Programs & Services

Reducing the Risk

About

Breast Cancer

Information for survivors

Programs for women living with breast cancer

Health information for risk & recurrance

Welcome....

Serving the

Greater Hamilton

& Halton Regions

Community Support

How to support BCSS and our survivors

Breast Cancer -- any cancer for that matter -- changes one’s life. It brings new priorities, responsibilities and a host of fears and concerns for everyone involved. But coping with the disease can be made somewhat easier by using some of the holistic Energy Medicine techniques for spiritual healing and to improve emotional, physical and intellectual well-being.

Energy Medicine is a term used for holistic healing therapies that are focused on working with life force energy to bring about balance and wellness. Some energy-based modalities involve practitioners using hand-on techniques. Other therapies involve non-touch or absential treatments.

At Breast Cancer Support Services we understand the need for compassion and support and we offer many coping strategies and holistic therapies to guide you through this challenging time in you life.

Therapies offered at Breast Cancer Support Services:

Reiki - Reiki means universal life energy. It is an ancient laying-on of hands healing technique that uses life force energy to heal, balancing the subtle energies within our bodies.

Reflexology - using firm pressure on the hands or feet, we focus on specific reflexes that affect all parts, glands and organs of the body. Relaxation with the removal of stress is the first priority followed by enhanced circulation. The results allow the body to experience physiological changes that will incorporate the automatic process of the body to begin healing.

Meditation - Meditation can reduce blood pressure, improve mood, relieve pain and stress. Group meditation is often easier for the beginner, as the facilitator will suggest guided imagery to assist in the meditation.

Therapeutic Touch - is an energy field modality that uses the hands as a focus to facilitate the healing process. The intent is to enable people to re-pattern their energy field toward wholeness and health, thereby enhancing the client’s own ability to heal.

Yoga - The word Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word "Yuj" meaning to yoke, join or unite. This implies joining or integrating all aspects of the individual - body with mind and mind with soul - to achieve a happy, balanced and useful life, and spiritually, uniting the individual with the supreme. Studies have shown that Yoga can improve stress-levels and increase your sense of well-being.

Tai Chi - Tai Chi is an ancient system of slowly flowing movements and shifts of balance that strengthens, increases range of motion, improves balance and body awareness. Some of the benefits of practicing Tai Chi include increased oxygen uptake and utilization (more efficient breathing), reduced blood pressure, increased bone density, increased strength and range of motion of joints, reduced levels of stress hormones during and after practice, improved immune function and heightened mood states.

Massage - is offered to our clients through the Trillium College School of Massage. Periodically throughout the year, they arrange a day of sessions for the students to help breast cancer survivors through the relaxation of massage therapy.

No one understand your journey with breast cancer quite like another who is making the same journey. Visit our once-a-month support groups for laughter, support, understanding, and sharing.

Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group is designed for women 40 and over, in various stages of treatment for breast cancer. They meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm

Young Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group is a group for women 45 and under, or with children still at home. Also having women in various stages of treatment, this group has more emphasis on family and job-related issues. They meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.

The Advanced & Metastatic Breast Cancer Group, is a discussion group for women living with metastatic disease. This is an afternoon coffee group offering exerience, support and hope. This group meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 1:00pm.

Friends & Family Breast Cancer Support Group is a group designed for family and friends (over 17 please) giving support to someone living with a breast cancer diagnosis. This group has caregiver experience, and discussions around supporting a loved one with breast cancer. They meet on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00pm.

“Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterwards.”

- Vernon Sanders Law

Holistic Therapies...

All holistic therapies performed at BCSS are done by certified volunteers. We truly appreciate their time and dedication, and their willingness to assist our ladies in their journey.

Reiki Masters

Jo-Anne Stevens
Essential Wellness Centre

Linda McLenachan

Yvonne Kato

Madeleine Marques

Reflexology practitioners

Bonnie Smith,
Soul’s Journey

Meditation guides

Debra Harding,
Sacred Vibrations

Therapeutic Touch practitioners

Connie Price

Yoga masters

Christine Ferguson

Tai Chi instructors

Cheryl Carter

Massage Therapists

Trillium College School of Massage