Psychosocial Care

Psychosocial oncology addresses the social, practical, psychological, emotional, spiritual, functional and quality-of-life impact of cancer on patients and their families.

The Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Psychosocial Oncology Program focuses on interventions that improve the patient experience, support patients and their families through the cancer continuum, and enhance quality of life.

Resources for Healthcare Providers

• Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Psychosocial Oncology Care guidelines and other documents relevant to healthcare providers and groups responsible for the psychological and social care of people living with or affected by cancer.
• Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Recommendations for the Delivery of Psychosocial Oncology Services in Ontario

Resources for Patients & Families

Understanding Cancer

• National Cancer Institute Patient Education Publications
• Canadian Cancer Society: Talk to an Information Specialist 1-888-939-3333

Coping With Cancer

• Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology: The Emotional Facts of Life with Cancer (booklet)
• Canadian Cancer Society (CCS): Newly Diagnosed
• Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC): The Truth of It (videos featuring patients and caregivers sharing feelings, perspective and advice about their different experiences with cancer)
• Cancer.Net: Diagnosing Cancer
• National Cancer Institute: Coping with Cancer

Talking to Children About Cancer

• Canadian Cancer Society (CCS): Talking to Children About Cancer
• Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology: Start the Talk: Supporting Children and Teens When a Family Member Has Cancer
• Cancer.Net: Talking With Children About Cancer
• Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre: Supporting your children through your diagnosis and treatment
• Yorktown Family Services: Growing with Grief Program

Support for Family Caregivers

• Alberta Health Services: Caregiver College (virtual courses to enhance the knowledge and skills of caregivers to provide for their family member)
• Canadian Cancer Society (CCS): Caregiving
• Canadian Cancer Society (CCS): Taking Care of Yourself
• The Ontario Caregiver Organization: Support for Caregivers

Information about Palliative Care

• Canadian Virtual Hospice provides support and personalized information about palliative and end of life care to patients, family members, health care providers, researchers and educators.

Support Programs in Toronto

• Wellspring Cancer Support
• Gilda’s Club Greater Toronto
• Canadian Cancer Society Support Services