Care close to home

Road leading out of town.
Tuesday, January 26, 2016

There are some things you have to leave town for... cancer care shouldn't be one of them. 

Learning that you have cancer is a difficult experience. For many, having family and friends close by for support is crucial to managing and understanding the days, weeks or months ahead. It can help to have someone accompany you to your appointments, do your grocery shopping, assist with your daily chores, or just share a cup of coffee and lend an ear. Cancer care close to home means you can be at home in your own bed when you aren't feeling well. And that can make all the difference. 

Not having to travel to a larger centre for cancer care can also result in a substantial cost saving. Care close to home can reduce the cost of travel, parking, accommodation, child care, and/or time off work.

The London Regional Cancer Program works in partnership with a number of health care providers throughout the region to provide patients with options for care in their own community hospital. Cancer treatment delivered in community partner hospitals aligns with quality standards established by Cancer Care Ontario, and is prescribed and managed by oncology specialists in London. Depending on the treatment plan outlined by the oncologist, patients may be able to have their treatment in their own community, administered by local nurses and physicians who are trained in cancer care. No matter where care is delivered in the region, patients can rest assured that they are receiving the highest quality cancer care. 

WATCH as patients share their experiences of cancer care close to home.

Patients are encouraged to talk to their oncologist or physician to determine whether cancer care close to home may be an option.