Support for newcomers to Canada
The Canadian Cancer Society offers a nationwide support system for people with cancer and their families, friends and caregivers. We’re here to answer your questions and support you whether you’re newly diagnosed, caring for a loved one or concerned about your own cancer risk. Our free programs and services can help you manage life with cancer. We offer information resources, a helpline, a supportive online community and much more. Anyone who is living in Canada can access our services.
Cancer Information Helpline
Our Cancer Information Helpline is a national, toll-free service for people with cancer and their caregivers, families and friends, as well as the general public and healthcare professionals.
We’ll take all the time you need to answer your questions and give you information about:
- cancer treatment and side effects
- coping with cancer
- emotional support services
- clinical trials
- help in the community
Our helpline is available Monday to Friday in English and French. It also offers interpretation in many other languages by request.
- Online live chat: Visit cancer.ca to live chat with an information specialist.
- Phone: Call us toll-free at 1-888-939-3333.
- Email: Send a quick email through our contact form (available in English and French).
Community Services Locator
Our Community Services Locator (CSL) is a directory that helps people with cancer, caregivers and healthcare providers find the services they need. Over 4,500 cancer-related services are listed, including services offered in many languages.
You can search for:
- emotional support programs
- homecare services
- how to get to your cancer treatment
- where to find a wig or breast prosthesis
If you can’t find what you need, call an information specialist at 1-888-939-3333, Monday to Friday, anywhere in Canada.
Transportation
Our transportation services are available to help you travel to your cancer appointments. We have volunteer drivers, and they will pick you up and take you to see your healthcare team. We also offer financial assistance to help you with the cost of travel to treatment centres.
Our volunteer driver program is available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. We also offer flight support in Ontario and within Newfoundland and Labrador.
Or you can apply for the Travel Treatment Fund in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
To find out more, call 1-888-939-3333.
Accommodation
Our lodges are welcoming homes away from home for people with cancer who need to travel to receive treatment. Our caring staff and volunteers are trained to help meet your practical needs during cancer treatment. The lodges also offer social and emotional support through different programs and activities. They are places where you can meet other people with cancer and their families who understand what you are going through.
Each lodge has unique amenities and services available. Lodges are available in British Columbia, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. To find a lodge or other places to stay in Canada, call 1-888-939-3333.
CancerConnection.ca
No one should have to face cancer alone. Connecting with others who understand your situation and how you feel can help you cope. It’s helpful to know what to expect throughout your cancer experience.
CancerConnection.ca is a safe and welcoming place for discussion, support and exchanging information about managing cancer in your life. It allows people to share their experiences and build supportive relationships. CancerConnection.ca community members take part in discussions, write blogs, join groups and offer each other emotional support and practical advice.
The community is available in English and French. Membership is free and open to people 18 years of age and older. To sign up, simply visit CancerConnection.ca.
Useful websites
Government of Canada website with information for newcomers