BC Cancer operates six regional cancer centres providing the entire continuum of cancer care, from  prevention and screening, to diagnosis,  chemotherapy & radiation treatments, through to rehabilitation, survivorship and supportive care for cancer patients. Each of BC Cancer’s centres delivers cancer treatment based on provincial standards and guidelines established by BC Cancer. In collaboration with communities, BC Cancer also provides a network of chemotherapy clinics so patients can receive care closer to home. BC Cancer delivers care at six regional centres located in Abbotsford, Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria. 

BC Cancer Research Centre and BC Cancer Foundation are also located in Vancouver, and are dedicated to transforming the lives of patients in BC through world-class cancer research.  

BC Cancer – Abbotsford 

32900 Marshall Road

Abbotsford, BC, V2S 1K2

Phone: 604-851-4710

Toll Free: 1-877-547-3777

(integrated within the Abbotsford Regional Hospital & Cancer Centre)

BC Cancer – Kelowna (Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre)

399 Royal Avenue

Kelowna, BC, V1Y 5L3

Phone: 250-712-3900

Toll Free: 1-888-563-7773

(located adjacent to Kelowna General Hospital)

BC Cancer – Prince George (Centre for the North)

1215 Lethbridge Street

Prince George, BC, V2M 7E9

Phone: 250-645-7300

Toll-free: 1-855-775-7300

BC Cancer – Surrey

13750 96th Avenue

Surrey, BC, V3V 1Z2

Phone: 604-930-2098

Toll Free: 1-800-523-2885

(located adjacent to Surrey Memorial Hospital)

BC Cancer – Vancouver

600 West 10th Avenue

Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6

Phone: 604-877-6000

Toll Free: 1-800-663-3333

BC Cancer – Victoria

2410 Lee Avenue

Victoria, BC, V8R 6V5

Phone: 250-519-5500

Toll Free: 1-800-670-3322

(located adjacent to Royal Jubilee Hospital)

The BC Cancer Agency may be where you go for your chemo treatments, however there’s a lot more to it than just that. Below are some of the valuable services they can provide.  Also suggest visiting BC Cancer website for helpful ‘Guidebook for Patients’ for a complete reference to all information and services.

Location

600 West 10th Avenue

Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4E6

Telephone: 604-877-6000

Toll-free (within BC): 1-800-663-3333

Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays)

BC Cancer Supportive Care Services: includes patient & family counselling, nutrition, pain & symptom management, palliative care, physiotherapy, and more. Supportive care professionals are a part of your cancer care team. Some services are self-referred, while other may require a referral from your doctor or nurse.

BC Cancer Patient and Family Counseling Services

You and/or a family member can have no-cost sessions with a counsellor, in person over the phone or via zoom. They can offer help with navigating your new situation, your emotions, problems in relationships and practical and financial concerns. They’ll also provide information regarding transportation, financial aid, community services, resources, and other practical help. You can get this service for you and your family during your treatment and up to 18 months afterwards.  BC Cancer also has psychiatrists who can help with anxiety, insomnia and changes in your personality or thoughts. Talk to your doctor or nurse if you would like to see a psychiatrist.

BC Cancer Counseling also offers group programs and educational sessions.  Notifications for many of these are posted on bulletin boards in the lobby and around the building. For schedules and more information contact BC Cancer.  

Get information or register at 604-877-6000 Ext. 672194

BC Cancer Regional Counselling Services

Counsellors at regional cancer centres can speak with you or a family member in person, over the phone, or virtually about practical and emotional concerns.  There is no cost as it’s part of your BC Cancer care

• • Abbotsford – 604-851-4733 or 1-877-547-3777 ext 644733
  • Kelowna – 250-712-3963 or 1-888-563-7773
  • Prince George – 250-645-7330 or 1-855-775-7300
  • Vancouver – 604-877-6000 ext. 672194
  • Victoria – 250-519-5500 or 1-800-670-3322

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program

This is an eight-week program offered twice a year. It introduces mindfulness practices based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s MBSR program at the Massachusetts Medical Center.  

After Active Treatment Healing Series

This four-session education and support series is offered twice a year. It is for patients interested in learning how best to move forward from cancer treatment. The series is interactive and creatively supports your healing and recovery as you begin to ask and plan for, ‘what’s next?’

Relaxation and Music Therapy Group

This is a guided group for patients and caregivers struggling with heightened anxiety, depression or stress. It’s drop-in and doesn’t require pre-registration.

Art for Self-Care

This group is for young adults (19-40ish) anywhere in BC who are interested in trying art therapy techniques. Group members connect virtually.

Email to rsvp: shankinson@bccancer.bc.ca

Art Therapy

This group helps learners develop new skills and build resiliency to cope through creative artmaking.

Support Circle

Support circle offers restorative care and comfort in a safe and accepting environment where participants speak thoughtfully about their own experience with cancer, listen attentively to one another and lean into their shared journey. Those living with cancer, as well as friends and caregivers, are welcome. Pre-registration required.

BC Cancer Look Good Feel Better program

These no-cost programs help women living with cancer learn special cosmetic techniques and tips on wigs and head coverings to help them cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment. In addition, a wig consultation and stylist service may be available. To learn more or find a workshop in your area, call 1.800.914.5665 or visit Look Good Feel Better. The Canadian Cancer Society Cancer Lodge may also have wigs to borrow or free head coverings for patients. Canadian Cancer Society 1-888-939-3333

Work-Related Concerns/Vocational Rehabilitation Counselling

This program includes: vocational counselling and assessment, resource referrals and information and advocacy related to work issues. These sessions are led by a vocational rehab counsellor specializing in cancer and work.

Some other work-related group sessions that may be offered: 

Returning to Work, Job Hunting, Looking for Work Using Social Media and Returning to a Former Workplace

Physiotherapy

BC Cancer offers no-cost telephone or video appointments with a physiotherapist who can prescribe home safety equipment and individualized exercises to help you with movement, fatigue, balance and more. You can also speak to an oncology exercise psychologist at Healthlink BC (dial 811)

Pain and Symptom Management

If you have difficulty managing your pain or other physical problems, they have specialist doctors and nurses who can help. Your family doctor or oncologist can refer you.

Nutrition

You can meet or speak by phone or zoom with a registered dietician to help you with eating and nutrition challenges during your cancer treatment. Ext. 672013. You can also speak with an oncology dietician at Healthlink BC (dial 811).

Spiritual Health Care

A Spiritual Health Practitioner can offer confidential patient and family support in moments of need. Care is based on the patient’s beliefs, cultural background, values, traditions and practice. Practitioners are multi-faith trained by the Canadian Association of Spiritual Care, their certifying body. Ext. 672194

Some other group sessions that may be available:

• First Nation and Metis Patient Resources
• Tips for Sleep
• Spirituality: A valuable Inner Resource on your Cancer Journey

BC Cancer Patient Care Nurse Helpline

There is no emergency care facility at BC Cancer in Vancouver, however, if you have questions, you can try the helpline, Mon-Fri 8:30-5 pm at 604-877-6025.

You can ask medical questions like:

• • I missed my chemo pill. Should I take another?
  • How do I take my anti-nausea medication?
  • I have finished treatment but am having new symptoms; who should I talk to?

Cantonese and Mandarin language support:

• Mindfulness-based stress reduction program
• Monthly support group
• Art Therapy Group
• Bilingual patient education and resource materials
• 604-877-6000 Ext. 672375 (Chinese) or Ext. 672194 (English)

BC Cancer Pharmacy

This is where you can pick up your chemo pills.  Note: You need to call them 2 days before to confirming you will be picking up.  They do not automatically fill your prescription on file.  Call 604-877-6135 and leave a detail message.

Pharmacy Drug Information Line

If you want to determine if a medication you are taking or considering taking will interact with your chemo, call 604-877-6000 e 67223

Release of Information

Talk to them if you need insurance forms filled out/signed by your doctor or if you want to get your medical records. 604-877-6000 ext.672334

Appointment Line

For questions about BC Cancer appointments, blood requisitions, etc., call 604-877-6218

Cancer Information Centre

Located in the lobby for patients, families and their support persons, it has pamphlets, books, videos and CDs available for loan. Volunteers are available for assistance.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria is open to patients, and their families from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday to Friday. There is also a wide array of eateries within a few blocks. A ‘comfort cart,’ operated by volunteers, offers complimentary tea, coffee, and snacks.

Also available at BC Cancer Vancouver:

• • Dentist
  • Patient Lounge
  • Patio
  • Quiet space

BC Cancer Vancouver – Main Library 
BC Cancer Research Centre

675 West 10th Avenue

Vancouver, BC 
Canada V5Z 1L3 

(604) 675-8001 or toll-free within British Columbia and Yukon 1-888-675-8001 x 8001

library@bccancer.bc.ca

Public Hours: Mon-Thurs 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

*During COVID-19, you should confirm that the facility is open to the public. If COVID restrictions are in effect, they are open online and can lend library materials via free postal mail delivery or curbside pick-up. The library can also answer cancer-related health information questions via phone, email, Zoom, or Skype. 

The BC Cancer Library has many helpful and fascinating books, eBooks and other materials. Here is a link to the BC Library catalogue and how to register for eBook access and a library card.  You can pick up your order from the library, or they will mail items to you for free, with return postage included. Loans are for 28 days.

For remote eBook access, all you need to do is set up a UserID and password from a BC Cancer networked computer or contact requests@bccancer.bc.ca and they can help you set up an account.

Here is a link to the BC Cancer Library’s New Release eBooks. 

• Admitting & Reception: 604-877-6050
• Ambulatory Care Reception: Toll-free (within BC) 1-800-663-3333 (ask for Ambulatory Care)
• Appointment Changes: Toll-free (within BC) 1-800-663-3333 (ask for Ambulatory Care)
• Chemotherapy: 604-877-6218 (Hours: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, availability may change depending on workload)
• Library & Cancer Information Centre: 604-675-8001, toll-free (within BC) 1-888-675-8001 ext. 8001
• Nutrition Services: 604-877-6000 ext. 2013
• Patient Care Nurse Line: 604-877-6025 (Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays)
• Patient & Family Counselling: 604-877-6000 ext. 2194
• PET (Functional Imaging): 604-707-5951 (Hours: 7:00 am – 6:30 pm, Monday to Saturday, excluding statutory holidays)
• Pharmacy: 604-877-6135 (Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays)
• Radiation Therapy: 604-877-6000 ext. 676014 (Hours: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, availability may change depending on workload)
• Release of Information (health record requests): 604-877‐6000 ext. 672334, fax 604-877‐0702 

Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Outpatient Services

• VGH outpatient BMT Daycare Unit is located at Blackmore Pavilion, 6th Floor
  855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
• Direct phone number to the VGH BMT Daycare nurses’ station – 604-875-4073
• VGH Translator/Language Interpreters – Interpreters are available for patients who have limited English. Speak with your healthcare providers.
• VGH Spiritual Care – Ask your nurse for a referral to VGH Spiritual Care services where a non-denominational professional can meet with you. A quiet room on the ground floor of Leon Blackmore Pavilion near the evaluators is open to everyone for prayer, meditation, reflection, and ceremony.
• VGH’s CIBC Centre for Patients and Families 604-875-5887
• Quiet area located in VGH’s main lobby offers access to computers, phones, printers etc. A librarian is also available to help recommend books & resources.
• VGH Aboriginal Patient Navigator Program 1-877-875-1131
• Traditional ceremonies such as smudging, cedar and elder fan brushings or blanketing are available with a referral. Visit the First Nations Health Authority’s

Parking at Vancouver General Hospital and BC Cancer

The entrance to the BCCA parkade is off Ash Street at the corner of West 10th Avenue. You can enter the building from parkade levels 1, 2 or 3. There is an area for patient drop-off and pick-up and two parking stalls at the 10th Avenue entrance. Paid parking time allowed at the entry area is 15 minutes.

*If parking charges create a hardship for you, you can talk to your BCCA social worker/counsellor for more information. They also may be able to help you apply for a parking pass for VGH, etc., or a handicapped parking pass if needed.

Parking Fees: 

• $3.50/hr with a max of $14.25/day*
• rates are subject to change without notice
• Long term BC Cancer patients can purchase passes from the attendant in the booth at the entrance to the parkade.
• $51.75 every seven days or portion
• $103.25 each month or portion
• Metro lot supervisor 604-417-6545

Additionally, there are parking meters on Ash and other nearby streets and several other parkades in the area.

Tip: If you have a quick appointment, you could try parking at the City Square shopping center. It is a half-block away at Ash and 12th Ave. If you make a purchase at one of the shops (Safeway), a merchant can stamp your ticket, giving you a free first hour.

VGH has two large parkades.  One located under the Leslie Diamond building and one across from VGH main entrance off West 12th.  There is also meter parking nearby.  If you’re lucky you may find free 2hr parking near the VGH parkade. 

Inspire Health Supportive Cancer Care

Location – unit 200 – 330 W 8th Ave, Vancouver

Phone – 604-734-7125

We are extremely fortunate to have  Inspire Health services and facility in our backyard.  Inspire Health is a free integrative cancer care centre offering supportive programs and services to enhance the quality of life, health, and well-being of people living with cancer. All services, programs, and classes are free, and no referral is required. Patients and their caregivers can select from an extensive selection of programs and services to promote health and healing during and after standard cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Services and programs are offered by a team of supportive care physicians, clinical counsellors, registered dietitians, exercise therapists, and health professionals who are experienced in caring for people with cancer. Your supportive care team can provide guidance on healthful diet changes, safe supplements, exercise, and mental health issues, including stress reduction, emotional counselling, decision-making, and personal coaching. Inspire Health professionals will listen, answer questions, and work together with you, your family doctor, and your oncologist, if desired. 

As a result of the pandemic, many cancer patients are experiencing even more emotional and mental health distress due to isolation and uncertainty. Inspire Health is working to bridge the gap for cancer patients through online and virtual supportive care programs and services. Virtual visits are available via Zoom video teleconferencing, for face-to-face communication via private and secure video, along with messaging-based virtual care tools.

Inspire Health Programs:

• Clinical services: Consultations with supportive care physicians, registered dietitians, exercise therapists, and clinical counsellors. Patients are welcome to bring family/caregiver to clinical appointments. Clinical services include a 60-minute initial consultation and a 30-60 minute follow-up visit as required for:
• Medical consultation with a supportive care physician
• Nutrition consultation with a registered dietician
• Counselling consultation with a clinical counsellor
• Exercise consultation with an exercise therapist
• Acupuncture for chemotherapy side effects

Inspire Health Classes:

• Fireside information sessions
• Yoga classes: yoga, gentle yoga, yoga chair, restorative yoga, advanced yoga
• Exercise classes: Strength & Stretch, Aerobic,
• Nutrition classes: Cooking classes
• Mental Health classes: Stress reduction, Mindfulness, Gratitude, Meditation, Art, Qigong for sleep & relaxation, Emotional impact of cancer

Additional Inspire Health programs, classes and workshops are offered to provide knowledge, tools, and services to support your overall health and well-being during and after cancer treatment.