Support for cancer patients being provided from home
Giving advice on how to protect against COVID-19
Cancer patients across the country are worried about how to protect themselves against COVID-19 and their calls for help are being answered in dozens of Hamilton homes.
A number of national support programs run by the Canadian Cancer Society are primarily based out of Hamilton at 1550 Upper James St. There is also a community office at 328 Mountain Park Ave.
COVID-19 forced the closure of the offices, but with the services needed more than ever to support one of the most vulnerable populations to the virus, the 53 staff moved to answering the calls, live chats and emails from their own homes.
“We’ve gone virtual,” said Laura Burnett, vice-president of cancer information and support services. “People are not alone during this time.”
She said COVID-19 is adding to an “already stressful experience” for cancer patients who are at greater risk for more severe outcomes because many have compromised immune systems.
They want to know how to protect themselves from the virus, and their caregivers are worried about bringing COVID-19 home with them from essential shopping trips, medical appointments or their own jobs.
Some patients also face the postponement of their treatment and the loss of in-person support from friends and family during their illness because of physical distancing.
“A variety of people are calling us and wondering, ‘What does this mean for us,’ ” said Burnett. “We know there are feelings of isolation.”
It has translated into significant demand on the national toll-free helpline Cancer Information Service and the online peer support community called Cancer-Connection, which are both primarily based out of Hamilton.
The society has set up a COVID-19 emergency fund at cancer.ca/en to raise money for these services.
“We need the support of the public to ensure we can continue to help Canadians affected by cancer,” said Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. “The CCS COVID-19 Emergency Fund will expand programs that can reach people in their homes and provide them with critically needed support in this challenging time.”
Other support based out of Hamilton include the Smokers’ Helpline, peer facilitator training, the Wheels of Hope transportation program and the Community Services Locator, which helps patients, caregivers and health-care providers connect with services they need.