A Guide to Coping with Gynecological Cancer
- Contents
Places to Go & People to Call
Gynecological Cancer and Endometriosis Network
Adelaide Resource Centre For Women(416) 392-9282 fax:(416) 392-9238
67 Adelaide Street East
2nd Floor, Health Centre
Toronto, ON M5C 1K6
Resources, discussion, support, sharing ideas, community contacts; workshops on women's cancers, endometriosis and related issues; drop-in cancer support group.
Wellspring (416) 961-1928
81 Wellesley Street East
Toronto, ON M4Y 1H6
Wellspring is an innovative and creative approach to the overall care of people living with cancer and their families. Wellspring provides support programs and services, opportunities for the development of self-help skills, education of health care professionals, access to a wide variety of information, and evaluation and research on the role of supportive care. Wellspring offers a Gynecological Cancer Support Group. A facilitator leads the group of women with gynecological cancers (i.e., cervical, ovarian, vulva, etc.). The group meets once a month. Individuals drop in to share their cancer experience with other women in a similar situation.
Corinne Boyer Fund (416) 496-6200 fax:(416) 971-6888 (416) 971-9800 x1321
620 University Avenue
Toronto, ON M5G 2L7
The Corinne Boyer Fund works to improve prevention, early detection and treatment of ovarian cancer. The fund started an Ovarian Cancer Support Group. Through discussions and the sharing of information, a facilitator leads a group of women with ovarian cancer. The group meets monthly at Wellspring (see above). For more information contact Debra at (416) 462-1657 or Wellspring at (416) 961-1928.
If no one is available in your community who has experienced the same cancer and with whom you feel comfortable talking about your illness,
CancerConnection will help you connect by phone to someone in another community. The Canadian Cancer Society's telephone support service matches you to trained volunteers who have had a similar experience. Call 1-800-263-6750.
Other Cancer Support Centres, the Canadian Cancer Society and some Regional Cancer Centres offer support groups and libraries for people with cancer.
Call the Cancer Information Service (number below) or check out their web site: www.ontario.cancer.ca (click on Community Resources, type "support group" and put in your postal code) for support in your area.
Through its toll-free line,1-888-939-3333, the Cancer Information Service
provides information on cancer risk, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and supportive care, and offers written materials. Services provided in English and French, 1pm to 6pm Monday to Friday
DES Action
D.E.S. Action Canada web site: www.web.net/~desact
DES Action is an organization for women exposed to the drug DES, (Diethylstilbestrol) during pregnancy, and their children.
Support and Education Program for Infertility and Related Reproductive Issues
Regional Women's Health Centre (416) 351-3721
790 Bay Street, 8th Floor (416) 351-3727 fax
Toronto, ON M5G 1N9
At the same site, a Women's Health Resource Centre: (416) 351-3716
Consumer Health Information Services
Toronto Reference Library 1-800-667-1999
3rd Floor, 789 Yonge Street Toronto, ON M4W 2G8
If you live in Toronto, call for an appointment: 393-7056
Provides both a walk-in service and a toll free telephone service for those outside of Toronto. Makes subject files, databases and Internet access available to gather information about specific health issues. Custom packages can be sent to your home.
Canada Pension Plan 1-800-277-9914
Income Security Program
PO Box 5100, Stn. D.
Scarborough, ON M1R 5C8
Call in advance for an appointment.
Organizations that can help you, if you are starting a gynecological cancer support group in your area:
Willow: Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services
1-888-778-3100
