The Cancer Journey

If you need help managing symptoms of cancer treatment after clinic hours, call CareChart. CareChart is an after-hours telephone service that allows you to speak with an oncology (cancer) nurse. The oncology nurse can help you better manage your symptoms at home.

Your cancer clinic will give you a one-page sheet with information about your cancer treatment and diagnosis (details about your cancer). The oncology nurse will need this information to help you. This one sheet contains your personal information so keep it in a safe place.

CareChart is only available when Princess Margaret Cancer Centre clinics are closed. To talk to an oncology nurse:

1. Call CareChart at 1 877 681 3057.
2. An operator will answer your call.
3. Your call will go through to an oncology nurse.

If the nurse is not able to take your call, you will get a call back within 15 to 20 minutes. After your call, the nurse will send a note to your clinic. If you need to follow-up with your cancer clinic, your clinic will have all the information about your call. If you have any questions about CareChart, ask a member of your cancer care team.

Contact CareChart

Phone: 1 877 681 3057

Hours:

• Monday to Friday, 5 pm to 8:30 am
• Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: available 24 hours (all day and all night)

Care & Connect is a navigation program that consists of a team of trained volunteers who work directly with Princess Margaret patients and their caregivers. The program aims to reduce the negative impact of cancer on the lives of patients and caregivers. Care & Connect Volunteers offer:

• Virtual, personalized connections by phone or video chat for up to 6 months
• Support in over 20 different languages
• Emotional support
• Information and resources
• Help in navigating the cancer care system

You can self-refer to the program or ask a member of your cancer care team for a referral.

Contact Care & Connect

Phone: 416 946 4501 ext. 3311
Email: care.connect@uhn.ca

Good nutrition is an important part of your recovery from cancer treatment. But eating well can be difficult. Cancer and cancer treatment can change how and what you are able to eat. A Registered Dietitian can help you maintain or improve your nutrition.

Services Offered by Registered Dietitians

Group Classes

There are several nutrition and cancer classes available. You can find them on the Princess Margaret Cancer Classes webpage. Go to the Nutrition and Lifestyle section.

• Cancer Classes

Individual Counselling

During cancer treatment, you may have problems that make it hard to eat or drink. Your health care team can refer you to a Registered Dietitian.

Additional Resources

• Goes Down Easy: Recipes to Help You Cope with The Challenge of Eating During Cancer Treatment: This is a practical cookbook for people living with cancer and their caregivers. It was co-written by the Registered Dietitians at Princess Margaret.
• Nourish: This website provides nutrition and cancer information written by Registered Dietitians working in cancer. It also has easy recipes developed by a wellness chef.
• ELLICSR Kitchen: A program designed to support people with cancer by providing skills and information to manage diet. They host healthy cooking demonstrations led by a Wellness Chef and Registered Dietitian. This website also includes recipe ideas for different side effects.
• Wellspring - Nourish Program: Wellspring provides a variety of supportive care programs and services to anyone living with cancer. Wellspring’s Nourish program provides many different sessions on cancer and nutrition using the latest research to teach the fundamentals of good nutritional practices for cancer patients. Workshops often include cooking demonstrations.

Contact a Registered Dietitian at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Patients at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre can talk to a Registered Dietitian working in cancer. The dietitian will help decide if a group class or a one-on-one counselling session is best for you. Ask a member of your cancer care team to refer you.

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre does not have its own parking lot. You are eligible to buy a discounted parking pass for the Sinai Health System parking lot, at 40 Murray Street, if you:

• Are a Princess Margaret Cancer Centre patient
• Have a family member who is getting treatment in Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
• Are a visitor to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

The price of the pass* depends on the number of days you would like a parking pass for 5, 10, or 30 days.
*Parking pass prices are valid for one year from the date of purchase, provide in and out privileges, and are transferable to a family member or caregiver.

• Parking at UHN

The Department of Supportive Care team can help you and your family cope with cancer and maintain your quality of life. All services are free. For some services, you may need a medical referral.

Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship (CRS)

The Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship (CRS) program provides many services to support you during and after your cancer treatment. The CRS program is an outpatient program. This means you will not stay at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre overnight to access the program.

You must be referred to the CRS program by a doctor or nurse practitioner who cares for you. However, the reason you are referred must be cancer related.

• Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship Program

The Caregiver Clinic

Caring for a family member with cancer can be very stressful. Research studies have shown that family caregivers often report the same emotional distress as cancer patients themselves, if not more. The Caregiver Clinic helps to address the needs of family caregivers.

You need a referral from a Princess Margaret Cancer Centre health care provider to be seen in the clinic. You can request a referral from a member of the patient’s cancer care team.

• Caregiver Clinic

Older Adults with Cancer Clinic

The Older Adults with Cancer Clinic (OACC) identifies the unique needs of older adults with cancer. The goal of the OACC is to help you maintain function, independence and quality of life as much as possible before, during, or after cancer treatment.

If you are receiving cancer care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or Mount Sinai Hospital, you can get referred to the OACC. You need a referral from your physician (family doctor or specialist).

• Older Adults with Cancer Clinic

Palliative Care

Palliative care treats the whole person: body, mind and spirit. The Palliative Care team helps patients and families improve their quality of life when facing cancer. Palliative care is active, total care. Palliative care aims to prevent and treat pain and other physical symptoms. This care also addresses your mental, emotional, spiritual and social needs.

Palliative care can be helpful through all stages of illness. Early on, it can help make cancer treatments and side effects easier to manage. The program can also provide emotional and social support. At later stages, it can reduce suffering, help you carry on with daily life, and help you plan for care at the end of life

• Palliative Care Clinic

Psychosocial Oncology

The Psychosocial Oncology Clinic can help you and your family maintain the best possible quality of life.

Counselling and Emotional Support

The team provides counselling and therapies to help you and your family cope with cancer, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being. The clinic offers many services to help you and your family while you are a patient at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

The staff are trained to help people facing cancer. They can help you and your family cope with the emotional distress of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. The clinic offers counselling for patients and caregivers, assistance in accessing community resources and medication for management of mood (if needed).

• Psychosocial Oncology Clinic

Income Support

The provincial and federal governments offer programs for financial (money) support to those who qualify. Princess Margaret Cancer Centre has created a booklet, Coping with Cancer: Financial Programs for Patients with Cancer and their Caregivers. In this booklet, you can find information about private options like workplace insurance, government programs, and how to apply.

Discharge Planning

Discharge planning ensures you leave the cancer centre safely and at the right time. Discharge planning can also help arrange transfers to a different level of care. Social workers can help you with discharge planning along with the other members of your hospital cancer care team. This may include going home or a transfer to:

• A long-term care facility
• An inpatient rehabilitation (rehab) program
• A continuing complex care facility
• A palliative care unit

Resource Counselling

Resource counselling can help you:

• Make decisions about practical concerns
• Find your way through the health and community systems
• Arrange services you need at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the community

Child Care Support Services – The Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is a free of charge childcare support service for families of patients who are receiving care at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. This service is for infants to children aged 12. Our Mothercraft Early Childhood Educator (Family Support Worker) engages in meaningful interactions with each child who attends the Magic Castle. They support each child’s individual needs, strive for their well-being while considering the impact of cancer. The program allows children to engage and express themselves by making the Magic Castle their own safe place.

• The Magic Castle

Spiritual Care

Spiritual care is care of individuals, focusing on personal beliefs, core values, significant relationships, meanings, and behaviours around which we understand our lived experience. Spirituality refers to that part in each of us which seeks to find meaning and purpose in our lives.

Spiritual Care Practitioners are part of the health care team providing care to patients and families at UHN, as well as offering spiritual care to staff.

• Spiritual Care

Knowing your drug coverage options as early as possible can help you plan ahead and prevent delays in your treatment. Use the Drug Coverage Chart to find out what you need to know before your doctor gives you a prescription.

A Princess Margaret Medication Reimbursement Specialist is a drug coverage expert who can help you understand how your coverage works and what your options are. Contact the Medication Reimbursement Specialist Office or Princess Margaret social workers with questions.

• Medication Reimbursement Specialist

Other Resources

• Wellspring Money Matters: Wellspring’s Money Matters Resource Centre gives patients access to individual financial counselling, and helps direct patients through government and agency income and support programs (by appointment only).
• Trillium Drug Program: The Trillium Drug Program helps people who have high prescription drug costs but a low household income. It covers all drugs approved under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. Learn how to apply online or through a Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Medication Reimbursement Specialist.

Patients, families, and staff make difficult decisions every day. Sometimes, these decisions are difficult because they involve tricky ethical questions. An ethicist can help you think through these kinds of questions and decisions.

Anyone at UHN can request an ethics consultation, including patients, families and staff. An ethicist will speak with anyone a patient wishes to have involved in their health care. Ethics services are free and confidential (private).

• Ethics Services

Genetic testing is a blood or saliva (spit) test that looks for mutations in your genes. A mutation is a change in a gene that stops the gene from working as it should. Some gene mutations can also be passed from one generation to another and may be present in other members of your family. This is called hereditary (inherited) cancer.

Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about genetic testing. Your doctor can refer you to a genetic counsellor at the Bhalwani Familial Cancer Clinic. A genetic counsellor can speak with you and your family members about genetic testing.

• Bhalwani Familial Cancer Clinic

University Health Network (UHN) aims to make sure that all patients understand their health information. This includes patients with limited English proficiency or who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing. The Department of Interpretation and Translation Services at UHN offers professional medical interpretation (in person, video and phone interpreters) in over 150 languages.

Access to remote, phone or video interpretation is available at all UHN sites (including Princess Margaret Cancer Centre), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Access to in person interpretation is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.

If you need an interpreter, ask a cancer care team member to contact Interpretation Services for you.

• Interpretation Services

The Joint Department of Medical Imaging (JDMI) is a joint effort between University Health Network (UHN), Women’s College Hospital, and Sinai Health System. Note that not all Medical Imaging tests are done at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. Know which hospital your test will take place at.

Medical Imaging tests offered through JDMI include:

• Breast Imaging
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scans
• General Radiography (X-Ray)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scans
• Ultrasound
• Many more

Be sure to arrive on time and follow the instructions you are given for your test. Contact your oncologist’s office or clinic directly for questions about your appointment or how to prepare for your test.

• Joint Department of Medical Imaging

Patient Relations is available to support you through your experience at UHN. We want to hear your feedback. Contact Patient Relations if you have a:

• Question
• Complaint
• Suggestion
• Compliment

Patient Relations can speak with any patient, family member or visitor of UHN.

• Patient Relations

The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre pharmacy consists of inpatient, daycare and outpatient services. Pharmacists are medication experts that can:

• Check medication orders to make sure they are correct for you
• Make sure your medicines are safe to take with each other
• Teach you about your medicines and how to take them
• Help you manage medication side effects
• Answer questions about medicine ranging from drug coverage to herbal products
• Give vaccines such as the flu shot to you and your family members
• Offer counselling and prescribe medicine to help you quit smoking

• Pharmacy Services

Physiotherapy Services

Physiotherapy Services are available in the inpatient units. If you have mobility problems as a result of your treatment, speak to your nurse or a doctor about physiotherapy.

• Physiotherapy Services

Are you a caregiver to a person with cancer? The Princess Margaret Caregiver Education, Support & Skills Program is a free online program designed to help you:

• Understand the basics of cancer and treatment
• Learn skills to help the patient you care for
• Cope with the task of caregiving
• Access support resources at Princess Margaret and in the community

• PMCaregiver.ca

The Princess Margaret Lodge is a place to stay for out of town Princess Margaret patients getting treatment. Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation therapy, imaging, consults, follow-ups and/or stem cell transplant. The Lodge offers shared twin rooms, meals, and transportation to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre appointments at a low cost. Family members can stay at the Lodge with you, if space permits. There is a fee for family members who stay at the Lodge.

Talk to your cancer care team to learn how to register. A Booking Request Form will need to be submitted to the Lodge by your cancer care team if you are planning to stay at the Lodge during your treatment

• Princess Margaret Lodge

The Patient & Family Library is here to help you, your family and friends, staff and community members find reliable and up-to-date information about cancer. Library services are free and health information is available in multiple languages.

• Princess Margaret Patient & Family Library

If you identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis and are coming to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for treatment, there are unique supports and team members available to help you.

The Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator helps patients and families in the cancer system who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis.

• Regional Indigenous Patient Navigator

The Princess Margaret Cancer Program takes pride in caring for patients who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and (+) any gender identities or sexual orientations not included in this acronym) and their chosen families.

We are here to support you, provide an inclusive care experience, identify the ways your identity can be a positive influence in dealing with cancer, and help you navigate the systems and challenges along your cancer journey.

• Sexual and Gender Diversity in Cancer Care (SGDc)

Did you know that quitting smoking can help your treatment work better? When you quit smoking during your cancer treatment you will:

• Help your body respond to treatment better
• Help your body heal faster after treatment
• Improve some of your side effects
• Lower your risk of your cancer coming back
• Lower your risk of getting a second cancer

Quitting smoking and tobacco can be hard, but the benefits start right away and can last a long time.

Get the support you need to help you quit smoking

Using both counselling and medicine works and can increase your chance of success.

UHN Outpatient Pharmacies

You can ask for help from a UHN pharmacist to quit smoking. Services include in person, telephone or email consults using tools, counselling and medicines (if needed) to help you quit. Tell your cancer care team if you are trying to quit. There are three outpatient pharmacies at UHN that you can choose from.

• Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Outpatient Pharmacy
  Location: 610 University Avenue Main Floor - Room M633
  Phone: 416 946 6593
• Toronto General Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy
  Location: 585 University Avenue, 1st Floor Norman Urquhart Wing, Room 2
  Phone: 416 340 4075
• Toronto Western Hospital - Shoppers Drug Mart
  Location: 399 Bathurst Street Atrium, Main Floor
  Phone: 416 603 5686

Other Programs

• Nicotine Dependence Clinic at CAMH (Intrepid Lab)
  Location: 1025 Queen Street West
  Phone: 416 535 8501 ext. 2
• Health811 Ontario
  Health811 Ontario’s Smoking Cessation Program provides telephone support to help you quit smoking. Care Coaches provide smoking cessation support and coaching 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Phone: 1 866 797 0000

For more information to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Quit Smoking to Improve Your Cancer Treatment (eLearning)
• Smokers’ Helpline Online Quit Program, Canadian Cancer Society
• Talk Tobacco, Indigenous Quit Smoking and Vaping Support: 1 833 998 TALK (8255)

Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) are health care professionals who assess, manage and educate patients and caregivers about swallowing and communication difficulties. These difficulties may happen because of your cancer or side effects from your cancer treatment. You may meet a SLP at any point in your cancer journey. You will need a referral from your doctor for SLP services.

• Speech Language Pathology

Staxi chairs are available for use during your visit to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. You can find a Staxi chair at both hospital entrances.

• Staxi Chairs at the Princess Margaret

The Al-Hertz Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) provides care to complex and very ill Princess Margaret patients. The goal of the UCC is to reduce patient visits to the emergency department and reduce hospital admissions. The UCC does not accept drop-ins or referrals from family doctors. Only Princess Margaret health care staff can refer patients to the UCC.

• Urgent Care Clinic

The Procedure Clinic sees patients who need the following procedures:

• Paracentesis
• Thoracentesis
• Diagnostic and therapeutic lumbar puncture
• Hickman catheter central line removal
• Bone marrow biopsy

The Procedure Clinic does not accept drop-ins or referrals from family doctors. Only Princess Margaret health care staff can refer patients to the Procedure Clinic.

• Procedure Clinic

The Wig Salon & Boutique can help you in a supportive, private setting. As cancer treatment often changes how you look due to hair loss or cancer surgery, the Wig Salon staff and a Certified Fitter are here to support you through this time. This boutique also offers many medical garments and accessories to support breast cancer patients in their treatment and recovery journey.

• Wig Salon & Accessories Boutique

The Canadian Cancer Society’s community services locator helps you find the services and programs you need in your community. Over 4,000 cancer-related services are listed, including:

• emotional support programs
• homecare
• how to get to your cancer treatment
• where to find a wig or prosthesis
  

• Canadian Cancer Society's Community Services Locator

If you are getting treatment at Princess Margaret, you can get transportation to and from your cancer-related appointments. There is an annual fee for this service. Service may be limited based on driver availability. The service can also be arranged if you live out-of-town.

A telephone with a direct line to the transportation office of the Canadian Cancer Society is located at the Information Desk on the Main Floor across from the Murray Street entrance. This phone line is to let drivers know that you are ready for pick-up from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Contact an Information Specialist to learn more about this program in your area: 1-888-939-3333

• Wheels of Hope

Gilda’s Toronto’s purpose is to help people live, while living with cancer. Comedy legend Gilda Radner believed that no one should face cancer alone. Instead, they should have access to complete psychosocial cancer support from communities with shared experiences. Led by highly qualified experts, our innovative programs and services offer personalized and specialized support to those suffering the emotional and psychological impacts of a cancer diagnosis. This would not be possible without the support of a diverse group of professionals, partners and communities who share our vision.

With the help of cancer care partners and providers, Gilda’s Toronto continues to foster diversity, equity and inclusion to support growing communities in the GTA and beyond. That’s why we have been a leader in innovative psychosocial cancer support for more than 20 years. And we are just getting started.

416 214 9898
info@gildasclubtoronto.org

• Gilda's Toronto

Wellspring is an innovative network of centres providing high-quality cancer support, education and coping skills to a growing number of individuals, family members and professional caregivers in Canada. Wellspring programs are free of charge and open to individuals and caregivers who are coping with any type of cancer, at any stage. They include individual and group support, coping skills, expressive therapies, energy work and educational workshops and presentations and are housed at warm, non-institutional Wellspring centres.

1 877 499 9904

• Wellspring

CancerConnection.ca is a free online peer support community for Canadians diagnosed with cancer or caregivers of someone with cancer. Join the online community and connect with others.

• CancerConnection.ca

Meals on Wheels is a service that delivers meals to people who are unable to buy or prepare their own meals. There are more than 180 places in Toronto and Greater Toronto Area that provide this service. There is a fee.

• Meals on Wheels

Nankind provides free in-home childcare for mothers with cancer. For four hours a week, professional childcare providers volunteer their time, so mothers can rest, go to appointments or simply have some time for themselves. The Nankind service is free and open to all mothers in the GTA diagnosed with cancer with children aged 12 and under.

Phone: 416 730 0025
Email: info@nankind.com