Oncology

The Oncology Program believes in a high standard of care delivered in a seamless, sensitive and compassionate manner. Every person diagnosed with cancer will have the benefit of assessment by an expert multidisciplinary team at a disease site specific clinic where decisions about management can be made on the basis of evidence based practice guidelines. Patients will also have the benefit of receiving treatment as close to home as possible when appropriate. Best practices for all disciplines will be employed in all sites to ensure equitable and exemplary service in a single program- multiple site model.

The Oncology Program’s primary ties are to the Child Health Program, Medicine Program, Family Medicine Program, the Palliative Care Program and the Women’s Health Program.

Program sites include:

Oncology Clinics at two Community Hospitals – The Community Hospital Oncology Clinics consist of clinical units at the Grace and Victoria General Hospitals. The Oncology Units are responsible for providing comprehensive cancer care services for patients experiencing malignant and non-malignant, haematological and related diseases.

Co-ordinated, comprehensive, interdisciplinary care is provided by a team, which consists of the oncologist, registered nurses, allied health professionals, support staff and volunteers. This interdisciplinary team works to provide individualized care for patients and families requiring treatment for their disease and information, education and counseling designed to assist them in coping with the disease and treatment process. Care is patient and family centred, accessible and resource efficient; care is ensured on a continuum, from diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, rehabilitation to palliation; cancer care is provided in a holistic manner focusing on the patient’s needs, well being, learning and growth.

Health Sciences Centre Adult Oncology/BMT Unit GD6 – This 19 bed inpatient unit provides treatment for acute leukemia, lymphoma and the inpatient component of blood and marrow transplantation.

Subprograms of the Oncology program include:

Breast Health Strategy – The Breast Health Centre, a rapid diagnosis and referral centre was established in 1999 at 400 Tache for people at risk or suspecting breast cancer. Surgeons, Radiologists and other health professionals who work together to rapidly diagnosis and establish a treatment plan, support this program.

The Breast Health Centre services consist of:

• Diagnostic Clinic consisting of surgeons, nurses, radiologists and radiology technologists that perform primary assessment, mammography, ultrasound, stereotactic and open biopsy and providing information and support.
• Lymphedema Treatment provided for by a Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) Therapist/Physiotherapist who perform an assessment, lymphatic massage, skincare and exercise, compression sleeve and bandaging and follow-up.
• Hereditary Breast Cancer Clinic consisting of geneticists, genetic counselors and laboratory technicians who provide education, counseling, risk assessment gene testing, screening recommendations and links to other support services.

Manitoba Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Program

The MBMT Program provides blood and marrow transplants for between 50 – 55 cases (adults & children) per year. The program provides patients requiring transplantation with ambulatory services, and related patient services such as apheresis and stem cell processing at CancerCare Manitoba and inpatient services at Health Sciences Centre on GD6 for adults and CK5 for children.