Psychosocial support
Psychosocial support refers to actions of care practitioners who address mental, emotional and social needs for you and your family.
Physician Assistant
The PYNK Physician Assistant is an excellent source of psychosocial support as part of her role, and works collaboratively with other team members highlighted below.
Social work
PYNK patients have access to a social worker for assistance with both practical (financial, insurance, transportation etc.) and emotional concerns. Our social worker has experience working with young patients with breast cancer and their families, and can help you to navigate the many challenges that accompany a diagnosis of breast cancer as a young person.
Psychology
As part of the Odette Cancer Centre, our PYNK patients and their partners or family have access to OHIP funded psychology service for support and counsel.
Psychiatry
Psychiatrists are medical doctors trained to diagnose psychiatric conditions and prescribe medication. The psychiatrists available through our patient and family support program have significant experience with cancer related distress.
Dietitian
If needed patients can also access evidence-based information and counsel regarding nutrition through referral to a registered dietitian.
Support groups
The PYNK program offers two support groups which are currently virtual offerings through the Zoom platform.
These groups are recurring and offered on the second Friday of each month:
- In the Pynk: a support group for young people diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I-III)
- Young and Metastatic: a peer support group for young people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer
Scheduling to be determined:
- Out of the Blue: a peer support group for male partners of people diagnosed with breast cancer (stages I-III)
Child life specialist
On occasion, our nurse navigator will refer patients to a child life specialist to help children cope with their family’s new reality. Learn more about our child life specialist.
