Calgary Supportive Care for Cancer Patients - Counselling Services

Counselling can help you: 

Cope with reactions to cancer

• anger at having the disease
• depression
• fear of cancer
• changes to your body
• anxiety about treatment
• fear of cancer coming back
• anger at not getting clear answers
• loss of control
• feeling of guilt
• wondering if life will ever seem normal again
• grief or sadness

Address family issues

• relationship or family counselling
• how the family can be supportive
• changes in roles within your family
• talking with children

Confront practical issues

• reorganize finances 
• plan how to raise issues with your doctor
• plan how to talk to your employer and co-workers
• solve transportation/ accommodation problems
• obtain information

Explore personal issues

• assess relationships, career, or leisure pursuits
• clarify values, goals and priorities
• make the most of your life

Psychosocial Oncology

The Department of Psychosocial Resources, through a team of trained professionals in psychiatry, psychology and social work, help patients and their families cope with the emotional, psychological and social stresses that often surface as a result of cancer and its treatment.  The team is available to patients from the moment of diagnosis onward. 

Services include:

Individual, couple and family counselling

Coping with reactions to cancer

• Addressing family issues
• Confronting practical issues
• Exploring personal issues 

Resource counselling for cancer survivors

• three specially trained social workers called Resource counsellors help patients with their resource needs and deliver a weekly class for patients which includes infomation on how to get help for your financial and practical needs.

Screen Test

Screen Test provides mammograms (breast x-rays) and information on breast health to women in Alberta.   
Screen Test also operates two mobile mammography clinics. Trailers are “clinics on wheels” complete with a reception area, dressing rooms and an exam room. For more information about this program and when the trailer will be in your community, see our website Screening for Life.