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Recommended Resources for Patients and Families

This page lists cancer resources to support people with cancer, family members and caregivers. Each person’s experience with cancer is different, so we offer these resource links to help you become more involved in your care decisions.

Cancer Treatments

Learn about the types of cancer treatments available, including surgery, cancer drugs (chemotherapy) and radiation.

Drug Information

Find drug and regimen information sheets, and learn about drug costs and funding in Ontario.

Cancer Service Locations

Find cancer service locations and contact information.

Home Care

Home care is arranged through Community Care Access Centres. Speak to your healthcare team about getting home care if you think you need it.

International Patients

Some hospitals in Ontario, Canada, accept international patients for cancer treatment. One of them is the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. To begin the process, you need a referral from the doctor who is currently treating you. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre’s International Patient Program will then provide an estimate of all hospital fees based your needs. Referral and any related discussion should be done before you come to Canada.

Healthcare services, including cancer treatment, are covered for Ontarians under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). To qualify, you must be a resident of Ontario and have a valid health card.

Children

The Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario is the province’s official source for advice on childhood cancer.

Symptom Management Guides

Cancer symptoms can have a big impact on your life. Our symptom management guides for patients provide you and your family with tips on how to manage common symptoms and reduce their effects. You will also find links to helpful websites and tools.

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects of Chemotherapy

Learn about managing general side effects of chemotherapy, which can happen when chemotherapy is given for any type of cancer.

Managing Symptoms and Side Effects of Radiation

Learn about managing general side effects of radiation treatment, which can happen when radiation is given to any area of the body.

 

Financial and Other Support Programs

Money and other practical issues can be a big source of stress while you have cancer. Speak to your healthcare team and they may be able to direct you to help available through your cancer centre or in your community.

You can also use 211 Ontario to search for services in your area.

The Canadian Cancer Society also offers services to help you find financial or other support programs:

Aboriginal Navigators

Aboriginal Navigators provide support and advocacy for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people with cancer and their families. You can contact them directly.

Aboriginal Navigators

Quitting Smoking for People With Cancer

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to help your cancer treatment work better and reduce the side effects of treatment.

To learn more and find resources to get help quitting smoking, see Quit Smoking – the Benefits for People With Cancer.

Volunteer

Become a Cancer Care Ontario patient and family advisor to share your perspective and make an impact on the Ontario healthcare system.

Donate

To support cancer services in your community, you may wish to make a donation to a regional cancer centre.

You can also make a donation directly to Cancer Care Ontario by mailing your donation to:

Cancer Care Ontario
620 University Avenue
Toronto, ON
M5G 2L7
Attention: Finance