Living with Chronic or Advanced Cancer

For patients living with chronic, advanced or metastatic cancers. Members share their experiences with the guidance of facilitators. Topics explored include: coping with cancer and its treatments, maintaining hope, expressing emotions, and working through meaning of life issues that arise.

A facilitator may contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Bi-weekly for 8 Sessions, starting February 7, 2024, offered on Wednesdays.

Time: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Virtual

For More Information & Registration: For patients and their families in Edmonton and areas north of and including Red Deer, email psr.administration@ahs.ca or call 780-643-4304. This group is currently not offered in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Coping with a New Cancer Diagnosis

For people with a new cancer diagnosis of (Stages 0-IV) and their support people. This 2-hour online class provides information, practical skills, resources, and support to cope with a cancer diagnosis. This class will help participants understand their emotions and reactions, teach practical coping skills to manage strong emotions, and provide additional tools, resources, and services (including an introduction to Psychosocial Oncology services). Group participants will also have the chance to connect with other patients and support people (e.g., family, friends) who are in a similar situation in a supportive and therapeutic environment. A facilitator may contact you to make sure this class is the right fit for you.

This class is meant for people who:

• Are waiting for a potential cancer diagnosis
• Have been newly or recently diagnosed
• Have started or are mid-way through active cancer treatment

Date: Mondays and Wednesdays

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call 587-231-3570

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team (Psychologists, Social Workers)

Mental Wellness after Cancer Treatment Group

A group for patients that are about to or have recently completed treatment for cancer. This will run weekly for 8 weeks with the same group of registrants. The group will include education as well as time for discussion and support. Topics explored include coping; physical, cognitive, and emotional impacts; grief and loss; future fears, including reoccurrence; work challenges; relationships and social support; identity changes; and future planning. One can self-refer to this group by contacting the PSR department. A facilitator will call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Mondays

Time: 10:15 am – 11:45 am

For More Information & Registration: Contact the Edmonton Psychosocial Services department at psr.administration@ahs.ca or 780-643-4301. You will be scheduled a short screening appointment by a facilitator to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Stress Management - Group 1

Coping with cancer can be a significant challenge, regardless of how it has touched your life. This group is intended to help cancer patients and family members overcome this challenge by providing a broad overview of strategies that people may find useful in their coping. This educational group provides participants with information about coping with stress. Stress management techniques discussed in this group are based on a cognitive behavioral (CBT) model and reflect a holistic (bio-psycho-social) perspective of health and wellness. Advanced registration is required for this group. Also, all potential participants will be screened before the group beginnings. A facilitator may call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: please call or email for up and coming group information.

Time:

For More Information & Registration: For patients and their families in Edmonton and areas north of and including Red Deer, email psr.administration@ahs.ca or call 780-643-4304. This group is currently not offered in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Spirituality Group

Spirituality is an essential element of being human. It represents that part of us that searches for meaning and seeks connection. Whether your spirituality is experienced through religious observance, nature, music, community, reflection and meditation, or in other ways, exploring what gives hope and purpose in life can help with coping and wellbeing when you or a loved one faces health challenges. This group offers an open and inclusive space in which you can identify, access, and enhance your spiritual resources as well as explore ways in which you may be experiencing spiritual distress, for example when there is conflict between your beliefs and what is happening in your life. We will also look at various spiritual practices to help you live well with cancer.

A facilitator may call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: Email psr.administration@ahs.ca or call 780-643-4304. This group is currently not offered in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team (Psychologists, Social Workers)

Living Well in the Here & Now: Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy - ACT 1

In this six-session weekly group, an updated form of cognitive behavioral therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy will be introduced to patients and family members to help them live full, meaningful lives (as psychologically well as possible). The group will provide participants the opportunity to be more psychologically flexible as defined by ACT. According to ACT, this involves learning to accept what is out of personal control, while committing to action that will improve quality of life by living life according to core personal values. It is expected that, through mindfulness training and other group learning activities, participants will deepen their understanding of their values and create plans for living well in the here and now. A facilitator may call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: call or email for up and coming group information.

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: Email psr.administration@ahs.ca or call 780-643-4304. This group is currently not offered in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Androgen Deprivation Therapy Class

This class is for men who will be starting or who have recently started Androgen Deprivation Treatment (ADT) to treat prostate cancer.

Learn about common side effects of treatment and how to best manage these side effects (for example, weight gain, fatigue, mood, and sexual health changes). The online class will also cover ways to improve your sense of well-being by taking an active role in managing these side-effects. Partners are highly encouraged to attend as well.

For More Information & Registration: Go online at LifeOnADT.com

The "Low Down" on "Down There" (LDDT)

The Low Down, Down There (LDDT) is an informative, fun, and interactive information session. Your OASIS team will address issues such as vaginal pain, vaginal dryness, decreased sensation, low desire and so much more. This class is currently offered on Zoom (a virtual platform) so patients and their families across the province can attend and participate virtually. OASIS stands for Oncology and Sexuality, Intimacy & Survivorship. OASIS is a Sexual Health Program offered by Supportive Care in Cancer Care Alberta.

Date: The first Monday of every month

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: Email OASIS.Program@ahs.ca of call 780-391-7664

Facilitated by: Members of the OASIS sexual health care team

Gastro-Intestinal Men's Supportive Expressive Group

For men with gastro-intestinal cancer at any stage or point in illness or treatment. The GI Men’s group offers a supportive, safe place to share distress around illness, treatment, death & dying, communication with health care teams, coping with anger/depression/ anxiety, and mutual learning. A facilitator may contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Every second Friday

Time: 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

For More Information & Registration: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Supportive Expressive Group Therapy for Women with GI Cancers

For women with gastro-intestinal cancer at any stage or point in illness or treatment. The mutual group support boosts emotional expression, ability to cope with illness and treatment, as well as strengthening relationships & maximizing support systems. A facilitator will contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Every second Thursday

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: For patients and their families in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Ovarian Cancer Sunflower Support Group

For women with ovarian, endometrial, or fallopian tube cancer, who have had or are having chemotherapy. Group members experience mutual support and learn to combat loneliness, enhance openness, improve coping skills and relationships with self and others. A facilitator will call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Thursdays

Time: 1 - 2:30 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: Email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team (Psychologists and Psychiatrists).

Blood & Marrow Transplant (BMT): Pre-Transplant Psychosocial Education Class

This 1 hour education class helps patients and their support people to prepare for blood and marrow transplant. It provides an opportunity to meet members of the psychosocial team and to get important information on practical resources (e.g., accommodations, medical insurance), coping tips, and ways to maximize wellbeing through transplant and beyond.

Dates: June 6, 20, July 4, 18, August 15

Time: Registration is a regular part of blood and marrow transplant workup. Registration will be arranged by the transplant team.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Mindfulness Based Cancer Recovery (MBCR)

For people with cancer and their support people. This 9 week program covers the mind-body connection with instructions in meditation, gentle yoga stretches, breath awareness & relaxation, visualization and cognitive coping.

For dates and to register: Contact the Calgary Psychosocial Oncology Team at calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Breast Health Class for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

This class is for patients who are starting radiation therapy (ideally, this class is taken within 1-2 weeks from the start of radiation therapy). This class provides education and a review of exercises to help manage the side effects of radiation therapy. Patients are provided with an information booklet to use at home. Patients who will receive radiation treatment at the CCI in Edmonton are automatically referred to this class: Patients are scheduled to attend this class within 1-2 weeks from the beginning of radiation. Patients may attend virtually from anywhere in the province.

If you cannot attend the in-person class, you can watch the same information here: Breast Health Class for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy.

Date: Mondays (except for statutory holidays)

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: Call 780-432-8716 or toll free at 1-833-838-0202

Facilitated by: Members of the Rehabilitation Medicine Team at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton.

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) Class

This class offers education on CIPN, risks for developing CIPN symptoms and methods to reduce those risks including exercise. During the class, participants are offered a screening assessment of the impact of their CIPN symptoms. Screening is completed to help identify those patients who may benefit from a 1:1 assessment and/ or treatments by a Physiotherapist and/ or an Occupational Therapist.

Dates: Every 2nd Friday and 4th Monday of the month

Time: 2 - 3 p.m.

Format: Virtual - Zoom Group

For More Information & Registration: Call 780-432-8716 or toll free at 1-833-838-0202

Class cancellation guidelines: If there are 2 people or less registered 48 hours before the class, the class will be cancelled. You will be contacted and invited to attend on another date.

Facilitated by: Members of the Rehabilitation Team

Cancer-Related Fatigue

This course is offered by Wellspring Alberta, not through Cancer Care Alberta. Cancer Related Fatigue I Well on the Web (wellspring.ca)

Cancer Related Fatigue (CRF) is one of the most common and distressful side effects of cancer and cancer-related treatments. It is usually described as a persistent sense of physical, emotional, and cognitive tiredness unrelated to activity and doesn’t go away after rest. Fatigue can occur pre-cancer treatment, during treatment, and post-treatment and last for days, months or even years.

This four-part series will explore the various causes of CRF and provide suggestions, strategies, and resources to help manage and minimize its impact.
Week 1: Understanding Your Fatigue
Week 2: Lifestyle Approaches to Managing Fatigue
Week 3: Nutrition and Fatigue
Week 4: Exercise and Fatigue

For More Information & Registration: call Wellspring Alberta at 1-877-499-9904.

Register to participate in this program. You will receive a link to access the online session in the registration confirmation email from Wellspring.

Cancer-Related Fatigue and Brain Fog Chat

In a supportive group environment, you will learn:

• How cancer may impact your energy levels
• How cancer may impact your thinking abilities (cognition)
• Strategies that you can use to maximize your activity tolerance, brain function and coping with these changes
• Opportunity to arrange a one-on-one meeting with occupational therapists or arrange referrals to other health care professionals

Available to any cancer patient that notices fatigue and/or brain fog (memory/cognitive changes) related to their cancer.

Time: Fridays 2 - 3:15 p.m.

Format: Virtual - Zoom Group

For More Information & Registration: call 780-432-8798 or toll free at 1-833-838-0202

Facilitated by: Members of the Rehabilitation Team

Preparing for Chemotherapy & Targeted Therapy

In this class presentation on Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy, a nurse from Cancer Care Alberta will talk about what Chemotherapy and Targeted therapy is, how to prepare for appointments, give you an idea of what to expect, describe side effects and how you can manage them and where to find supports and resources.

Format: Recorded session

Chapters:

• Need to Know: 1:05
• Side Effects: 13.24
• Other Possible Side Effects: 23:55
• Other Important Things to Know: 35:55

Time: 41 minutes

Video

Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment Class

In this class presentation, you will learn about what checkpoint inhibitor treatment is, how to prepare for appointments, what to expect, side effects and how you can manage them, and a few other things that can help you during treatment.

Chapters:

• Need to Know: 1:25
• Checkpoint Inhibitor: 5:06
• Side Effects: 11:42
• Other Important Things to Know: 19:35

Format: Recorded session

Time: 27 minutes

Video

Preparing for Radiation Treatment

In this class presentation on Radiation Treatment, a radiation therapist and nurse from Cancer Care Alberta will talk about what Radiation Treatment is, what radiation treatments are like, how together we keep you safe and resources available to help you through treatment.

Format: Recorded session

Time: 34 minutes

Video

Endocrine Treatment in Breast Cancer

This short video talks about endocrine treatment for breast cancer and how it works. Learn about the different types of endocrine treatment, and how to take them. There is also some information about the possible side effects and how to manage them, along with information on natural health products and breast cancer.

Format: Recorded session

Time: 20 minutes

Video

Living Your Best with Advanced, Metastatic, Chronic or Non-curable Cancer Speaker Series

Offered by Wellspring and Cancer Care Alberta.

Free speaker series open to people living with cancer, their family and friends. Each session brings the chance to learn about a different aspect of living your best with cancer and ask questions of the speaker.

Date: Held 4-5 times a year. Visit Wellspring to find dates, times, and topics.

Register online or call 1-866-682-3135

Miss a session? Watch any of the recorded presentations on the Wellspring Calgary YouTube channel.

Register

Indigenous Cancer Sharing Circle

Offered by Wellspring and Cancer Care Alberta. You can join this session online or by phone.

Join Indigenous patients and caregivers living with cancer across Alberta. The sharing circle is co-led by an Elder and welcomes all Nations to join in a safe space.

• Connect with others, share experiences, stories and hope
• Support each other within a community of people who understand

No one has to face cancer alone.

Date: First Monday of every month

Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Register online or call 1-866-682-3135

Register

QuitCore Tobacco Cessation Cancer Support Group

Did you know that continued tobacco use adversely affects cancer treatment outcomes? Did you know there is a free program available to offer tools, strategies and support to quit and reduce?

For patients with cancer, Virtual QuitCore is a FREE group support program that provides Albertans (18+) with the tools and strategies they need to quit/reduce smoking commercial tobacco or other forms of tobacco. The program consists of a set of six 90-minute online virtual sessions guided by trained facilitators. Join a group online using Zoom a secure web based video conferencing platform through your smartphone, tablet or computer to share your stories, learn new coping strategies and celebrate milestones together.

Date: Set of 6 sessions

Time: 90 minutes each session

For More Information & Registration: call the AlbertaQuits Helpline at 1-866-710-7848. To check dates, days and times of upcoming QuitCore groups visit the Support Groups page.

Facilitated by: Tobacco Reduction Program

Nutrition for Stem Cell Transplant

In this class presentation on Nutrition for Stem Cell Transplant, a dietitian from Cancer Care Alberta will talk about food safety during stem cell transplant, describe the foods you need to avoid, what your nutrition goals are, and where to find reliable nutrition information.

Format: Recorded session

Time: 11 minutes

Video

Exercise for Your Life: How Physical Activity May Help

Offered by the University of Calgary.

Class led by an Exercise Specialist. Find out how exercise helps your body during cancer treatment, learn how to start or improve an activity program and what types of physical activities will help you most. No physical activity is performed.

Format: Same session on each date.

Date:

Time: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Where: Zoom

Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctfu6gqjktGtKk_qm8Ppl-uT8j1j2Qc_iv#/registration

Late & Long-term Effects

In this 2019 recording Dr. Dean Ruether (Oncologist) and Dr. Laura Labelle (Psychologist) talk about some of the side effects people experience after cancer treatment and things that can help if these side effects occur. They also talk about a few key things people can do to strengthen their health and reduce the chances of cancer recurrence in the future.

Format: Recorded session

Time: 31 minutes

Video

Feeling the Way Forward: How Emotions Can Help Guide us Toward our Most Purposeful Life

In this 2019 recording Dana Male, a Registered Psychologist, talks about how our feelings can give us deeper understanding and help us choose constructive actions to live our best lives with and beyond cancer. She explores some of the more common emotions people experience after cancer treatment and what they might be telling us.

Format: Recorded session

Time: 40 minutes

Video

Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well (EXCEL)

Exercise for Cancer to Enhance Living Well is a 5-year Canada-wide project, funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), and the Alberta Cancer Foundation (ACF). This project will increase the accessibility of exercise programs for rural and remote cancer survivors, empowering them to move more and thus achieve the many benefits that being physically active provides. EXCEL is offering exercise programs to cancer survivors who live in smaller, rural and remote communities across the province. If you do not live near one of the cities where the Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) program is offered, you may be eligible for EXCEL.

Contact Information: 403-210-8482 and wellnesslab@ucalgary.ca

Register

The Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) Program: An Exercise Program for Cancer Survivors

The Alberta Cancer Exercise (ACE) is a FREE, 12-week community-based exercise program designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, with circuit-style classes twice per week at various locations across Alberta. This program is designed to enhance your quality of life, helping you take back control over your health in cancer survivorship. Please Note: Programs are currently being run online. In-person offerings will be available in the near future.

Contact Information:

Edmonton - North (Grande Prairie and Red Deer): 780-492-6007
Calgary - South (Lethbridge): 403-210-8482

Register

Understanding Cancer-Related Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a build-up of lymph fluid which causes swelling in a part of the body. It often affects the arms or legs, but can affect any body part. This interactive presentation reviews various topics on lymphedema. You can choose to review a variety of topics listed in the table of contents:

• What is lymphedema? What can cause It?
• Symptoms of lymphedema
• Risk reduction practices to help lower your chance of developing lymphedema
• Lymphedema treatment
• Common questions for people with lymphedema
• Common questions for people at risk for lymphedema
• Rehabilitation Oncology Clinic Information to help with cancer-related lymphedema management

eLearning Module

Care to Share? Living Your Best with Advanced Cancer

Offered by: Wellspring and Psychosocial Oncology

In this 2022 recording, Dana Male, a Registered Psychologist, talks about how to communicate best with the people who matter most. She explores ways to improve feelings of connection, understanding, and appreciation in your relationships, tips for difficult conversations, and how to get what you need from the people who can and want to help like your friends, family, and healthcare team.

Format: Recorded session

Time: 1 hour

Type: Presentation

Watch the Wellspring recorded presentation here: Care to Share? Living Your Best with Advanced Cancer

Sexual Mechanics: A Workshop for Men

Workshop covers what you need to know about sexual health concerns and the penis. We will cover topics such as cancer treatments and their effects on sexual health, desire, ejaculation/orgasm changes, and erectile function. We will discuss ways to improve and manage these needs. This is a virtual workshop so you will join other people across Alberta using Zoom. Please note that we will ask you to have your camera on while participating.

Date: 4th Wednesday of each month (you only need to attend one session)

Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For More Information & Registration: Email OASIS.Program@ahs.ca or call 780-391-7664.

Facilitated by: Members of the OASIS sexual health care team (Occupational Therapist and Social Work).

Type: Zoom

In Between Getting a Cancer Diagnosis and Your First Cancer Care Appointment

Offered by: CCA Patient Education

An interactive online module where you can find information, ideas, and support before your first cancer care appointment. This module includes many different supports and offers something for everyone. You can choose what you want to look at and when. Visit the module as often as you like.

There are 5 sections in this module:

• Getting started with “In Between”
• Connecting to resources and supports
• Managing cancer information
• Getting through the time in between
• Preparing for your first appointment

eLearning Module

Nutrition After Breast Cancer Treatment

Join CCA dietitians for a 60-minute interactive session about how food and nutrition can help your body recover from treatment and manage treatment side effects. Topics include:

• Nourish your body with a focus on plant-based foods
• Support healing from treatment
• Regain your energy and strength

You can ask questions to the dietitians and receive nutrition-based handouts to offer you further support.

For More Information & Registration: Information & Registration

Nutrition During Breast Cancer Treatment

Join CCA dietitians for a 60-minute interactive session about evidence-based tips for how to nourish your body during breast cancer treatments. You’ll also learn:

• Why food matters during treatment
• How to manage common treatment side effects with food and nutrition
• Some nutrition myths about breast cancer

You can speak with and ask questions to the dietitian and receive nutrition-based handouts to offer you further support.

For More Information & Registration: Information & Registration

Nutrition Myths and Cancer

Join CCA dietitians for a 60-minute interactive session to learn about common cancer myths that relate to the prevention and treatment of cancer. You will learn how to determine nutrition fact from myth:

• Does sugar feed cancer?
• Can low-carb diets or superfoods prevent cancer?
• Do I need to follow an alkaline diet?
• What is the truth behind GMOs and organic foods?
• Should I be worried about hormones in meat and dairy, soy, and flaxseed?

For More Information & Registration: Information & Registration

Power of Nutrition During Cancer Treatment

Join CCA dietitians for a 60-minute interactive session about eating well during cancer treatment. Topics include:

• Nourishing your body during treatment
• Managing treatment side-effects with food and nutrition

You can speak with and ask questions to the dietitian and receive nutrition-based handouts to offer you further support.

For More Information & Registration: Information & Registration

Tush Talks: Nutrition and Colorectal Cancer

In this episode of Tush Talks, a Registered Dietitian with Alberta Health Services will answer frequently asked questions about nutrition during colorectal cancer. She will discuss:

• the importance of nutrition during treatment,
• how an ostomy can affect nutritional needs,
• the role of fiber, and
• how to access dietary services.

You can ask questions to the dietitians and receive nutrition-based handouts to offer you further support.

For More Information & Video: Information & Video