Community Services and Resources

The Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization offering services for individuals and families affected by cancer, living in the greater region of Hamilton and surrounding communities. Services include transportation to and from medical appointments, loans of home health equipment, and limited access to parking for cancer-related appointments at the Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre. Monthly supplies of adult incontinence products and oral nutritional supplements are available as well as wigs, breast prostheses and mastectomy bras. All services are available free of charge for as long as needed.

Cancer can be difficult to understand and coping can be stressful. It helps to have someone you can talk to and trust for reliable information. The Cancer Information Service is for people with cancer, their families, the public, and healthcare workers. Service is across Canada and in French and English. Interpreters are available for other languages. The information you receive is confidential and tailored to your needs. A direct phone line is available in the JCC Patient and Family Resource Centre or call toll-free 1-888-939-3333, TTY: 1-866-786-3934 or email cis@ontario.cancer.ca.

CanWell is a 12-week supervised exercise and education program offered through a partnership between the YMCA, Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University. Currently, this program is only offered at the Les Chater YMCA in Hamilton, Ontario. For more information, visit the CanWell YMCA website, visit the YMCA membership desk, or call 905-667-1515.

Offered by the Canadian Cancer Society, the online Community Services Locator tool can help people living with cancer find services and programs such as support groups, wigs, prostheses, and more.

Lymphedema is swelling that is caused by a build-up of lymph fluid in the tissues.  This swelling can be caused by cancer or cancer treatment. Let your doctor know if you have any unusual swelling. For more information, watch this short video (click here).

Therapy for lymphedema is in your community! There are many lymphedema specialists who can help to manage lymphedema, they are certified in Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).  You do not require a referral to make an appointment with a lymphedema therapist but it is a good idea to discuss it with your doctor.

Here is a list of local therapists and helpful links for funding support: Hamilton Area Lymphedema Resources

The following are links to general information and to information about specific lymphedema exercises that help to reduce swelling. Swelling can be in the upper body (such as arm lymphedema) or in the lower body (such as leg lymphedema).

General Lymphedema information – click here

Exercises for women (upper body and lower body)

Exercises for men (upper body and lower body)

Juravinski Cancer Centre patients can attend a lymphedema class. Classes are scheduled on the second Friday of every month from 11 am -12 pm in room 1-231. See your clinic clerk to book you into the session.

*Note that during the social distancing measures during COVID-19 classes are on hold. If you have questions about lymphedema, please call Michele Cardoso x 63717

Mark Preece Family House is a caring place to call home for families of patients in Hamilton hospitals. The house is located near Hamilton General Hospital On Barton St. E. and can also accommodate families of patients staying at Juravinski Hospital and Cancer Centre, St, Peter’s Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.

The Canadian Cancer Society online community CancerConnection.ca helps people with cancer and their loved ones share their experiences and build supportive relationships.

Wheels of Hope transportation service is a volunteer driver program intended to assist an eligible client and escort (if required) with their short-term travel to attend cancer-specific medical appointments.

Wellspring Niagara offers a wide variety of programs and services to meet the social, emotional, restorative and informational needs of people living with cancer and their caregivers. All programs are free of charge.

Wellwood is a community-based, non-profit organization that provides tools, information, programs, and peer support for people who have received a diagnosis of cancer, loved ones, caregivers and healthcare providers. Working with existing community agencies and cancer care providers, Wellwood provides integrative supportive care.