Contact Us
Address and Opening Hours
Location: 201 Georgian Drive, L4M 6M2
Level 2 Main Entrance
Hours of Operation:
Doors are open 7:15 am – 6:00 pm
Most clinics run between Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm. Please refer to your appointment sheet for your specific appointment time.
Cancer Centre 2023 Holiday Closures List
Phone list:
(for print friendly version click here)
For general inquiries, change or cancel your appointment:
705-728-9090 x43333
Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
To get help with your symptoms or treatment-related questions:
During the day: Cancer Centre Symptom Support Telephone Service (Triage)
705-728-9090 x43333
Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Your call goes into a queue system and your call is answered live. You also have an option to leave a message after waiting in the queue for 2 minutes.
If you leave a message, we will call you back as soon as possible. Because of the large number of calls, it may take up to 2 business days to return your call (not including weekends and holidays).
After hours, evenings and weekends: Bayshore CareChart
1-877-681-3057
Monday to Friday 5:00 pm – 8:00 am. Holidays and weekends 24 hours.
You can also access this service via https://www.carechartathome.ca/
If you need urgent medical help, go to your nearest emergency department. Bring your Fever Card and Patient Information Sheet if you have one.
To make or change an appointment with your Patient and Family Support Team:
705-728-9090 x43520
Your team includes: Social Worker, Tobacco Support Coach, Sexual Health, Intimacy and Cancer (SHIC) Clinic, Drug and Special Access Navigator, Dietitian, Indigenous Patient Navigator, Lymphedema Clinic (doctor referral required)
Rotary House Cancer Lodge: 705-739-5662
Open from Monday at 8:30 am to Friday at noon.
Please call ahead or visit the Rotary House page to check hours of operation if your check-in and check-out days are near statutory holidays (e.g. Christmas, Easter, long weekends).
Visitor Information
The COVID-19 pandemic is an evolving situation. Please view the RVH Patients and Visitors page for up to date information.
Outpatient Visitor Policy
Last updated: November 7, 2022
1 visitor can come with a patient to any of the outpatient appointments at the Cancer Program if the visitor:
- meets the visitor policy and passes the self-screening questions
- over the age of 16
- must be able to wear a mask at all times
We continue to recommend that patients attend appointments alone if they are able. Thanks for being partners in care while keeping us and each other safe.
Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit – Visitor Policy, Information and Directions
Visitor policy for the Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit
Information and directions to the Cancer & Palliative Inpatient Unit
COVID-19 and Cancer Information
For patients and visitors: please follow the RVH COVID-19 self-screening instructions before you come to RVH for your appointment.
Last updated: December 14, 2022
Are you a cancer patient having COVID-19 symptoms?
Take the COVID-19 self-assessment to find out where to get help for your COVID-19 symptoms and whether you are eligible to access COVID-19 antiviral treatments.
The self-assessment will recommend whether you need to consider taking an anti-viral treatment (e.g. Paxlovid) and how you can get an antiviral treatment.
Starting December 12, 2022, pharmacists will be able to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible individuals in-person or virtually (such as by telephone) at no cost. Eligible patients should contact their local pharmacy to confirm if they prescribe Paxlovid and how to get a prescription for Paxlovid.
Antiviral treatments are not a replacement for vaccination or taking other recommended precautions. Learn where to get vaccinated and book an appointment today.
Last updated: December 15, 2022
The following information is a summary of the COVID-19 vaccines page on Ontario.ca.
COVID‑19 vaccination includes primary series and booster doses.
Primary series
Most people need two doses of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna) or Novavax (for those over 18 years of age) to complete their primary series. If you are immunocompromised, you may need a three-dose primary series.
Each dose in a primary series should be given at an interval of eight weeks between doses.
If you have received a transplant or (CAR)-T-cell therapy, or currently receiving immunotherapy or targeted therapy, please talk to your Cancer Care Team at your next appointment before getting any of the COVID-19 vaccine doses.
If you are having radiation only on one side of your body (e.g. left arm or left breast), try to ask for the shot be given on the other side (e.g. right arm).
Booster doses
Booster doses are doses of a COVID-19 vaccine received after the primary series. Protection after a primary series may decrease over time, especially against new variants. Booster doses help keep you protected from severe outcomes from the virus.
Once eligible, you should get your booster dose at the following recommended intervals since your last dose or following a COVID-19 infection:
- six months, if you are aged five and older and not at high-risk of severe COVID-19 illness
- three months, if you are at high risk of severe COVID-19 illness or if you are immunocompromised and have spoken to your health care provider
You can find out when to get your booster shot here: https://www.ontario.ca/vaccine-eligibility/
You are considered immunocompromised if you are:
- a transplant recipient (including solid organ transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplants)
- receiving chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or immunotherapy for a malignant hematologic disorder or solid tumor
- in receipt of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T-cell
- undergoing active treatment with the following categories of immunosuppressive therapies: anti-B cell therapies (monoclonal antibodies targeting CD19, CD20 and CD22), high-dose systemic corticosteroids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, or tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and other biologic agents that are significantly immunosuppressive or are taking specific immunosuppressant medications (PDF)
Not all cancer patients are immunocompromised.
For full details, please go to: https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines#immunocompromised
For more information about COVID-19 and Cancer:
Cancer Care Ontario’s COVID-19 information webpage
Canadian Cancer Society’s Cancer and COVID-19 resources
Your Health Care Team
The Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program (SMRCP) is led by a team including a Cancer Care Ontario Regional Vice President and Regional Clinical Leads for various areas of cancer care. Regional Clinical Leads
are actively practicing physicians and surgeons who help to ensure partner hospitals are aligned with Cancer Care Ontario’s goals, promote collaboration within the region, and work toward measurable improvements in the quality and organization of cancer services within their region.
Regional Vice President
Nancy Savage BN, RN, MSA
Executive Vice President Patient & Family Experience, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Regional Vice President, Ontario Heath (Cancer Care Ontario)
Operations Director
Pamela Newlove, RN, B.ScN, Hons, MA (LEAD), CON(C). CMP
Operations Director, Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program
and Mental Health and Addictions Program
Division Heads and Regional Clinical Leads
- Dr. Matthew Follwell, Chief of Oncology
- Dr. Leah Jutzi, Division Head of Gynecologic Oncology
- Dr. Lauren Gerard, Division Head of Hematology
- Dr. Sara Rask, Division Head of Medical Oncology
- Dr. Christiaan Stevens, Division Head of Radiation Oncology
- Dr. Renee Hanrahan, Surgical Oncology Lead
- Dr. Rachel Tenenbein, Regional Cancer Diagnostic Imaging Lead
- Dr. Scott Good, Regional Breast Imaging Lead
- Dr. Laura White, Regional Cervical Screening and Colposcopy Lead
- Dr. Chung Kit (Jacky) Lai, Regional Multidisiplinary Palliative Care Clinical Co-Lead
- Dr. Russell Price, Regional Cancer Pathology Lead
- Dr. Danusia Gzik, Regional Primary Care Lead and Regional Indigenous Cancer Lead
- Dr. Jason Yu, Regional Quality Lead, Systemic Treatment
- Dr. Kyle Fortinsky, Regional Colorectal Screening/GI Endoscopy Lead
Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program's Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC)
Our passion and purpose
At the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program, we would like to partner with patients and family members to enhance the quality of care and services we provide. Through PFAC, we hope to not only have a platform for patients to share their ideas but also to engage patients and family on quality improvement initiatives we plan to roll-out for the program.
Check out our brochure for more information on us and how you can be part of this great group!
The application process for the Cancer Program PFAC follows the RVH PFAC. Please visit the RVH PFAC page for more details.
Our newsletter for patients and caregivers
2023: Winter 2023
2022: Winter 2022 Spring 2022 Summer 2022 Fall 2022
2021: Summer 2021 Fall 2021
2020: Winter 2020
2019: Spring 2019 Summer 2019
Helpful resource
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.
Contact us
RVH Patient Family Advisor Coordinator
Phone: 705-728-9090 Ext. 42319
Email: patientfamilyadvisory@rvh.on.ca
Cancer Clinics, Procedures and Services Directory
Indigenous Patient Resources
Virtual Visits With Your Doctor
Cancer Prevention and Screening
Palliative Care
Rotary Lodge
Your First Visit (also called New Patient Visit)
Treatment
Cancer Prevention and Screening
Diagnosis
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
Colorectal Cancer
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
Survivorship
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
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.
Referral Forms
For Medical Oncology, Radiation Oncology and Palliative Care Referrals,
Please complete and submit a New Patient Referral Form.
This form was updated April 2017. Please note:
– Referrals are to be submitted by fax to 705 792-3325.
– Indicate all pending tests on the referral form.
– Fax pending tests/diagnostic results to: 705 739-5619.
– Please ensure your patient is aware of diagnosis and referral since patients will be contacted directly with appointment information.
– The appointment will be within 14 days. If your patient is unavailable in the next 14 days, please refer at a more appropriate time.
– Our office will send you fax confirmation within 72 hours of processing.
Fax a completed Gyn Multidisciplinary Oncology Intake Form to 705-739-5636.
All colposcopy referrals to RVH and the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program will use this referral form. Please fax a completed Colposcopy Program Referral Form to 705-739-5657. This program will see patients within 4 weeks of referral receipt.
The Skin Cancer Clinic provides access for patients:
- Requiring a biopsy for suspected skin cancer lesions such as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), merkel cell carcinoma. This biopsy clinic operates out of the RVH Family Medicine Treatment Unit (FMTU) on selected Wednesday afternoons.
2. To regional surgeons, medical oncology and radiation oncology for their skin cancer treatment from one access point.
Fax a completed Skin Cancer Clinic Referral Form to 705-739-5636.
For more information, please read our Skin Cancer Clinic Info for Referring Providers sheet.
Please visit the Treatment Clinics page for more information about the clinic and to access the referral form.
FIT Positive Colonoscopy Central Intake Referral Form (For Barrie and surrounding area only)
For other sites who perform FIT positive colonoscopies and other FIT information for providers, please see the “FIT information for health care providers” section on the Cancer Prevention and Screening page.
Diagnostic Assessment Programs
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.
Patient and Family Support and Resources
Connect with us in person* or online.
Call 705-728-9090 x43520 to book an appointment.
*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person appointments are only available for certain types of patients and appointments. Please call 705-728-9090 x43520 to find the best option for you and your family while staying safe.
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.
Facing Forward Survivorship Group — offered twice per month
Designed to support patients who have completed cancer treatment and are looking for strategies for integrating into the next phase of survivorship. This program is offered in collaboration with Gilda’s Club.
Low Down on Down There (LDDT) — offered once per month
A vaginal health workshop for women affected by cancer. Learn how to prevent or manage common vaginal and sexual health changes from cancer treatment.
Accepting Your Body after Cancer (ABC) — 7 week program
Learn strategies to build positive body-image for breast cancer patients and survivors.
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.
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:
EXCEL: EXercise for Cancer to Enhance Living well. A Canada-wide program offering free, 12-week exercise classes designed specifically for individuals undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Classes are online.
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
Canadian Cancer Society Wheels of Hope program is looking for volunteer drivers!
Directions to Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Program Clinics
Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre (Cancer Centre Outpatient Clinics)
Enter via the Main Entrance of RVH. The entrance to the Cancer Centre is across from Cafe Royale. Click here for video directions or written directions.
Please see our Cancer Clinics page for an expanded list of our clinics, procedures and services, as well as information about our satellite chemotherapy units at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (Huntsville site).
Not sure where you need to go? Please call the Cancer Centre’s reception 705-728-9090 x43333.
Level 2 (main level)
- New patient and/or follow up visits with your oncologist/nurse (medical oncologist, gynaecological oncologist, or hematological oncologist)
- Bloodwork Lab
- Patient and Family Support services (e.g. dietitian, social worker, lymphedema clinic, Indigenous Patient Navigator)
Level 1
- Radiation Treatment and CT Simulation
- New patient and/or follow up visits with your oncologist/nurse (radiation oncologist)
- Bone Marrow Procedures
Level 3
- Chemotherapy Treatment Clinic
- Oncology Symptom Management Clinic
- Toxicity Assessment Clinic
- Blood products transfusion
Cancer and Palliative Inpatient Unit
From RVH’s Main Entrance take the Main (Blue) Elevators to level 3. Click here for video directions and written directions.
The Cancer and Palliative Inpatient Unit is not located inside the Cancer Centre.
