Thanks to advances in treatment, nearly 90 per cent of people diagnosed with breast cancer in Canada are now expected to live five years or more beyond their diagnosis. But survivorship brings its own set of challenges—physically, emotionally, and mentally. At Oak Valley Health, we believe that surviving cancer is just the beginning. Thriving after cancer matters just as much.
That’s why we’re proud to launch the first-ever Oncology Survivorship Initiative at Oak Valley Health—a program designed to support breast cancer survivors in living not just longer, but better.
This initiative offers a wide range of resources and support, including:
Weekly education sessions on nutrition, sleep, lymphedema, sexual health, and more
Yoga classes to support physical and mental well-being
Psychosocial oncology and emotional health support
Art therapy for creative expression and healing
Peer-to-peer support and connection
A patient advisory board to ensure we’re meeting real needs in meaningful ways
Together, we’re creating a community where survivors are supported every step of the way.
Programming
Our comprehensive wellness programming is designed to support both breast cancer survivors and health care providers. Through a variety of educational sessions and interactive programs, we aim to empower patients, caregivers, and staff with tools for long-term well-being and recovery.
Coping with hair loss: Practical advice and styling tips from a professional hairstylist.
Makeup dos and don’ts: Learn from a clinical dermatologist how to safely enhance your natural beauty during and after treatment.
Nutrition and healthy weight management: Expert guidance from a registered dietitian, including topics like soy and breast cancer.
Breast reconstruction: What to expect from surgical options, led by a breast reconstruction surgeon.
Managing long-term side effects: Insight from a medical oncologist on lymphedema, chemo brain fog, and hormone therapy side effects.
Relationships and intimacy: Honest conversations with a gynecologist about sexual health.
Cultural and special considerations: Exploring the unique needs of marginalized oncology patients with a focus on inclusivity and equity in care.
Mental health program: A four-week program facilitated by a social worker, sessions will cover topics like coping with depression and anxiety, building resilience, adjusting to post-treatment life, and supporting family well-being.
Exercise and movement program: An eight-week program including low-impact cardio, yoga, and personalized fitness schedules to promote physical recovery.
Patient advisory board: Help shape future programming by participating in needs assessments, offering feedback on educational sessions, and contributing to a wellness outcomes report.
Supportive care education and training: A train-the-trainer format to equip staff with tools for managing lymphedema, promoting sleep, encouraging mindfulness, and preventing burnout.
Oncology staff wellness day and peer support forum: A space for reflection, support, and connection among healthcare workers.
This initiative is rooted in whole-person care, and we welcome participation from caregivers whenever space allows. Together, we’re fostering a community of healing, understanding, and resilience.
Financial support
How we can help you
Our medication reimbursement specialists are dedicated to helping oncology patients with drug coverage, funding, and reimbursement. They work collaboratively with patients and their health care team to maximize coverage and reduce the financial burden related to the cost of medication required for treatment.
We specialize in oncology medication reimbursement and provide services that include:
Reviewing reimbursement for patients requiring oncology and supportive care medications
Submission of all applications to access medication coverage and assistance
Working directly with external partners, maximizing reimbursement, and reducing co-payments
Serving as the centralized point of contact for health care professionals and pharmacies to assist with patient medication coverage
It is important to ensure you are covered for any medical emergencies that might arise when you are travelling. Please remember to purchase travel insurance before your trip.
Referrals are submitted through the oncology social worker. Please request a referral if in need through your oncologist or clinic nurse.
This service depends on volunteer drivers and will state they can offer up to three days a week of rides. It is advisable to have a back-up plan if they are not available.
Travel subsidy for newly diagnosed blood cancer patients.
One kilometre at a time travel subsidy, available to anyone who has been diagnosed with a blood cancer within the last 60 days or facing a stem cell transplant as their treatment option.
CHATS is a not-for-profit organization advocating for and delivering high-quality, person-centred home and community services to older adults and caregivers living in York Region and South Simcoe.
Mobility On-Request Paratransit is York Region’s door-to-door, shared ride, accessible public transit service for people with disabilities. Please visit the paratransit website for more information. Visit their Registration and Eligibility page to learn more.
Mobility On-Request
This is York Region Transit’s on-request transit service. It is a ride-sharing service that allows you to request transit when and where you need, within select service areas. No application process is required. Please visit their Mobility On-Request page to learn more.
Community Care Durham is a multi-service registered charitable organization providing a broad range of support services for individuals over the age of 16 so that people are enabled to maximize their independence and thrive where they choose to live.
Coping with a cancer diagnosis can be difficult and there are several resources that can help provide psychosocial supports. The ones listed below are not-for-profit and have no fees.
It is best to look for a wig prior to starting treatments so your hair alternative specialist will be able to match your present hairstyle, colour, and texture as close as possible.
This agency has no fees and provides practical supports to parents going through a cancer diagnosis with young children
Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a common side of many, but not all, chemotherapy drugs. The drugs affect cells that are growing quickly. Hair is lost within a few days or weeks after chemotherapy starts and usually grows back once you finish chemotherapy.
*This is a Princess Margaret resource and is included for information on cold capping and is meant to be educational. Oak Valley Health does not have a rental program available at this time.
Free, confidential, and flexible. Bilingual and interpreter services in over 100 languages. Open seven days a week.
Cognitive function refers to the abilities for speaking, thinking, your awareness, decisions, learning, attention, memory, organizing, or problem solving.
Problems with your cognitive function can affect your emotional well being and quality of life.
You may have problems at work, school, or with daily activities.
Cancer or its treatment can affect cognitive function.
Chemotherapy may cause problems with the ability to pay attention, to remember, or to problem solve. High doses of chemotherapy and/or chemotherapy given for a long time are more likely to cause cognitive problems.
Cognitive problems caused by cancer or its treatment may go away after treatment is finished or continue for a long time or become permanent.
There are many strategies and tools to cope with chemo brain and chemo fog such as recording your thoughts, identify if your memory is worse when you are tired or hungry, or use a calendar to organize and keep track of records, appointments, activities, etc.
Taking care of yourself with physical activity that can help you stay mentally alert, getting plenty of rest, reducing stress, practising yoga or meditation are all things that can help you relax and think clearer.
Also, speak with your caregivers and health care providers regarding how you are feeling.
Please note: Links provided on this page have been selected by Oak Valley Health as being reputable sources. These linked sites are not necessarily under our control. If you use these sites for further information, you do so at your own risk.
