Cancer is a word used to describe a group of diseases. Cancers are caused when cells divide incorrectly and uncontrollably and can spread into surrounding tissues. There are many different types of cancers, and they are each treated differently.
The symptoms of cancer are different depending on where the cancer is located.
Some general signs and symptoms might be a change in weight, fatigue, pain, or a lump.
Cancer is caused by changes (called mutations) in your cell DNA. You might be born with these mutations, or they may happen during your lifetime. Things like smoking tobacco, viruses, radiation, exposure to cancer causing chemicals (carcinogens), hormones, obesity, lack of physical activity and simply aging can cause these DNA changes.
Most of the time, our body knows when a cell divides incorrectly, then fixes the mistake. If a mistake is missed, that cell may start growing and dividing into a cancer. The earlier this is caught, through testing, the more effective treatment will be for a complete cure.
Cancer screening programs in Nova Scotia are set up to help diagnose cancers of the cervix, colon, and breast early. Other cancers are diagnosed if you have blood tests or imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound) or a small sample of your tissue is removed and tested, called a biopsy.
Cancer is a common disease in Nova Scotia.
It is important to be aware of changes in your body and contact a primary healthcare provider to talk about any changes you notice.
You can use this website to find information about cancer screening, and services offered for cancer patients within Nova Scotia.
Stem cell transplant, also called a bone marrow transplant, is used to treat some blood cancers (leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma). During stem cell transplants, high doses of chemotherapy (and sometimes radiation)...
Breast screening in Nova Scotia is administered by the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program.
You can find them at https://nsbreastscreening.ca/
The Nova Scotia Health Cancer Care Program is responsible for cancer programs and services across the province including: cancer prevention and early detection, treatment, follow-up, supportive care, palliative care...
If you or someone close to you has cancer, or has had cancer in the past, you may want to get involved with the Cancer Patient Family Network (CPFN). The...
Community Cancer Patient Navigators are registered nurses with in-depth knowledge of cancer and the cancer system. They work with you, your family and your cancer care team throughout your treatment...
You can find our Cancer Related Events, Courses and Workshops here
Having an operation, or surgery, was the first treatment used for many types of cancer. It is still the most common way to treat many cancers. What are your questions...
Chimeric Antigen Receptor (or CAR) T-Cell Therapy is a new cancer immunotherapy that is delivered through Nova Scotia Cell Therapy and Transplant Program (CTTP). CAR T-Cell therapy involves separating specific...
Cervical Cancer Prevention Program office
Tel: 1-888-480-8588
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(Individuals can request a print out of the cervical screening history (Pap tests...
NOTE: The Colon Cancer Prevention Program uses Canada Post to deliver screening kits. While Canada Post is in contract negotiations, Colon Cancer Prevention Program participants have three options regarding...
Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a special microscope called a colposcope. The microscope allows the doctor to see the cervix and other areas in detail. The doctor...
Endocrinology provides specialized care to patients with hormonal and metabolic disorders. Ambulatory Clinics within Endocrinology includes:
The Division of Hematology and Hematologic Oncology provides care for patients with disorders of the blood including blood cancers. The most common blood cancers are lymphoma (cancers of the lymph...
The Lung Screening Program is now available in Central and Eastern Zone communities. Central Zone communities include: Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Eastern Shore and West Hants. Eastern Zone communities...
The Micrographic Surgery program - also known as the Mohs micrographic surgery - is an outpatient program used to treat some forms and cases of skin cancer.
...
Not all drugs you may need for your cancer treatment are covered by the healthcare system. An Oncology Drug Access Navigator (DAN) can help.
A DAN is a member of...
The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMF) provides surgery to treat a wide variety of diseases, injuries and defects in the head, neck, face and jaws.
...
Palliative care enhances the quality of life of people with a life-limiting illness. It does this by preventing and relieving suffering.
Psychosocial Oncology Health Care Professionals provide psychotherapy and counselling to cancer patients and their families to help them deal with the emotional and practical impact of cancer. Many people who...
Radiation therapy is one of the main treatments for many kinds of cancer. The services provided within radiation oncology include radiation therapy (uses high doses of radiation to kill or...
The Sunshine Room is a calm and welcoming environment for cancer patients in a newly renovated space at the Victoria General site of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. ...
Support groups may be offered at the Cancer Centres in Halifax and Sydney, and in the community where you live. These groups may be held in person, through virtual care...
Systemic Therapy is any type of drug that spreads throughout the whole body to treat cancer. These drugs may be given intravenously (IV), by pill, or by injection. The type...
The Take- Home Cancer Drug Fund is a fund available through the Nova Scotia Health Authority's Cancer Care Program. The fund helps patients who are faced with very high costs...
Helping patients to stop smoking is part of our commitment to quality cancer care. Evidence shows that stopping tobacco use at the time of a cancer diagnosis improves the effectiveness...
The Victoria General Medicine/Surgery/Cancer Care program is an interdisciplinary group of clinicians who work collaboratively with other members of the health care team within the medicine/surgery/cancer care and transplant services...
Well Woman Clinics offer a variety of health-related services and health education, delivered by a female doctor or nurse. The services and days and hours of operation vary by clinic...
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.
