Local cancer centre offers more than medical treatments

Since opening its doors on Sept. 19, 2018 the Cape Breton Cancer Centre has expanded not only its medical services but also holistic treatments for their patients.

Tom MacNeil, social worker with the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, organizes many of these to help with the “emotional aspects of cancer” as well as “the physical aspects because there is some physical deterioration” as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

All are free of charge, cover a range of interests and have various benefits.

Here is a list of some of the extra services:

Music therapy: Run by Shelly Allen, a weekly workshop.

Word On!: A weekly writing workshop with Paul MacDougall.

The Art of Living: An art therapy workshop running from January to June and ends with a gallery exhibit.

Horticultural therapy: Biweekly, done in the Healing Garden which is also used as a quiet, meditative space for patients.

Cancer Transitions: Program done with the YMCA in Sydney to help people who are done with cancer treatments, lasts for a year

Monthly support group: Helping people adjust to life with cancer and deal with the challenges.

Esaksoni support group: Once a month, this allows people from the Eskasoni First Nation with cancer to have the support group in their community.

Yoga: This practice mixes a bit of meditation with gentle yoga poses and is held once a week.

Tai Chi: Held weekly, Tai Chi is a gentle exercise that helps calm the mind and stretch the body.

Reiki: A Japanese technique to reduce stress and promote healing, appointments are made on an individual basis.

Documentary making: Patients make a documentary, to date four have been completed and MacNeil said, “Response has been very good.”

Ways to Wellness: Two-day program that has been running for at least 10 years.