Power of Nutrition

This nutrition class is for cancer patients and their families. You will learn about eating healthy to help you stay strong during treatment. The class includes information about:

• staying at a healthy body weight during cancer treatments
• how foods can help manage the side effects of cancer treatments

Nutrition handouts can be found in Nutrition Resources. Look under the Cancer and Gastrointestinal sections.

Date: April 14, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, 2021

Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm - Join the class 10 minutes early to check-in. Have your cancer care number ready and the leader will check in with you privately before starting the class.

Register Online

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: A series of 6 sessions. Please plan to attend all 6 sessions as part of this group.

Time: 11:00-12:30pm

For information and to register: 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

Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

For women with newly diagnosed, Stages 0-III breast cancers, on treatment or less than 1 year after treatment. Focus is on supportive and informational needs. Discussions may include: coping with cancer and treatment, body image and sexuality challenges, and managing social support. A facilitator may contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: 6 Sessions

Time: 1:00-2:30pm

For information and to register: 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

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: 7 sessions offered

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

For information and to register: 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.

Date: 6 Sessions offered

Time: 10:00-11:30 AM

For information and to register: 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

Living Well in the Here and Now: Using Acceptance and 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: To Be Determined

Time: To Be Determined

For information and to register: 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

Healing Hearts: A Grief Workshop

In this one time workshop, we will introduce different ways grief can be experienced, a model to better understand your grief, and touch on self-care strategies to help you cope with your loss. This workshop is open to those who have lost a loved one to cancer. It will be psycho-educational in nature, providing participants with information about grief and tools to help you get through this challenging time. Information on community bereavement resources will also be provided. Expect a telephone call from a facilitator before the workshop date. A facilitator may call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: To Be Determined

Time: 10:30am-12:00pm

For information and to register: 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: 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 information and to register: Go online at www.LifeOnADT.com

Mindfulness Relaxation

These sessions are for patients and family members who would like to try an exercise in mindfulness. A brief description of Mindfulness and key concepts discussed. Patients, their family members and support persons will be guided through a mindfulness exercise (40 minute body scan) and will be provided with resources. A facilitator may call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Mondays (except holidays)

Time: 1:00pm-2:00pm

For information and to register: 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

Mind Your Memory: Managing Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment

In a supportive group environment, you will gain information on:

• How cancer and cancer treatments may affect your memory
• Making proper nutritional choices that feed your mind and body
• Strategies that you can use to maximize your memory

Date: April 23, June 18, October 15, 2021

Time: 930am-1100am

For information and to register: Email PSR.Administration@ahs.ca or call (780)643-4304

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial and Rehabilitation Medicine Team

Sexual Mechanics: A Workshop for Men

Are you a male, experiencing changes in the way you are able to have sex? Loss of sexual interest? Problems engaging in sexual activity? If you want to learn more about these common changes that may result from cancer treatment this session is a good place to start! Learn about the “mechanics” of male sexual function, myths and stereotypes related to men and sex, and tips and tricks for engaging in sexual activity after experiencing common side effects from cancer and treatment.

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

Date: Mondays

Time: 11:00-12:30pm

For information and to register: For patients and their families in Edmonton and areas North of and including Red Deer, email PSR.Administration@ahs.ca or call (780) 432-8262. This group is currently not offered in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the OASIS sexual health care team

The “Low Down” on “Down There” (LDDT)

Are you experiencing: Vaginal dryness or pain? Loss of sexual interest? Questions about vaginal health? Then this workshop will provide an informative session on how to prevent or manage these common changes from cancer treatment. This workshop will be led by members of the OASIS team. OASIS stands for Oncology and Sexuality, Intimacy & Survivorship and is a Sexual Health Program at the Cross Cancer Institute.

Date: Monthly

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

For information and to register: For patients and their families in Edmonton and areas North of and including Red Deer, email PSR.Administration@ahs.ca or call (780) 432-8262

For patients in Calgary and Southern Alberta, call (403)355-3246

Facilitated by: Members of the OASIS sexual health care team

Sex, Cancer, & Couples

For couples who have experienced changes in their sexual health and intimacy as a result of cancer. Both women and men with cancer and their partners are welcome. Learn about common sexual health side effects of cancer treatment and strategies to address these changes. Discover the foundations of sexual response, communication, and intimacy. Learn communication strategies and get helpful resources to strengthen your relationship. A facilitator may contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Mondays

Time: 2:00pm-4:00pm

For information and to register: For patients and their families in Edmonton and areas North of and including Red Deer, email PSR.Administration@ahs.ca or call (780) 432-8260. This group is currently not offered in Calgary and Southern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the OASIS sexual health care team

Breast Expressive Support Therapy (BEST) Group

For women and men with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. This group aims to encourage mutual support between members, develop greater openness and emotional expressiveness about the challenges resulting from cancer diagnosis, treatment and living well with cancer. A facilitator will contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Tuesdays

For information and to register: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Early Stage Breast Cancer Support Group

For clients with Stage I, II or III breast cancer.

This group aims to encourage mutual support between members, develop greater openness and emotional expressiveness about the challenges resulting from cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. A facilitator will contact you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date:To be determined

Time: 1:30-3:00pm

For information and to register: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Family and Caregiver Support Group

For adult family members and close friends of those with an advanced/metastatic diagnosis of any type of cancer. This group talks about the complicated issues of being a person supporting someone with a life-threatening cancer. The focus is on mutual support and sharing to maximize coping and wellbeing for the group members. A facilitator will call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: The 4th Tuesday evening of each month

Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm

For information and to register: For family members/close friends in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology 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: 10:00am-11:30am

For information and to register: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. 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: 10:30am-12:00pm

For information and to register: For patients and their families in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Lung Cancer Support Group

People with a lung cancer diagnosis (Stages I-IV) and their adult support person. Members of this support group benefit from building hope, connecting with others, reduced isolation, mutual support and learn about living well with lung cancer. A facilitator will call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: 4th Wednesday of the month

Time: 10:00am-11:30am

For information and to register: For patients and their supports in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. 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: 1:00pm-2:30pm

For information and to register: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Blood and Marrow Transplant: 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.

Date: Biweekly

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: Register Online

Register Online

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

After Treatment Class

For all people with cancer and support people. Find out more about what to expect after treatment, explore things you might do and available resources to help you live your best after treatment. Receive a workbook and learn how to use it, as well as pick one priority to take action on.

For dates and to register: Register Online

Register Online

ReCog Program

A 4-week group designed to help patients with objectively measured or self-reported cognitive deficits related to cancer and treatments. Participants learn about goal setting, problem solving, compensatory strategies for memory and attention deficits, and the management of fatigue and negative emotions. A facilitator will call you to make sure this group is the right fit for you.

Date: Spring program: April 5, 12, 19, 26
Summer program: June 7, 14, 21, 28
Fall program: To be determined

Time: 10:00am-12:00pm

For information and to register: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email calgarypsychosocial@ahs.ca or call (403) 355-3207. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Support Group

For cancer patients or survivors between 16 and 29 years old. This 8-week group (1.5 hr sessions) helps to address the unique needs of AYA patients by covering topics such as how to navigate the pediatric and adult oncology medical systems; relationships, dating, and body image in the context of cancer; managing fear of cancer recurrence (or cancer progression); returning to work/school and life after treatment. Group participants will have the chance to connect with other AYA patients and learn illness-related coping skills in a supportive and therapeutic environment.

Date: February 9 – March 30, 2021

Time: 5:30pm-7:00pm

For information and to register: For patients in Calgary and areas South of Red Deer, email AYA.ProgramSouth@ahs.ca or call 403-476-2791. This group is currently not offered in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Facilitated by: Members of the Psychosocial Oncology Team

Prostate Cancer Centre: Road to Recovery

Four sessions are offered; you can choose to attend one or more sessions. Each session covers 4 important topics which will help optimize your recovery after surgery. Learn about Fitness, Nutrition, Urinary Control, and Wellness. Partners and or support persons are welcome.

Register Online

Breast Health Class for Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy

This class is for patients at the Cross Cancer Institute (CCI) who are starting radiation therapy (ideally, within 1-2 weeks from the start of their 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.

Edmonton: Patients have an automatic referral created for the class when they are booked for radiation and are scheduled within 1-2 weeks from the beginning of radiation

Date: Mondays (except for statutory holidays)

Time: 11:00am-12:00pm

For information and to register: Call (780) 432-8716

Facilitated by: Members of the Rehabilitation Medicine Team

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.

Date: April 26, May 17, June 28, July 26, August 23, September 27, October 25, November 22, December 20

Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

For information and to register: Call (780) 432-8716

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: "Energize"

This class offers patients ways, information and strategies to manage cancer-related fatigue.

Topics covered include:

• How to fuel your body with proper nutrition
• Ways to continue participation in day to day activities when fatigued
• The importance of movement and exercise when managing fatigue

Date: May 13, July 8, September 9, November 18

Time: 10:30am-11:45am

For information and to register: Call (780) 432-8716

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: A Physiotherapist, an Occupational Therapist and a Registered Dietitian

Preparing for Chemotherapy and 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.

Chapters:

• Need to Know: 1:47
• Immunotherapy: 5:42
• Side Effects: 14:47

Format: Recorded session

Time: 41 minutes

Watch

Preparing for Immunotherapy

In this class presentation, you will learn about Immunotherapy, 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: 1:47 - Immunotherapy: 5:42 - Side Effects: 14:47

Format: Recorded session

Time: 32 minutes

Watch

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

Watch

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

Watch

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

Offered by Wellspring and Cancer Care Alberta.

This free speaker series is 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 every other month (January, March, etc.)

Register online or call 1-866-682-3135

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

Register Online

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: The first Monday of every month

Time: 2:00-3:30pm

Register online or call 1-866-682-3135

Register Online

QuitCore Tobacco Cessation Cancer Support Group

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, one starting January 26th and the other starting March 10th.

Time: 90 minutes each session

For information and to register: Contact 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 in Breast Cancer

This online group class will discuss diet guidelines for breast cancer during and after treatment. Common nutrition questions and myths will be addressed.

Date: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month:

• April 7 and 21
• May 5 and 19
• June 2 and 16
• July 7 and 21
• August 4 and 18
• September 1 and 15
• October 6 and 20
• November 3 and 17
• December 1 and 15

Time: 10:30am-11:30am

Register online or call 1-866-682-3135

Facilitated by: Cancer Care Alberta Dietitians

For information and to register: 780-391-7690

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

Watch

Exercising for Your Life: How Physical Activity May Help

Offered by the University of Calgary.

This class is 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: April 17, May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1, 2021

Time: 1:30pm-2:30pm

Where: Tom Baker Cancer Centre Main Floor - Auditorium

Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://ucalgary.zoom.us/j/99564006026
Passcode: Exercise
Meeting ID: 995 6400 6026

Register Online

Late and 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

Watch

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

Watch