Individual Patient Program
- Through the individual patient program, patients and their family members meet with physicians specialized in
breast cancer care for up to one hour, where they receive: - Support and medical information at time of diagnosis;
- Assistance in decision making regarding treatment options;
- help in managing concerns resulting from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy (i.e. fatigue, chemo induced menopause, lymphedema, breast reconstruction);
- Counselling for fertility, sexuality and body image;
- Coaching in recovery strategies, nutrition and life style management;
- Assistance in case coordination with the oncology team and other health care providers;
- Access to one hour appointments with psychosocial professionals for counselling re: fear of recurrence, anxiety, depression and challenges in relationships;
- Access to a patient resource library of books, CDs, DVDs and videos; and
- Linkages to community resources.
Group Recovery Program
BCSCF also facilitates a group recovery program consisting of three
hour sessions for 12 weeks with a maximum of ten participants. Each
support group is co-facilitated by one family physician with
specialized breast cancer skills and one psychologist with specialized
knowledge relating to breast cancer. The curriculum, uniquely developed
by BCSCF, addresses topics such as:
- Exploring Recovery
- Understanding Treatment Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Body Image and Sexuality
- Loss and Grief
- Fear of Recurrence
- Anxiety and Depression
- Relationships
- Spiritual Wellness
- Developing Psychological Strategies for Enhancing Wellness
Special Projects and Research
In addition to the two core programs, special projects and research
will be undertaken based on the strategic priorities of the BCSCF,
community need, feedback from patients, and the availability of
funding. The Foundation submits proposals to fund special projects
directly related to the mission and vision of the Foundation.
Currently, one project is being undertaken, with funding from the
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation: the Follow-Up Survivorship Care for
Breast Cancer: A Standardized Approach for Development and Delivery
project is Phase I of a two-phased plan. Phase I will develop a
standardized teaching tool for health care providers to assist patients
diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer through physical and
emotional recovery. Subsequently, the Breast Cancer Supportive Care
Foundation will seek funding for Phase II, to formally assess the
effectiveness of the program through a randomized control research
trial. Under this proposal, a Facilitator Guide and Participant
Workbook will be prepared to run 14 weekly 3-hour sessions for a breast
cancer support group, which will integrate the curriculum of the group
recovery programs with two other highly credible resources:
- Picking up the Pieces: Moving Forward after Surviving Cancer by Sherri Magee
- Bridging Self-Care With Health Care by Carol Malec et al
The authors of these two programs are working with Dr. Ardythe Taylor to meet four key outcomes:
- Improved ability for patients to manage the physical and psychosocial impact of breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery;
- Enhanced capacity, knowledge and skill for health care providers to effectively guide breast cancer patients through the continuum of care
- Increased access for patients across Canada to effective education and support in managing a breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery
- Laying the foundation for a research project to scientifically assess the effectiveness of the intervention program (Phase II)
