Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake

Expanded Patient-Centred Programming

Diagnosing and treating the physical symptoms of cancer are only part of the quality care services that will be offered by Southlake's Regional Cancer Centre team. Attending to a patient's emotional, social, and spiritual needs at every stage of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and the final stages of life, is an equally important part of ensuring the best possible care for cancer patients and their families. Investments in these areas have been shown to lead to improved quality of life for patients, increased treatment compliance, a strengthened ability to cope with physical stresses, and a reduced need for emergency care.

Self-Assessment Program
As part of the Regional Cancer Centre, Southlake plans to extend in-Hospital support services for cancer patients in the community, using modern technology. With a computer or telephone, outpatients will have the opportunity to participate in a self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate their quality of life in the areas of nutrition, exercise, relationships and plans for the future, with referrals to Southlake’s support team for those whose scores indicate need for follow-up.

Mental Wellness Screening Program
As many as one out of every four cancer patients will experience clinically significant distress that persists over time and affects their ability to function and cope with diagnosis and treatment. The Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake is poised to launch a new, electronic screening tool designed to pinpoint cancer patients at risk of or suffering from undiagnosed anxiety and depression. Once identified, the patients can benefit from a more detailed assessment and treatment regime at the hands of an extended support team of Hospital social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

New Treatment Initiatives
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), a powerful technique to improve well-being and reduce stress symptoms, will be specifically tailored to the needs of the cancer patient, as demonstrated by existing programs at Princess Margaret Hospital.

Cancer Care Guide Initiative The Cancer Care Guide Initiative will match every new cancer patient with one of four guides trained in each of the most common cancer types - lung, breast, prostate and colorectal. These professionals will support the patient through the entire continuum of care and will be available to help explain a test or treatment, complete referrals to Southlake's support professionals, connect to community-based services and support groups, and offer support, understanding and encouragement.

Cancer Survivor Support Program
Advances in diagnosis and treatment mean people are surviving cancer much longer than ever before. With extended care, though, come heightened levels of anxiety and helplessness about what might follow. The Cancer Survivor Support Program will assist recovering patients with help in starting a new life without cancer.

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