Life After Cancer Treatment

Capital Heath is offering an education session to help empower Nova Scotians who recently completed cancer treatment.

Living Beyond Cancer will be held Monday, Sept. 24, in Halifax.

"Some patients express feeling a sense of relief at the end of treatment, but for many, this is a time of significant transition," said Joy Tarasuk, health services manager, Capital Health Cancer Care Program. "There is the worry that the cancer might come back, the question of what to do to stay healthy, how to cope with the side effects that remain after treatment is complete and who to call when there is a concern. Living Beyond Cancer is about empowering patients with supports and information."

Marianne Arab, manager, supportive care, Cancer Care Nova Scotia, said the session was developed to fill a gap identified by both health professionals and patients.

"While Capital Health is the first to offer this session, the goal is for it to be available to patients across the province," said Ms. Arab. "Living Beyond Cancer provides patients with closure and practical tools for getting back to living following cancer treatment. Cancer Care Nova Scotia is also working with family physicians and other primary care providers so they have the necessary information and supports to provide quality follow-up care to their patients."

Living Beyond Cancer was developed in partnership with Cancer Care Nova Scotia, the Capital Health Cancer Care Program and the Cape Breton Cancer Centre.

The session will be presented by Capital Health Cancer Care staff.

The two-and-half hour session will cover follow-up care, short-term and long-term side-effects of cancer treatment, the importance of physical activity and nutrition, coping skills, spirituality, sexual concerns, and available community services and supports. It is also an opportunity for people to meet other cancer survivors and ask questions.

Cancer patients who are just completing their treatment can register for Living Beyond Cancer by calling 902-473-6567 (ext. 2).

Cancer Care Nova Scotia facilitates quality cancer prevention and care for Nova Scotians and is a provincial program of the Department of Health and Wellness.

Capital Health is Nova Scotia's largest provider of health services, operating hospitals, health centres and community-based programs throughout Halifax Regional Municipality and western Hants County.