Cancer Program

Diagnosis is the process of finding out the underlying cause of a sign or symptom that you’re having. In the case of cancer, you have a sign/symptom that may be caused by cancer. To confirm whether you have cancer or not, your doctor will ask that you complete a number of tests, and may refer you to see other doctors, specialists and health care professionals.

The diagnosis process may take some time and become frustrating, but it’s important to find out the exact reason for your signs/symptoms.

We understand that this is a stressful time for you and your loved ones. We’ve included a number of materials and links to help you navigate through this stage.

The Suspicion of Cancer Diagnostic Assessment Program (SoC DAP) is a clinic where patients with a suspicion of cancer can be supported with further testing to rule out or to confirm if they have cancer. The clinic will coordinate testing, care, and referrals needed to follow-up on the suspicion of cancer.

Canadian Cancer Society is a trusted source for cancer information as well as providing support.

They can be reached online at www.cancer.ca

You can also speak to a Canadian Cancer Society information specialist by calling 1-888-939-3333. The information specialist can help explain your cancer diagnosis, treatment and side effects, connect you with someone with a similar cancer experience, or simply be a kind listening ear for you.

Understanding your Prognosis

• Go to National Cancer Institute Prognosis Resources

Colorectal Cancer

• Download Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Pathway for Patients.pdf

Lung Cancer

• Download Thoracic (Lung) Diagnostic Assessment Program
• Download Lung Cancer Diagnosis Pathway for Patients.pdf

Breast Cancer
Download Understanding your surgical options for breast cancer pdf

Gynaecological Cancer

• Download Understanding Your Diagnosis – Vaginal Cancer.pdf
• Download Understanding Your Diagnosis – Vulvar Cancer.pdf
• Download Fallopian and Primary Peritoneal Cancer

​An individual is considered a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis, through the balance of his or her life.*

Family members, friends, and caregivers are also impacted by the survivorship experience and are therefore included in this definition.

You may not personally relate to the term “cancer survivor”-maybe you like the term “champion” better, or no term at all- but many use the term survivor to describe those who take an active and positive role in their own care.

*Cancer survivor definition adapted from: American Office of Cancer Survivorship, National Cancer Institute

Your Next Steps in Care– information for patients on connecting with your Care Team and access to support and resources when you finish your cancer treatment at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. Information is also included for patients who chose to stop or not undergo treatment.

Life after cancer – a resource from the Canadian Cancer Society to help you thrive beyond cancer. Covers a broad range of topics from your feelings after cancer, concerns about cancer returning (recurrence), work and finances, eating well and exercising, and late effects of treatment. The information is also available as a paper book at the Cancer Centre, or call Canadian Cancer Society (1-888-939-3333) to order your copy.

Livestrong Care Plan – an online template to build your follow-up care plan and tips on healthy living after cancer.

What’s the Best Diet? Healthy Eating 101. In this cartoon-style video, Dr. Mike Evans answers the question on what is the best diet for health, demystifying some of the popular topics in nutrition, and provides a voice of reason on eating and living well.

Eating Guidelines for Cancer Survivors. Written by the Dieticians of Canada

Cancer Patient and Family Support Services at the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre

​Visit the Treatment page for more information.

Wellness After Breast Cancer Slides – a transition program for those having completed active chemotherapy and/or radiation.
Wellness After Breast Cancer Video
Resources for Breast Cancer Patients After Treatment

Colorectal Cancer Follow-up Care Patient Pathway.pdf – a patient pathway map of your colorectal cancer journey.

Thoracic, Rectal, Suspicion of Cancer DAP Referral form

These three DAPs share a single referral form. Referrals are to be submitted by fax to 705 739-5636. Patient will be contacted directly by the appropriate DAP clinic. Please ensure patient is aware of referral.

The Thoracic DAP: when a patient presents with abnormal diagnostic imaging or symptom(s) suspicious for thoracic cancer. Click here for the Patient Brochure, which includes information on the Thoracic DAP Clinic.

The Rectal DAP: patients with a colonoscopy-confirmed tumor <15 cm from anal verge can be referred to the Rectal DAP.

The Suspicion of Cancer DAP: Formerly called the Prompt DAP, the Suspicion of Cancer DAP is a service offered to support patients and providers from the time of suspected cancer, to when it is ruled out or diagnosed. Historically, this DAP has been accessible to Emergency Medical Providers only. It has expanded to support Primary Care. This clinic coordinates all testing, care and referrals necessary to follow up on the suspicion of cancer. Click here for the Patient Brochure, which includes information on the Suspicion of Cancer DAP Clinic.

Click here for the Gynaecologic Oncology Referral Form

Click here for more information about the Breast DAP

Breast DAP Referral Form

Connect with us in person* or online.
Call 705-728-9090 x43520 to book an appointment.

Please see our Patient and Family Support brochure for more details.

Dietitians provide tips on food and nutrition to help you manage your symptoms and feel your best before, during and after your cancer treatment.

Drug and Special Access Navigators help patients with access to medications not funded through Cancer Care Ontario.

Indigenous Patient Navigator provides culturally and spiritually relevant support for Indigenous patients and their families throughout the cancer journey.

Lymphedema Clinic Therapist is a physiotherapist who can help you manage your lymphedema. Lymphedema is the swelling of the soft tissue and is a side effect that can begin during or after cancer treatment. This service needs a referral from a physician of the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program. For more information about lymphedema, please see our Lymphedema brochure.

Spiritual Care Providers connects us with the things that matter deeply; that which strengthens us, helps us cope, and gives us hope. You don’t have to be religious to benefit from spiritual care.

Social Workers provide emotional support, counselling and information on community and financial resources.

Tobacco Support Coach helps cancer patients to cut back or quit their tobacco use, which has many health benefits and help your cancer treatments work better.

Please see our Patient and Family Support brochure for more details.

For a printable version of our support programs, please see our Patient and Family Support Services brochure. The list is on the last page of the brochure.

Click on the name of the group below for more information.

Low Down on Down There (LDDT) — offered once per month online.
A sexual health information session for cancer patients having vaginal* changes.

Accepting Your Body after Cancer (ABC) — 7 week program offered online.
Learn strategies to build positive body-image for patients with a cancer diagnosis in the breast (chest)* area.

Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) – 6 week program offered online.
Learn and develop new coping strategies when facing the fear of cancer recurrence. This group is for patients who have a cancer diagnosis of breast (chest)* and gynae* cancer.

Explore and More Children’s Tour – offered once per month in-person at the Cancer Centre at RVH.
A tour of the Cancer Centre for children, youth and their adult family members or friends. A great event to help kids understand what happens when their loved one goes to the Cancer Centre.

*We understand that everyone identifies their bodies and body parts in different ways and are including the names of body parts for clarity. We strive to provide an inclusive, supportive, and safe space for everyone.

Our virtual group programs are open to cancer patients across Ontario.
Call 705-728-9090 x43520 for more information about the group program and to register.

• Financial Support for Cancer Patients
• Sexual Health, Intimacy and Cancer Clinic – this clinic is for any cancer patient or partner who has sexual health questions or concerns.
  For physicians: if you would like to connect your patient with a workshop or the Sexual Health, Intimacy, and Cancer Clinic, please click here.

Cancer Care Services in Simcoe Muskoka – a directory to help you find information about your cancer, financial support, emotional support, counselling, transportation, hospice and palliative care, and more.

Transportation:

Cancer Patient Transportation Services in North Simcoe Muskoka. Need a ride to your cancer appointments? This document lists some fee-based services for patients living in Simcoe Muskoka.

One Kilometre At A Time: Transportation Subsidy Program for people diagnosed with a blood cancer. Program operated by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.

Cancer Support Groups:

Gilda’s Club Simcoe Muskoka – part of the global Cancer Support Community organization, Gilda’s Club offers free Support Groups to those impacted by cancer. Operates out of Barrie with in-person and virtual support programs.

Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre. The mission of the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is to provide emotional, physical, social, spiritual support, education, and information as complement to the medical system for people affected by cancer. Operates out of Midland.

Enliven Cancer Care – A centre for well-being in cancer. Operates out of Huntsville with in-person and virtual support programs.

Canadian Cancer Society – a national organization that provides support services and trusted information for people living with cancer. They can be reached online at www.cancer.ca or via phone 1-888-939-3333.

Online Peer Support:

Cancer Chat Canada – professionally-led online group counselling for cancer patients and caregivers

Cancer Connection – an online community for cancer patients, families and friends. Operated by the Canadian Cancer Society

Exercise and Wellness Programs:

Wellspring Cancer Exercise Online Program. A Canada-wide program offering free online exercise classes. This program is available to any member at any stage in their cancer journey. Under the supervision of experienced cancer exercise leaders, you will join via video conferencing with other members. The program’s focus is to improve flexibility, strength and cardiovascular endurance. Exercise can reduce treatment-related effects of nausea, fatigue and physical discomfort.  It can also help reduce depression and anxiety and improve the overall quality of life.

Wellspring Cancer Exercise Prehab Program – for breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy before their upcoming surgery.

ActiveMatch. A free online service helping women to find an exercise partner or small group. The purpose of this service is to help women who have been diagnosed with cancer connect with similar women who are looking for support and guidance to help start, continue, or change their exercise routines.

Look Good Feel Better– a free virtual workshop to help women look and feel more like themselves again. The workshop also brings together women with cancer in a safe and supportive environment.

The Androgen Deprivation Therapy Educational Program – a free 1.5-hour session during which patients and loved ones will learn about side effects of ADT, how to manage side effects. The session includes goal setting exercises to teach you how to manage ADT side effects. Open to prostate cancer patients and their loved ones.

Next Steps Workshop: After Breast Cancer Treatment (offered by Princess Margaret Cancer Centre) – this class is for people who have had or are having breast cancer treatment. It is an opportunity to meet with a multidisciplinary team and other patients to learn about what to expect after treatment and what supports and resources are available.

Smokers’ Helpline – proven, free and personalized tools to help you quit smoking successfully

Oral Health Clinic at Georgian College. Offering dental and oral health care to the community.

When you need a helping hand:

Home and Community Care – provides nursing visits, personal support, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional care in homes and communities.

Nankind (Formerly Nanny Angel Network) – Free, specialized, in-home child care support, meal support and resources for cancer patients caring for a child under 18 years old. We give parents the support they need to care for their children and give children the tools they need to cope with their parents’ illness.

Meal Order and Delivery Programs – Simcoe Muskoka

For grief and bereavement support please visit the Palliative Care page. Click on Bereavement resources for a list of supports.