National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day – June 26, 2020

In late 2018, the West Island Cancer Wellness Centre (WICWC), in Kirkland Quebec, applied to Health Canada to proclaim June 26th National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day. The request was approved and the first National Cancer Wellness Awareness Day was held on June 26, 2019. The WICWC website states:

• 1 in 2 Canadians is expected to develop cancer in their life; most are unaware of the importance of cancer wellness

• Cancer Wellness, also known as psychosocial care, is a whole-person approach to wellness. It improves all the challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis: fatigue, quality of life, diet, mental health. It empowers people living with cancer to make concrete behavioural, spiritual and physical changes in their lives to help them live well with and through cancer

The Peachland Wellness Centre supports this special day, and although our organization does not offer programs for Cancer Wellness, this article provides information on two BC organizations that can provide support.

BC Cancer - Kelowna Wellness Programs

Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins Centre

399 Royal Avenue

Kelowna, BC V1Y 5L3

Call to register for programs - (250) 712-3963

BCCancer operates six regional cancer centres, providing assessment and diagnostic services, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and supportive care. The following support programs are available through the Kelowna facility:

Laughter for the Health of It Yoga (Laughter Yoga)

• ​Laughter yoga uses gentle stretching, therapeutic laughter, deep breathing, laughter meditation, and guided visualization to promote an overall sense of well-being.

Managing Life with Cancer (Interactive Education Sessions)

• Being Active

• Reimagining Life Beyond Cancer

• Brain Strength and Sleep Strategies

• Eating Well

Mindfulness (Kelowna)

• This program offers practical instruction and experiential learning of mindfulness practices that can help reduce stress and improve mood. Learn how to engage the mind-body connection. 

Movement Therapy Group

• The Movement Therapy Group, through circuit and chair programs, help to improve fatigue, manage side effects, and make you feel better during and after cancer treatments.

Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program (Kelowna)

• The Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) program is a comprehensive survivorship program for prostate cancer patients, their partners and family. This program offers group education sessions and 1:1 clinical appointments for topics like treatment decisions, sexual health, androgen deprivation therapy, bladder concerns, counseling, nutrition, and exercise.

Relaxation (Kelowna)

• Relaxation skills can help with the effects of stress. This free weekly group is open to patients, their family members and support persons.

Inspire Health – Kelowna

#123-565 Bernard Ave (2nd Floor, The District)

Kelowna, BC, V1Y 8R4

Phone 250.861.7125

Fax 250.861.7107

Info-kel@inspirehealth.ca

InspireHealth is a not-for-profit supportive cancer care organization approved by the BC Ministry of Health. Since 1997, they have provided programs and services to enhance quality of life, health and well-being of people living with cancer and their families. Their rehabilitation services support and educate people during and after cancer treatment. They offer practical and personalized exercise therapy, stress management, nutrition and counselling services. You will be required to sign up as an InspireHealth Member (patient or support person).

This organization, through Online Canada, also provides “Zoom” video teleconferencing access to medical guidance, classes and programs online, through webinars and “virtual visits”, removing the need to travel to Kelowna to receive services.

Learn more about the online classes and program schedule offered by InspireHealth.

All programs and services from both of these organizations are free of charge and are created to fulfill the need for Psychosocial cancer care and to complement traditional medical practices. Through cancer wellness programs, participants receive personal support, gain coping mechanisms, discover additional alternatives, and become better educated about their specific illness.

Cancer Wellness Programs allow you to gain more control of your life, find strength, reduce feelings of isolation, and foster hope, as you continue through your journey.