When you first learn that you or your family member has cancer, you may feel overwhelmed. Being diagnosed with cancer affects more than just your health. It affects your thoughts, feelings, relationships, your ability to work or go to school and your finances.
Your cancer care team will help you and your family and/or friends cope with your cancer diagnosis. If you are looking for cancer care programs and services for children, please visit the IWK Health Centre's website.
Psychosocial Oncology Symptom Management Sessions
News and Stories
Clinics, Programs, and Services
Psychosocial Oncology
Offered at 6 locations
Psychosocial Oncology Health Care Professionals provide psycho-therapy and counselling to cancer patients and their families to help them deal with the emotional and practical impact of cancer. Team members...
Patient Education Resources
Patient Education Video Series: Helping to Support you Through Your Cancer Experience
This pamphlet introduces Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program's library of educational videos that can help support you through your cancer experience.
Cancer and Distress
Cancer can be a difficult and stressful illness. This is pamphlet describes the Patients Come First questionnaire and how knowing how you are feeling can help your cancer care team to better care for you.
Coping with Cancer-Related Sadness and Depression
Most people with cancer feel some sadness. Often feelings of sadness come and go. Sadness that is strong and long lasting can be depression. This pamphlet explains the signs of depression, and how to cope. A list of resources for further information and support is included
Coping with Cancer-Related Worry and Anxiety
Most people dealing with cancer feel some anxiety and worry during their cancer experience. This pamphlet explains what anxiety is, what the signs of anxiety are, and what you can do to cope. A list of resources is included.
Psychosocial Support when Coping with Cancer
Many people with cancer find that talking with a Psychosocial Oncology health care professional can be helpful. Psychosocial Oncology health care professionals provide psychotherapy, counselling, and other supports for individuals dealing with cancer.
Cancer Related Brain Fog
Both cancer and cancer treatment can cause concentration and memory problems (called "brain fog" or "chemo brain"). This pamphlet explains what "brain fog" is, what causes it, and how it is treated.
A Cancer Patient Navigator May Help
Cancer Patient Navigators are oncology nurses who work with you and your family and your cancer care team throughout your treatment and follow up care. This pamphlet explains how a cancer patient navigator can help and how to contact a Cancer Patient Navigator.
Managing Cancer-Related Fatigue
Tiredness or fatigue is the most common symptom reported by cancer patients and survivors. This pamphlet explains the signs and causes of fatigue, what you and your cancer care team can do to help, how to manage your energy, and when to call your doctor or nurse, or see a specialist.
Mental Health and Addictions Services (Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program)
Includes local and toll-free phones numbers to call for mental health and addictions support, listed by location. All services are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Spiritual Care - Colchester East Hants Health Centre (CEHHC)
Colchester East Hants Health Centre (CEHHC) provides spiritual care for patients and their loved ones requesting this service. What you can expect from this service as well as situations spiritual care staff can help you with are outlined. The Prayer Room location is listed. Contact information is also provided.
YourHealthNS App
Much of Nova Scotia's healthcare program and service information is now available on the YourHealthNS mobile app. Download for free on the Apple Store and Android Apps for Google Play.
