Get help with cancer care
If you, a family member or a friend have been diagnosed with cancer you may be feeling worried, scared or even lost.
Along with coping with the emotional impacts you may be wondering about the various responsibilities that may arise, decisions to be made and questions that you need answered. Here are a few helpful tips to remember:
- Ask questions: Your health care team is there to answer your questions and concerns; it is their duty to ensure that you and your family understand the diagnosis and treatment. They will advise you on what to expect and the best type of care for you/ your loved one.
- Ask for help: Many families provide home care for their loved one with cancer which can often be a full-time job. Make sure to ask friends, neighbours and co-workers to help with caregiving when needed. If you are unsure whether you will have adequate time to look after your loved one, you may want to consider using a home care provider to provide additional care.
- Utilize resources: Ontario is home to several world-class hospitals for cancer treatment, including Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Trillium Health Partners in Mississauga, and Hamilton Health Sciences in Hamilton, all of which are there to help you manage your/your loved one's cancer.
Note: Those who are eligible can apply for the Employment Insurance Compassionate Care Benefit Program, which provides benefits to people who have to be away from work temporarily to provide care or support to a family member who is gravely ill with significant risk of death. For more information visit Service Canada.