Community Cancer Hub is Supporting Our Neighbours
Get The Help You Need
Looking for in-person and virtual programs or support groups, we can help you find the right fit.
Have Questions?
If you are looking for information, resources, referrals, and a listening ear, we are here for you.
Help Support Others
Together, we can change the face of local cancer care.
Cancer System Navigation
What is a Cancer System Navigator?
The health care system can be overwhelming. Giving you accurate, up-to-date information on local cancer supports is one of our top priorities. Right from the moment of diagnosis, wherever your cancer journey takes you, we can help. Cancer System Navigators are available to listen and understand your needs. They will do the research and legwork for you. They will help you find the answer to your questions or help you find the right resources to meet your current needs.
What can a Cancer System Navigator help with?
A Cancer System Navigator will listen to your concerns, support you in assessing the options and provide you with a suite of supports which are customized to your individualized needs.
This may include information on:
- Resources specific to your cancer diagnosis
- Suggestions for speaking with health care professionals
- Information on how to access clinical trials
- Resources for children and teens
- Where to get specific medical equipment
- Transportation options
- Lodging options
- Wigs and prosthesis
- Financial assistance options
- Counselling and coaching options
- Dieticians
- Home management help
- Support groups
- Palliative and advanced care planning
- End of life and hospice
- Grief and bereavement support
Who might use a Cancer System Navigator?
Navigation can benefit anyone impacted by cancer. This includes those with cancer, their caregivers, family members, employers, health and social care professionals, and community members. We provide support and access to local in-person and virtual resources, which are needed all along the cancer continuum from diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, end of life care and bereavement.
How will a Cancer System Navigator connect with me?
Once you make that initial request for support, navigators can connect with you via email, telephone, virtually or in person. A navigator will be in touch with you at the earliest opportunity. We thank you for your patience during this period of high demand for support. You can also call to set up an appointment at 613-247-3527 and press 1. Find support here.
What languages are navigation available in?
Navigation is available in English, French, and translation services can be arranged through Ottawa Language Interpretation Services for access to over 150 different languages.
Programs and Services
The Ottawa Cancer Foundation provides community-based programs and services out of our beautiful location at 1500 Alta Vista Drive. When you walk through our doors, you will be greeted by a professional team, community partners, health care practitioners and volunteers who are here to offer you options in a variety of health and well-being activities.
It is entirely through the generosity of our donors, and in partnership with over 40 different organizations, that the Ottawa Cancer Foundation is able to provide complimentary cancer support and services to the greater Ottawa community.
In-Person
Our list of ongoing in-person programs, including:
- Cancer Foot Care Clinic
- Mind-Body Programs
- Nutrition
- Art therapy
- CLIMB (For children with a parent who has cancer)
- Heroes Circle
- Caregiver Workshops
- Grief and Bereavement workshops
- Nature therapy
- Reiki
- Meditation
- Support Groups
- EXTEND pharmacy supports
- Social events + workshops
Virtual
Recognizing that virtual programs might be the best option for some, we have partnered with several organizations and individuals to include online programs, including:
- Wellspring On the Web programming
- Monthly workshops with community partners
- Fitness programs
Visit our calendar of programs to register for in-person and virtual support programs.
How does health equity guide us?
“Equity is the absence of avoidable or remediable differences among groups of people, whether those groups are defined socially, economically, demographically, or by other dimensions of inequality (e.g., sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, or sexual orientation). Health is a fundamental human right. Health equity is achieved when everyone can attain their full potential for health and well-being.”
– World Health Organization (2021)
Despite having a centre of excellence for medical cancer care in Ottawa, not everyone benefits equally from the medical advances in cancer care. Social and economic factors play a significant and important role in the illness experience, risk of developing cancer, and likelihood of surviving.
People living with a cancer diagnosis continue to face significant unmet needs, and this is especially true for underserved, equity seeking populations. A goal of the new Ottawa Community Cancer Hub within the Ottawa Cancer Foundation is to ensure that all people living with cancer in the Ottawa community have equitable access to the community-based supports and resources they need for supportive cancer care.
We are dedicated to supporting people living with cancer, their caregivers and their families by providing the most effective community-based cancer care, resources, and programs.
