Additional Resources
Look Good Feel Better
Many women lose their sense of femininity during cancer treatments. The look in the mirror and find it difficult to feel beautiful. It is not vain to want to feel pretty. Look Good Feel Better empowers all women, and allows them to feel beautiful strong and confident, inside and out.
These free two hour sessions focus on skin care, make-up, wigs and hairstyles for temporary hair loss. We promise you will leave smiling from ear to ear.
These sessions are offered monthly at the Wellness Centre / Lou’s House. If you are interested, please register online.
Back to school
Many young adults take a hiatus from school after a cancer diagnosis in order to focus on their health. Returning to school can be daunting as well as physically and emotionally exhausting. Having a plan can help reduce the stress. Suggestions include:
- Meet with the health services team at your school in order to discuss your health and possible limitations.
- Speak with a school advisor to inform them about your return.
- Talk with your professors to address any learning or classroom difficulties.
- Take it easy at the beginning and don’t overdo it. Your health is still your most important priority.
Back to work
Returning to work after cancer can be exciting but stressful and frightening. Creating a plan can help with these concerns. Suggestions include:
- Speak with your doctor to confirm that you are able to return to work.
- Speak with management to set the right expectations in regards to your capabilities.
- See if you are able start back slowly, possibly part time.
- Take breaks if needed.
- Don’t push yourself too hard; your body needs time to heal.
- Cancer and Work
Social media
Social media can be a useful source of information about adolescent and young adult cancer. Twitter can be a great resource. Below are some reputable hashtags worth following.
- #ayacsm – adolescent young adult cancer social media
- #mayacc – Metastatic and advanced young adult cancer community
- #yacancer – young adult cancer
- #youngadultcancer
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are research studies that test new ways to treat or manage cancer. These trials follow extremely strict guidelines to protect the participant’s privacy health and safety. If you are thinking of taking part in a trial, please discuss with your doctor whether or not you are eligible to participate.
- Quebec Cancer Trials
- Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network
- Canadian Cancer Trials Group
- Health Canada
Genetics
Certain types of cancers can run in families, however, only a small percentage are hereditary, The most common hereditary cancers are breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer and male breast cancer. Genetic testing consists of a blood test to identify people with an increased risk for cancer. If your healthcare team thinks you may be high risk, they can refer you for genetic testing. It is extremely important to speak with a genetic counsellor before undergoing any type of genetic tests.
As part of the Segal Cancer Centre’s services, the Jewish General Hospital’s Stroll Family Cancer Prevention Centre provides consultation services by a team of cancer geneticists and specialized genetic counsellors.
- Cancer Genetics, Jewish General Hospital
- Canadian Cancer Society
- Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors
- Color Genomics
Financial aid
Young adults often face financial issues when dealing with a cancer diagnosis. It is hard enough to cope with a cancer diagnosis without also having to worry about the financial burdens that come along with it. Here are some organizations that may provide aid.
