Alberta Cancer Centre celebrates success of locally developed program

A Calgary based cancer centre is being praised for a new program to help patients overcome severe distress associated with their illness.

The Tom Baker Cancer Centre, serving Southern Alberta, has launched a program called Screening for Distress. It helps screen cancer patients for sidebar issues that could impact their overall well being.

Linda Watson is the Lead of Person-Centred Care Integration for Alberta Health Services.

“While the physical symptoms of cancer are routinely addressed with medical treatment, the psychosocial and practical impact of the disease can go unattended. Screening for Distress allows the patient to identify issues so meaningful support can be provided across the entire cancer journey.”

Here is how the program works:

• Patients complete questionnaires throughout their cancer treatment
• Frontline staff develop an action plan to address feelings like sadness, anxiety, vulnerability, or depression

Alberta Health Services found fewer cancer patients experienced severe distress thanks to the program. A recent evaluation assessed more than 1,000 patients and discovered more than half reported emotional improvements.

“The program has helped to change the approach of health care professionals and how we treat our patients,” said Watson. “It opens up meaningful conversations, allowing patients to talk with front-line staff about what is causing them the most distress.”

Meredith Hodges is one patient who credits the program for helping to improve her marriage.

“The screening talk allowed me to open up about the distress I was feeling. The nurse I spoke with knew how to help and she recommended a program that was right for me and my situation,” said Hodges.

“It helped me understand my own situation and brought me closer to my husband, and he to me. We were ready to face the world again as just the two of us, in a much closer way.”

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The program is funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation and was first endorsed locally by a team led by Dr. Barry Bultz in 1990. It is now used by dozens of organizations around the world and is considered a global standard of care.

**Distress is classified as an unpleasant emotional experience ranging from vulnerability and sadness, to disabling problems, such as anxiety and depression. It can also include eating difficulties, fatigue, financial worries or family concerns (source: Alberta Health Services).