Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program

02/03/2026

Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with cancer?

If so — we see you. We see the shock, the worry, the questions that keep you up at night. A cancer diagnosis shakes your world in ways you never expected, and navigating it can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re the one facing the diagnosis or you’re standing beside someone you love, this journey brings up emotions, fears, hopes, and so many what-ifs.

We want to remind you that you are not alone.

Everyone’s experience is different, but there are some shared truths many of us learn along the way:

🌱 It’s okay to feel all the feels. Angry. Sad. Confused. Scared. Hopeful. Every single one is valid.
🌱 Give yourself permission to take it one day, one moment at a time. You don’t need to have all the answers right now.
🌱 Ask questions. Ask them again. Ask them loudly. Your voice matters in your care.
🌱 Lean on support — friends, family, professionals, online communities, support groups. Strength isn’t only internal — it’s collective.
🌱 You deserve to be heard, respected, and involved in decisions about your treatment and care.

Need to talk to a Social Worker? Call or ask your Care Team about a referral today.

If you’re wondering how to advocate for yourself or a loved one during cancer treatment, this resource is a great place to start:
👉 https://cancer.ca/en/about-us/stories/2025/advocating-for-yourself-during-your-cancer-treatment

Need some assistance advocating for your care? Swipe to learn more about our Patient Advocates here at Windsor Regional Hospital.

💬 Take a moment to share your experience below if you feel comfortable — what’s helped you most? What advice would you give someone newly diagnosed? Let’s build a space of understanding, compassion, and strength together. 💛

02/02/2026

Continuing on our education journey to World Cancer Day on Feb 4th, we wanted to talk about the importance of quitting smoking—even after a cancer diagnosis.
 
Quitting can improve treatment outcomes, recovery, and overall well-being. At the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre, we’re here to support our Cancer Centre patients through every step.
 
Interested in learning how to quit? Swipe through to learn about the STOP (Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients) program which offers counselling support and Ni****ne Replacement Therapy (NRT) (patch, gum, inhaler, lozenge) at no cost to people who want to quit or reduce their use of commercial tobacco/nicotine products.
 
You can also visit the link below to learn more about smoking cessation and the STOP program at the Windsor Regional Cancer Centre:
https://www.wrh.on.ca/CancerProgramQuitSmoking

02/01/2026

February is Gallbladder & Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month — a time to shine a light on these rare but serious cancers that often go unnoticed.

Know the symptoms:
* Persistent abdominal pain
* Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
* Unexplained weight loss
* Nausea
* Fever
* Changes in stool or urine color

Early detection saves lives. Let’s raise awareness, support those affected, and continue advocating for better cancer care in our region. 💛🎗️

02/01/2026

Continuing on our education journey to World Cancer Day on Feb 4th, let’s talk about the importance of Your Symptoms Matter.

Created by Ontario Health, the Your Symptoms Matter questionnaire helps you tell your Care Team about how you are feeling.
 
Why should I complete this questionnaire?
Report and review your symptoms with your Care Team. Your Care Team can then make decisions on how to best manage your symptoms.
 
When should I complete it?
* Every oncologist appointment
* Systemic treatment appointment, every 30 days unless symptoms change
* Every Palliative Physician appointment
* Radiation therapy appointments, every 30 days unless symptoms change
 
How do I complete it?
Online at isaac.ontariohealth.ca or scan the QR Code or complete in person.

01/31/2026

Continuing on our education journey to World Cancer Day on Feb 4th, we wanted to share some information on what cancer screening is and the importance of getting screened if you are eligible.

Swipe through to learn about the eligibility criteria and how to get screened for the 3 cancer screening programs offered here in the Erie St. Clair region!

01/30/2026

The team at Look Good Feel Better are gearing up to host their new Feel Better Series online session: Coping with Fear and Worry on February 11th at 7:30pm. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sophie Lebel will share practical guidance and strategies to help you manage anxiety before, during, and after cancer.

To register for this session, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2GJX6bxUQbiqt95Ie7WviA #/registration

Also, swipe left to view the ONLINE workshops supporting those facing cancer (English and French):

• Skincare & Cosmetics
• Wigs & Hair Alternatives
• Breast Prostheses, Bras & More
• Men’s
• Teens

And their team has already been gathering in 2026 at their in-person Skincare & Cosmetics Workshops, which provides an opportunity for patients to connect, providing psychosocial support. For a list of dates and locations, visit https://lgfb.ca/in-person-workshop-locations/.

01/30/2026

Continuing on our education journey to World Cancer Day on Feb 4th, we wanted to share some meaningful feedback from patients and care partners of loved ones who have received cancer care across our region. These individuals generously shared their experiences, reflections, and insights — and we want to take a moment to share them with you.

No two cancer journeys are the same. Each diagnosis, treatment path, and experience is deeply personal. Hearing from others who have walked this path can offer reassurance, perspective, and guidance — whether you are newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or further along in your journey. Learning from the experiences of others helps foster understanding, compassion, and connection, and reminds us that no one has to navigate cancer alone.

🎥 We invite you to watch this powerful video sharing patient and care partner’s lived experiences here:
👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/16rPODmCRIIgHzF-iVc8LQQreFBny_c8q/view

At the Erie St. Clair Regional Cancer Program, listening to patient and care partner voices is essential to shaping the care we provide.

Informed by this feedback and our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, we recently developed our 4-year Strategic Plan, which outlines our priorities and actions to strengthen cancer care, enhance patient experience, and ensure care remains person-centred, equitable, and responsive to the needs of our communities. If you would like to review our plan, please visithttps://www.wrh.on.ca/uploads/Cancer/ESC%20RCP%20Stategic%20Plan%202024-2028.pdf

Together, by listening, learning, and acting on what matters most to patients and families, we can continue to improve cancer care across our region.

💛 Thank you to all those who shared their stories and helped guide meaningful change.

01/29/2026

With World Cancer Day coming up on February 4th, we’re taking time to address common cancer myths vs. facts. 💡

Access to accurate, evidence-based information matters. Swipe through to learn more and help spread awareness.

01/28/2026

01/23/2026

Cervical cancer screening saves lives!

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, take a moment for your health—book your HPV test and encourage someone you care about to do the same.

Don’t have a primary care provider? Scan the QR code above or visit https://ocean.cognisantmd.com/intake/IntakePortal.html?eReqRef=c47aa168-4630-4082-a406-26ca8bd3ca18

Early detection makes all the difference.

01/19/2026