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People with cancer are often referred to the Regional Cancer Program for a medical opinion and treatment. If you are coming for your first appointment, please read the information below to help you plan for the visit.

Our new-patient clerk will call you 2 to 3 weeks before your first appointment. You will be given the date and time. Please arrive 2 to 3 hours before that time. This gives us time to get you registered. You may also have blood work done on this first visit. The first visit may take several hours. It is best not to book any other appointments for this day.

What to Bring:

• Your medical records, x-ray images, scans and health history. This is very important!
• Your medications in their original containers
• Any medical equipment you need, such as oxygen
• Your Ontario Health Insurance card

Sometimes you may have to wait a long time. It is a good idea to bring:

• A family member or friend for support and company
• Something to read or do while you wait
• A small snac>

On your first visit, go to the Reception Desk.  A volunteer will help you get registered. A registration/booking clerk will review your insurance card, personal and health information. You will be asked to sign a general consent form. If blood tests and x-rays are needed, you will be told where to go for these.

Please remember that all information that we collect is kept confidential. 

After registration, you will go to one of the waiting rooms. You will meet the primary nurse and  oncologist (cancer specialist) who are part of your health care team.
 
The oncologist will review your medical reports. The oncologist will talk with you about your cancer and possible treatments. At each visit, you should feel free to ask questions about your treatments or talk about your concerns.

At the first visit, you may also be asked to think about participating in a clinical trial or research study. See the section on Clinical Research for more information about clinical trials. It is entirely your decision if you wish to participate in a clinical trial.

On your first visit, you may wish to learn more about the support services that can help you during your treatment.

Follow-up appointments will be made for treatment and ongoing monitoring.

Appointments with your oncologist may also be made closer to home. Your oncologist may see you at a special clinic in Timmins, North Bay or Sault Ste Marie. The Regional Cancer Program also uses videoconference technology for follow-up care.

Ask your oncologist or nurse if these services are available for your care.