A cancer diagnosis can be traumatic. As treatment begins, your personal and family life may undergo a major disruption. It is normal to feel stress, anxiety, sadness, anger or a sense of a loss of control.

Finding someone to talk to is important – someone you can trust and who can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings. Our Supportive Care staff provide confidential counseling and supportive care to cancer patients and their families, free of cost.

We can Help

Our counsellors are available to help you adjust to living with cancer, develop strategies for managing your reactions and the responses of those around you, address family issues, confront practical problems and learn other ways to cope.   Our counsellors have backgrounds in psychology, social work and pastoral care, and are trained in individual, family, and group counseling. A number of support groups for patients, families and friends are offered throughout the year.

The Supportive Care team also includes a dietitian, a smoking cessation counsellor and a consulting psychiatrist.

Making an Appointment

Patients, family members and friends are encouraged to make an appointment by calling Supportive Care at (807) 684-7310 or Toll-Free at (877) 696-7223. Your family physician can call and make a referral, or you can place the call yourself and request an appointment. The secretary will be pleased to arrange one for you.

Counselling is free and available at any time during initial diagnosis, treatment, and during the months and years following treatment. Sometimes people come to us years after experiencing the loss of a loved one.

A number of support groups for patients and families are held weekly. You are very welcome to join us. The groups are kept small and the support and camaraderie are wonderful.

Sometimes people simply want to talk on the phone for a few minutes to see whether the services that are available might suit their needs. Please don't hesitate to call and leave a message. One of us will get back to you and will speak with you over the phone. An appointment can then be made if necessary.

Additionally, through our North Network connectivity, if you are from the region, we can set up a videoconference with one of our counsellors to ensure that you are still receiving the care and support you need without having to leave your home town. We can also provide you with information about TBayTel Tamarack House, our lodge for regional residents who need to stay in Thunder Bay for cancer treatment.

Meet our Staff

There are a number of people in our department who can help you with your cancer journey. Click on a name below to learn more about them.

Scott Sellick, Director of Supportive Care Alan D. Edwardson, Clinical Researcher Susie Hamilton, Counsellor Jim Morris, “Quit Coach,” Nicotine Dependence Centre Heather Neilson-Clayton, Counsellor Susan Pienig, Clinical Dietitian Paul Carrier, Social Worker Rev. Gail Clifton, Pastoral Care Lori Fortier, Administrative Assistant

Nicotine Dependence Centre

Cancer patients undergoing treatment at Regional Cancer Care can find the support they need to quit smoking at the Nicotine Dependence Centre. This successful program is free for cancer patients and their immediate family, and of only minimal cost to the general public. Click here to learn more.

Where to find Us

Supportive Care is located on the third floor of the cancer centre, just down the hall from main reception. For more information please call 684-7310 or toll free (877) 696-7223.