Peer Support Group

BCA’s Peer Support Program

Sometimes, you may feel completely alone and maybe even misunderstood by your family and friends during your cancer experience. When it happens, it can feel unsettling and isolating, but it is understandable. For those days when it seems like the people who care for you and love you just “don’t get it”, BCA can help connect you with someone who has been through a similar cancer diagnosis who does.

“On January 6, I was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation in 2018.  I knew that this time I would be losing my breast.  I was devastated.  I could not understand why the cancer came back.  My youngest daughter suggested that I get in touch with Breast Cancer Action.  I did.  It was the right thing to do.  A peer support volunteer got in touch with me.   We talked on the phone.  What a compassionate person!  She listened.  She let me cry and talk about my fears.  In her simple, quiet way, she provided me with the courage to face my new journey.  She didn’t have all the answers, but she made me feel that it was ok to have good days and bad days.  I know that I am not the only one going through this but sometimes you do feel all alone.  I have a wonderful family and great friends who have been there for me, but they haven’t had breast cancer.   Speaking with someone who has gone through a similar experience makes all the difference. Thank you for being there for me”!

– Lyne

In addition to its individual peer support program, we meet in person for sessions. Once registered, you will receive emails letting you know when the sessions are taking place.

How BCA’s Peer Support Program works

When you receive your diagnosis, and when you meet with your oncology surgeon and their staff, you will receive a heartfelt pillow along with a postcard letting you know about our programs.

You’ll be told that you can call BCA at 613-736-5921 to register as a newly diagnosed member. BCA sponsors your membership for your diagnosis year to make sure that you have full access to our programs. Check out the rest of our programs here:  https://bcaott.ca/wellness-programs/ 

Once you do call, you will be registered and asked for some information that will help us partner you with one of our peer support volunteers. When you are registered, you will be matched with a trained volunteer (peer) who has firsthand experience with breast cancer. Your match can be determined by age, type of diagnosis, gender (if requested) or the issue that is most concerning to you. Anyone with breast cancer can connect with a peer who’s been there

Once that initial connection is made, you control the next steps. You can either opt to meet with them in person, only once or numerous times. You are in complete control of your peer support experience.

Our peer support volunteers also speak many languages. Please let us know your preferred language and we will do our best to match you with someone who speaks this language. If not, we can provide support French in English.

A BCA peer support volunteer is a cancer survivor. As a peer, they are trained to listen and offer a deep level of understanding and insight by sharing their own experience. Talking to a peer can reassure you about what’s ahead.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Peer Support Program (MBC)

Our MBC peer led support group is a place to connect with others who are also living with Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) and may be going through similar experiences. It is a safe place to express feelings among others who understand what you’re going through and can give you a sense of acceptance through sharing common experiences. Everything that is said in the group is confidential. Although there are no medical professionals or professionals of any type in the group, many members have had similar experiences and can offer valuable information on what to expect along your unexpected journey. They can answer questions and offer advice and encouragement. The group can help ease the feelings of isolation that can separate you from well-meaning but anxious family members and friends.

Phone: 613.736.5921
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Breast Cancer Action Ottawa