Provincial Highlights

Aside from many similarities, each province has particular characteristics and dynamics. These differences among provincial initiatives are as diverse as the populations they serve, the regions they cover and the agencies established to provide services. Listed below is a snap-shot of some of the unique qualities which may impact on the development of community-based self-help initiatives.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is the only province which has a Breast Cancer Network acting as an umbrella organization. Part of the Network's mandate is to help set up breast cancer support groups. It carries out advocacy and administrative functions on behalf of breast cancer support groups. Its incorporation as a charitable, non-profit organization allows it to fundraise and issue receipts. The Network's Board of Directors is made up of survivors and representatives of breast cancer support groups.

There are also independent support groups in Saint John, Fredericton and in Moncton, where a fledgling group has started.

New Brunswick is unique in having established a Provincial Cancer Services Advisory Committee whose role is to advise the Minister of Health and Community Services on how best to improve cancer services. Representatives from the Regional Cancer Services Committees of each of the 7 Regional Hospital Corporations sit on the Provincial Committee. The Committee is currently in its final phase of developing recommendations for the Minister's consideration based upon a province-wide consultation process. CCS-NB lobbied to help establish the Committees and has representatives on both the provincial and regional bodies. Breast cancer survivors and other stakeholders have also been involved in the process.

These consultations and subsequent background documents have recognized and addressed the social support needs of patients as part of the continuum of cancer services. The process has served to legitimize the role of support groups and survivors in the healing process.

Each of the province's Breast Screening Centres has a multi-sectoral approach and employs a nurse whose specific role is to provide support and information to women screened through the Centres. They provide one-on-one support and women can call them for follow-up support. Discussions are currently underway in regards to the development of a Breast Cancer Centre in Saint John which would provide integrated services and support at one location to women diagnosed with breast cancer.

Prince Edward Island

The Island is relatively small which lends itself to groups working together. Most of the cancer activists and organizations know each other and work cooperatively. The Atlantic Breast Cancer Information Project (ABCIP) is located in the CCS-PEI Division building, facilitating interaction and sharing of information. The PEI Survivor Network regularly brings together 25 women at its meetings, and has a membership of approximately 65 from around the province.

The question of referral from the medical system to support groups does not seem to be a major issue in Prince Edward Island. The CCS was able to reach almost all of the women diagnosed with breast cancer through their Reach to Recovery program.

Other examples of collaboration include the very successful fundraising campaign led by the Women's Institute to purchase a diagnostic stereotactic mammography unit for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown. Extensive collaboration at the community-level involved church groups, community groups, schools, businesses, media, etc.

A well-developed Health Education Resource Centre (HERC), Women's Network and Self-Help Clearing House on the Island are also involved in education and training activities. Both the Self-Help Clearing House and HERC maintain current data-bases on resources and programs in the province as well as a 1-800 number.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has the largest number of independent support groups although there are none in the African Nova Scotian, Acadian or First Nation communities. Independent support groups exist in Halifax, Sydney Mines, New Glasgow and Windsor. In addition, Covenant Place, a registered, non-profit Christian centre in Chezzetcook provides support and information to women, as well as family and friends, dealing with breast cancer.

The involvement of Reach to Recovery volunteers has been critical in some places where the CCS has developed a hand-in-hand relationship with the independent groups.

An innovative initiative by a group of women from the New Glasgow area during the past year has been the hosting of a one day breast cancer survivor day at the Tim Horton's camp at Tatamagouche. There are plans to expand it to a two day event this year. It offers a wide variety of programs and activities.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia released a Plan for Action in 1996 to develop a cancer management strategy for the province. This was tabled due to a delay in hiring a commissioner. It is hoped that the development of a province wide strategy will resume in the fall of 1998.

The Pink Rose Project was established with the goal of having doctors provide essential information in the form of "The Intelligent Patient's Guide to Breast Cancer" to all women upon diagnosis. The Project has received support from a number of partners. While its success on a province-wide level has been uneven and depends upon the degree of "buy-in" from doctors, it is a much-needed and potentially very important resource.

Another initiative offering a range of information to women at the time of diagnosis is the Women Alike Support Group. The costs of some materials and books are covered by a contribution from the Kinettes. Women Alike extends its support to up to 60 women from the Pictou-New Glasgow area.

Newfoundland/Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador have no formal, independent face-to-face breast cancer support groups. Their vast territory and sparse populations have meant that the mainstay of support to women with breast cancer has been the informal type: "Lend an ear. Lend a hand." Women have received, and continue to count on, the support of family, neighbours, the community health nurse.

However, Memorial University in conjunction with the CCS has developed a very innovative provincial audio-teleconferencing network to facilitate a support network for breast cancer survivors. It is operated through the Telemedicine Centre of Memorial University providing over 200 teleconference sites throughout the province. This creative use of technology allows women throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to meet every two weeks. The facilitated teleconference sessions involve up to 30 women and family members at a time.

Another unique resource is the on-line Breast Cancer Discussion List hosted by Memorial University. This computer-based discussion group welcomes anyone with an interest in breast cancer. While based in Newfoundland, it has the participation of survivors and their family members from around the world.

The CCS has merged its Reach to Recovery with CanSurmount to better respond to women's needs. A large number of participants in the CCS's CanSurmount are women with breast cancer.

The main cancer treatment facility in St. John's, the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre has been exploring ways of providing supports to patients. It offers women undergoing treatment showings of "Taking Control", a video and slide program produced by AMGEM-Canada. In response to the video's favourable reception, the Cancer Centre is exploring its use province-wide.

An interesting and successful project in the Western Region has been the "Cervical Screening Initiative: A Well Women's Approach". Its overall purpose has been to encourage pap tests in a region which has traditionally had very high levels of women who have not had them. The implementation of this Health Canada sponsored pilot project has entailed a massive community mobilization, involving women's organizations, Women's Institutes, the Orange Lodge, Anglican Church women, Good Samaritans, the Codroy Valley Association, etc. As well as incorporating a dynamic recruitment strategy to engage community organizations, the Cervical Screening Initiative effectively worked with the press and conducted public education sessions. The Initiative is moving into its third phase. Ongoing success of the Cervical Screening Initiative may, in the future, provide opportunities for its expansion to also incorporate breast screening.

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