CompassionConnects

Alberta Cancer Foundation provides information, education, and support to Albertan’s facing cancer. They have a Patient Navigator program which provides assistance to rural Albertans navigating the healthcare system as well as a variety of other Alberta-specific cancer information!

Alberta Clinical Trials aims to build an efficient, robust, and sustainable clinical trial system to allow more patients than ever the opportunity to participate in clinical trials. The “Patient” section of their website provides easy-read information regarding available clinical trials for patients interested.

Breast Cancer Supportive Care (BCSC) is a multidisciplinary clinic committed to providing medical care and support to breast cancer patients, those at high risk for breast cancer, and their families. They offer virtual and in-person consultations to help breast cancer patients navigate their cancer journey.

Control Cancer Alberta provides detailed educational resources for patients. They have a multitude of guidelines to help patients who are newly diagnosed, who are currently undergoing treatment, and who have finished treatment, navigate the cancer journey.

The Barrhead Community Cancer Centre is located within the Barrhead Healthcare Centre.

The Bonnyville Community Cancer Centre is located within the Bonnyville Health Centre.

The Central Alberta Cancer Centre is located within Red Deer Hospital.

Located in Edmonton, the Cross Cancer Institute is Northern Alberta’s only comprehensive cancer centre and a leader in innovative cancer treatment.

The Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre is located within the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre.

The Grande Prairie Cancer Centre is located within the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital.

The High River Community Cancer Centre is located within the High River General Hospital.

The Hinton Community Cancer Centre is located within the Hinton General Hospital.

The Lloydminster Community Cancer Centre is located within the Lloydminster Hospital.

The Peace River Community Cancer Centre is located within the Peace River Community Health Centre.

The Primary Care Network McLeod River serves Edson, Whitecourt, Fox Creek Mayerthorpe, and surrounding areas.

The Seton-Jasper Healthcare Centre offers physical therapy services for people with cancer.

The Alberta Health Services: Nutrition Guide includes healthy eating tips, information on how to access nutrition counseling, and even some tasty recipes.

Find recipes for soups, pastas, smoothies, baked goods, roasts, and more!

These Nutrition Education Resources provide consistent, evidence-based resources for key nutrition topics. Topics addressed include how to add protein to your diet, nutrition supplementation, eating when you have taste and smell changes, and more.

The College of Dieticians of Alberta outlines steps and contacts to find a certified cancer-specific dietitian in Alberta in addition to providing other public nutrition resources.

Power of Nutrition is a class located at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre and the Cross Cancer Institute for patients and families to learn about staying at a healthy body weight during cancer treatments and how foods can help manage the side effects of cancer treatments.

Oncology-certified registered dietitians at the Stanford Cancer Center provide recipes and nutrition tips for cancer treatment, recovery, and prevention. Diet plans outlining what to eat during chemotherapy and radiation are even provided.

wellspring Virtual Nutrition Programs offer both online classes and nutritious recipes to help you learn what foods to eat while undergoing cancer treatment and recovery.

Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) is a free 12-week community-based exercise program designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment.

BC Cancer offers educational resources on exercise before, during, and after cancer treatment, as well as recommendations on how much exercise is safe to do, what types of exercise you should focus on, and more.

Surviving to Thriving is a FREE exercise program for cancer survivors located in Edson. The program runs twice weekly with an additional education session.

Check out these online exercise classes. Different yoga classes are offered in addition to Qigong–an integrated practice known to nourish physical, mental, emotional and spiritual dimensions of health and wellbeing.

A team at the Health & Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary made these exercise videos focusing on cardio, yoga, and upper/lower body strength training. All you need is a chair!

The Leading Edge Physiotherapy Cancer Rehabilitation Clinic offers a range of services including lymphedema management, exercise programs, peripheral neuropathy treatment, vestibular therapy, scar tissue management, and general pain management. These services are available both in-person in Edmonton and virtually.

The Health and Wellness Lab conducts research and develops movement-based programs, including exercise and yoga, to help those with cancer move from surviving to thriving. Check out a rich assortment of resources, including exercise manuals, infographics, and videos to get moving today!

Check out these evidence-based exercise resources for cancer survivors from Thrive Health. They have a FREE comprehensive Thriver Manual to make movement and wellness a part of your cancer journey, as well as infographics, tip-sheets, and more!

Knight’s Cabin offers cancer survivors retreats that provide information and explore practical skills to assist survivors in living well beyond cancer. There are guided hikes, yoga, and workshops on nutrition, meal preparation, and stress and sleep management techniques. Starting in Spring 2021, they will also begin the peer-led initiative WALK IT OUT, which blends the restorative benefits of physical activity with the companionship of people walking in the same shoes.

This article on Exercise for Cancer Patients offers insight into the benefits of exercising after a cancer diagnosis and why it’s important to create a plan to ensure it’s done safely.

This support group is located in Fort McMurray. Contact sistersincancerymm@gmail.com for more information.

Check out their Facebook page for more information.

The Jasper County Cancer Support is a volunteer group that raises money to help people with cancer in the Jasper Community. They can help with medical appointments, getting groceries, and more! Check out their Facebook page for more information.

The Whitecourt Cancer & Wellness Society supports healthcare workers and residence that are living with, recovered from, or assisting someone with cancer in Whitecourt. You can reach them at:

Box 951, Whitecourt, AB, T7S 1N9
wctcancerwellness@gmail.com
780-778-5540 ext. 227
Facebook

Check out their Facebook page for more information.

Connect with others affected by cervical cancer and HPV diseases for information about detection, prevention, treatment, and emotional support in this support group and discussion community. Through this community, you’ll join thousands of patients and caregivers in sharing personal experiences in a safe, secure environment.

Take part in free professionally-led online support groups for Canadians affected by cancer, including patients, survivors and family members. Sessions are typed (text-based, no voice/audio) and take place in real-time, providing emotional support and a place to safely discuss personal topics.

Based in Toronto, be sure to check out the Rethink Young Women’s Network (RYWN) from Rethink Breast Cancer. This closed online group provides a safe space for community and conversation amongst young women experiencing breast cancer.

Check out these videos from Alberta Health Services on cancer-specific nutrition, physical exercise, counselling/support, and more!

Check out this comprehensive document, with everything from LGBTQ cancer support groups, to fertility resources, to online counselling, and much more!

Energize is a class located at the Central Alberta Cancer Centre for patients who are struggling with cancer-related fatigue.

Neatly Nourished Cleaning Services in Red Deer has partnered with the non-profit ‘Cleaning For A Reason’ to help provide affordable cleaning services to people battling and recovering from cancer in Red Deer.

Download this FREE guide from Cancer Care Ontario intended to help manage shortness of breath before, during, or after cancer treatment. It can be used by patients, family, friends or caregivers.

Cosmetic professionals with the Shoppers Drug Mart – Look Good Feel Better Program offer the finest in skin care, wig selection and makeup techniques each designed to encourage women to look and feel their best.

Virtual workshops are now available! Register online or at 1-800- 914-5665.