-related materials and services using a wide variety of printed and electronic resources.

Offers a province-wide screening program for lung cancer in community hospitals for those who are at high-risk for lung cancer and who are not experiencing any symptoms. Lung screening involves a scan of the lungs using a low-dose CT machine.

Provides counselling for patients experiencing eating challenges during cancer treatment, such as decreased appetite, unwanted weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, and bowel changes. Also offers online nutrition information, resources and videos.

Provides pain and symptom management and palliative support for individuals living with cancer. Support includes pain control, emotional and social support, help with care planning and decision making, family support, and help with physical problems related to cancer such as nausea, shortness of breath or fatigue.

Offers support services and individual, couple and family counselling for cancer patients and their families, caregivers and friends. Support is available in-person, by phone or in counsellor-led support groups.

Counsellors specialize in cancer treatment and can help with emotions and concerns such as fear, anxiety, family and relationship problems, depression, work or school concerns, and lifestyle changes.

Provides a nuclear medicine imaging test that uses a form of radioactive sugar to create images of body function and metabolism. The test is used to help evaluate cancer, determine treatment options and monitor effectiveness of treatment.

Provides assessment and therapy to help patients with communication and swallowing difficulties related to cancer or cancer treatments. Areas of concern include swallowing, restricted jaw movement, swelling, and communication such as speech, language and voice.

Provides spiritual care services to patients, their families and all health care staff, of all religious beliefs, and for those without a faith community.

Offers a variety of support groups, education and therapy programs for people with cancer and their supporters. See the website for group descriptions, calendar and registration information.

Groups and seminars are offered throughout the year and may include art therapy, brain tumour support group, family art therapy, Chinese support group, return to work seminar, relaxation and music therapy, mindfulness, and metastatic cancer support.