Cancer Care Programs - Frequently asked questions
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What is InspireHealth?
InspireHealth is a world leader in cancer care. We are Canada's only government-funded integrated cancer care centre. Since 1997, our well-established program has served over 6,000 cancer patients. Working with the BC Cancer Agency, we provide the best cancer care possible.
We work with and inspire cancer patients to live healthy, joyous, and passionate lives. By helping them to fully engage body, mind and spirit, we assist in creating the conditions for healing to occur. How do we do this? By offering classes on joy, passion, nutrition, the importance of emotional support, exercise and meditation, along with personal medical consultations to help patients create an individualized Life Enhancing Health Plan. What do you do?
Our medical doctors "guide" patients in creating an individualized Life Enhancing Health Plan. Our integrated medical model, which engages people in their own care, improves quality of life and helps to reduce the likelihood of cancer recurrence.What is different about InspireHealth?
We encourage empowerment and inspiration. We promote simple, inexpensive lifestyle changes and activities that cancer patients can easily adopt. Well-researched information and practical suggestions are offered to enable people to sustain a healthy lifestyle and to support healing.Where are you located?
Our Vancouver centre is located at:
#200—1330 West 8th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V6H 4A6
Phone: 604.734.7125
Toll Free: 1.888.734.7125
Fax: 604.734.7105
Email: info@inspirehealth.ca
Click here for a map.We are opening five new centres – in Victoria (September 2011), Kelowna (November 2011), Abbotsford (January 2012) and Prince George (September 2012), in addition to a virtual centre those not able to visit one of our centres. Stay tuned for more information.
Are the doctors at InspireHealth general practitioners or oncologists?
The InspireHealth doctors are trained as family doctors and have a special interest in integrative cancer care. The InspireHealth doctors are an addition to the patient's own general practitioner and oncologist, not replacements.What does InspireHealth think of chemotherapy, radiation, and other conventional treatments?
Our services complement treatments that patients may already be receiving. Personal choice and autonomy are encouraged, supported, and honoured and patients are encouraged to play an active role in their own treatment choices and recovery program.Is there communication between oncologists and other medical doctors and my InspireHealth physician?
Yes. Upon request, we send an initial letter to your physicians and we are happy to connect with other physicians as needed.Who can participate in InspireHealth's programs?
Anyone who has had a conventional diagnosis of cancer, currently or in the past, can participate in InspireHealth’s programs. The programs are designed for adults age 16 and older. No referral necessary for Canadian residents in or out of province.How do I make an appointment to see one of the doctors?
Seeing a doctor is easy! Simply call 604.734.7125 to book an appointment today.What is the LIFE Program and how can I sign up?
This innovative, two-day educational and experiential program is facilitated by InspireHealth medical doctors and staff. The program teaches approaches for integrating mind, body and spirit into cancer care to promote optimal health and healing. Our Foundations of Health and Healing explore fitness, rest, relaxation, healthy nutrition, and stress reduction. As a patient, you and your family will engage in an integrated whole person approach to cancer care empowering you to make choices about your care and quality of life.
The LIFE Program runs every two weeks on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Participation in the LIFE program is included in your InspireLIFE membership. If you are not a member, the program costs $445 for an individual with a diagnosis of cancer and $95 for a support person. Fees are waived for patients on Medical Service Plan Premium Assistance. Bursaries are also available for those in financial need. To register call 604.734.7125 extension 221.What can I do if I do not have the energy to attend the program?
We try to make our patients as comfortable as possible during the program by providing mats, blankets, and pillows. Many of our patients attend the program with a support person to assist them or to take notes.
In the event that a patient is unable to attend the program, a support person is more than welcome to attend the program on their behalf. If sections of the program are missed due to illness or conflicting appointments, please ask our Administrative Support Staff for details regarding covering the missed information by calling 604.734.7125 extension 221.
If you have a cold or the flu on the program days, please re-book for a later date as we may have participants with compromised immune systems attending.Can I become a patient at InspireHealth without going through the LIFE Program?
YesDo I need a referral to participate and what is the fee for seeing the doctor?
No referral is necessary to see a medical doctor and InspireHealth is free-of-charge to those with a valid Provincial Health Card.How do I access the services of the Associate Practitioners?
Inspirehealth Associate Practitioners are private practitioners, and are fee-for-service. They are accessible to patients and family members and friends.I want to get started with my self-care now.
Can I attend classes and see an Associate Practitioner before I do the LIFE Program and see a doctor? Absolutely, once you have registered for the LIFE Program, you are welcome to attend both our Inspirational Core Health Classes and our fee-based classes. Appointments with our Associate Practitioners can be arranged anytime.I'm from out-of-town or out of province, how do I stay in touch?
We offer in-review medical follow-ups with your InspireHealth physician over the phone and you are welcome to participate in our programs in person when you are in town. In fact, some of our patients book extra time for themselves to come to Vancouver and participate in our classes, follow up with their physician and see one of our Associate Practitioners. Many of our patients stay in touch with each other to share information about their care.Are support people welcome to attend InspireHealth's programs?
Yes! Support people may attend the LIFE Program, In Support (Support Persons' Group), meditation classes and all of our fee-based classes. For all other InspireHealth classes, priority is given to cancer patients. Please call ahead for space availability.Do you have access to new research?
Yes, we provide members with free monthly research updates. Our research updates are created from our Research Information System, which searches medical databases worldwide for the latest in integrative cancer care research. Please contact our Clinical Librarian at 604.734.7125 extension 238 to sign up.
If you have any questions about our website, please feel free to call our Administrative Healing Support Staff 604.734.7125 extension 221.
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Latest News
VANCOUVER – On June 6th, 2011 the BC Government announced they are funding the expansion of five new Integrative cancer care centres across BC, including a virtual one in Vancouver to serve rural and remote parts of the province.
Upcoming Events
- November 25th
Ongoing Events
Fireside Chat
Every Monday 3:00pm-4:00pm.
Free group chats with one of our medical doctors to learn more about us and about our programs, classes, and philosophy, etc. No appointment needed, just come visit us.
Every two weeks, we hold this innovative two-day education and experiental program which is facilitated by InspireHealth medical doctors and staff. Find out more.
