Patients who are referred to a cancer centre will be mailed an invitation to attend a New Patient Information Session before or after their first scheduled appointment with the doctor. Family members are also welcome to attend the session. If patients are unable to attend, we strongly encourage a family member/caregiver attend in their place.

The orientation sessions help prepare new patients for their care at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina by providing a better understanding of what to expect during a visit.  The sessions will:

• Orient patients and their family to our facility and the process of care.
• Provide an overview of services and resources available
• Offer suggestions for dealing with the emotional challenges of living with cancer.
• Empower patients to actively participate in their care.

Volunteers and staff present the information and share some strategies that can help patients and their families cope with a diagnosis of cancer.

New Patient Orientation Sessions are offered every two weeks at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and monthly at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre. For more information, please contact the Departments of Psychosocial Oncology at (306) 655-2671 (Saskatoon Cancer Centre) or (306) 766-2212 (Allan Blair Cancer Centre).