Cancer Care Clinic

The Cancer Care Clinic team treats patients with a range of cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Gastrointestinal cancers
• Bone cancer

You may also be considered to participate in a clinical trial. Our researchers use clinical trials to develop and test the newest cancer treatments.

Our clinic features a systemic treatment suite, where we provide outpatient chemotherapy, as well as consultation rooms for physician and nurse visits.

Our team-based approach gives you access to experts working together across medical and surgical oncology, nursing, social work, nutrition, psychiatry, genetic counselling, clinical trials and supportive and palliative care.

What to expect

Your first appointment

When you arrive, please check in at the front desk in the reception area. Our receptionist will greet you, answer questions about your visit and provide you with any special instructions.

Please show your health card (OHIP) or any other insurance coverage you have.

You will complete the Your Symptoms Matter screening at each visit before you meet with a medical oncologist or oncology nurse.

During your first appointment, you will meet with an oncologist, a physician who specializes in treating cancer, for a consultation. The oncologist may examine you and talk about your results from other treatments or medical tests. The oncologist will explain your treatment options and the benefits and side effects of each.

You may also see a nurse who will take your blood pressure and heart rate, and may measure your height and weight. Depending on your needs, you may meet with other health-care professionals such as a dietitian or social worker.

At the end of your first appointment, you will receive information about any necessary next appointments required for your treatment plan.

Treatment day

You may be asked to have some blood taken by the nurse or lab technician at the start of your visit to the clinic. Your physician will review your blood results and will confirm what treatments are needed.

You may receive chemotherapy in the treatment room if it is part of your care plan.

You can bring one support person with you. They can sit with you during chemotherapy and come with you to your other appointments. There is also a food court on the main floor of the hospital if they would like to take a break.

Your nurse will provide you with important instructions about how to continue your care at home. 

What to bring

• Health (OHIP) card
• Any private benefits information
• Hospital card  
• A list of your current medications, herbal remedies or vitamin supplements (prescription or non-prescription). Be sure to update your nurse and doctor if you have had any changes with the medications that you are taking
• A list of your current physicians and their contact information
• Any recent test results you have received  
• Your completed patient health questionnaire, if applicable  
• Contact information for your pharmacy
• Wear clothing that allows you to roll your sleeves for treatment or blood work. If you have a Port, wear a top with buttons.
• A list of questions you want to ask  
• A support person, if desired  
• A notepad and pen to write down important information
• Snacks, drinks and something to help pass the time, like a book or a tablet with headphones 

Your in-clinic care

Depending on your needs, you may see a wide-range of health-care providers while in our clinic. Besides oncology nurses and medical and surgical oncologists, you may also see:

• Oncology dietitians: who specialize in helping patients manage their symptoms with diet
• Oncology social workers: who are trained to help patients and their families navigate practical supports, emotional supports and counselling
• Psychiatrists: who focuses on both the mental and social effects of patients undergoing diagnosis and treatment for cancer
• Palliative care physicians: who support patients and families by managing symptoms, navigating resources in the community and providing psychosocial care

See the full list of the Cancer care team, who work together to provide comprehensive care > 
 

How to access our services

You need a referral from a physician to be seen at the Cancer Care Clinic. Visit our referral criteria for more information.