In the last 40 years, there have been many more immigrants and refugees coming to Canada. And while newcomers to Canada made up 23% of the population in 2021, there is not much information about cancer in people new to the country. Because of this, newcomers to Canada can face unique challenges that can make their cancer experiences more difficult.
No one should face a cancer diagnosis alone or lack the information and care they need. The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) offers cancer information and support for everyone in Canada. If you are new to Canada, here are 7 ways you can find cancer information, care and support.
You can find support services in your local community
Finding support close by can be overwhelming. But there is a way to make your search easier and find services within or near your community.
Our Community Services Locator (CLS) is a directory that helps people with cancer, their caregivers and healthcare providers find the services they need. We have over 4,500 cancer-related services listed, including emotional support programs, homecare, as well as ways to get to treatment, and where to find wigs and prosthesis. Simply enter your city or postal code and search for the type of service you’re looking for.
You can call us to ask questions about cancer
Cancer can be hard to understand and cope with. Our Cancer Information Helpline is a national, toll-free service available in English and French, and interpretation in over 200 languages by request.
You can talk to an information specialist who can answer any questions you have about:
- cancer treatment and side effects
- clinical trials
- coping with cancer
- emotional support services
- prevention
- help in the community
- complementary therapies
The Cancer Information Helpline is available Monday to Friday in English and French. For other languages, you can request an interpretation service when you contact the helpline.
To contact the Cancer Information Helpline, you can live chat with an information specialist, fill out the online form with your questions or call toll-free at 1-888-939-3333.
You can find cancer information online
No matter how you’re impacted by cancer, it’s normal to have a lot of questions. We offer accurate cancer information online about different cancer types, risks, symptoms, treatments and more.
Our online information and resources like cancer information, publications, glossary and cancer videos are available in English and French. And some of our publications are also available in Chinese.
You can get financial support if you need it
Whether you’re currently living with cancer, a cancer survivor, or a family member or caregiver to someone with cancer, there might be financial support available to you. Learn about the different financial programs you could be eligible for.
If you live in British Columbia, the Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program (CTAAS) offers financial grants, accommodations, and air and ground transportation for people who need to travel for their care.
Our Travel Treatment Fund also offers short-term financial assistance to offset some travel costs when travelling to treatment. This includes expenses like fuel and taxi or public transit fares. Learn more about the Travel Treatment Fund options in your province.
You can get transportation to and from treatment
You can find a place to stay during treatment
For people who need to travel to receive treatment, CCS offers a home away from home at our lodges. Our lodges are an affordable and comfortable place to stay. They’re located near cancer treatment centres and major hospitals.
There are CCS lodges in British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec and Nova Scotia. If you live outside of these provinces and need to travel to receive treatment, use our Community Services Locator to find a place to stay.
You can find a cancer support community online
