‘You have cancer.’
These are three of the most devastating words a person can hear and, unfortunately, it’s estimated 30,400 people living in British Columbia were diagnosed with cancer and heard these words last year. At the Canadian Cancer Society, we know how hard it is to receive a cancer diagnosis. It’s even harder if you need to travel to receive care, which is a reality for those living in rural communities.
That’s why, with our partners at Hope Air and with the generous support of the Government of British Columbia, we have expanded our Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program to support more people all across British Columbia. We hope this program will help reduce some of the financial burden of a cancer diagnosis, especially for those who need to travel to receive care.
For people living in rural communities, we know the burden of a cancer diagnosis goes beyond the physical and emotional burden. The logistics, and cost, of travelling to appointments can be overwhelming. A recent survey we conducted in partnership with the Angus Reid Group found that a staggering 90 per cent of people in British Columbia feel a sudden cancer diagnosis would impact their household finances. Sixty-six per cent said that the financial burden of cancer-related expenses would have a significant impact on their stress and mental health.
“We know each person’s cancer experience is as unique as they are,” said Mona Rozdale, Director, Cancer Support, Integration, Canadian Cancer Society. “With this in mind, the Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program has been created to provide a range of support options. We have a dedicated team of client support specialists who can help people navigate the program. Our goal is to provide as much support as possible to as many people as possible, especially for people living in rural and remote communities who need to travel to receive their cancer care.”
What support does the program offer?
The table below summarizes the support that is available. We’re pleased that through the expanded Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program, we are:
- Increasing access and eligibility for travel grants through our Travel Treatment Fund while providing more funding to each eligible applicant and establishing a leukemia/bone marrow transplant grant for patients needing to travel for transplants
- Working with our partners at Hope Air to provide air transportation, ensuring people can get the support they need to get to and from their medical appointments however and whenever they need
- Eliminating patients’ out-of-pocket costs to stay at our BC-based Lodges for those who are not supported by any other government program (a nominal fee still remains for caregivers). We operate lodges in Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George and Kelowna
- Expanding our Wheels of Hope volunteer driving service to underserved areas in Vancouver Island and the Kootenay region
*Eligibility is based on your household income and the distance from your residence to the BC medical centre where you’re being treated
Who is eligible for the program?
Anyone who received cancer treatment in British Columbia on or after April 1, 2023, or is in treatment now, can apply to the program. Eligibility criteria for travel grants are based on household income and how far you need to travel to receive care. Some of our programs, like Wheels of Hope and our Lodges, are open to anyone receiving cancer treatment, regardless of income.
How are travel grants paid out?
It takes approximately two weeks for applications to be processed. If you qualify for a travel grant, you will receive a cheque by mail at the address provided on the application form. There is no need to keep receipts, as this is a grant, and you can apply for the program as long as you were in treatment on or after April 1, 2023, even if your treatment is now finished.
How can you apply?
Visit the Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services page on our website to learn more and fill out an application form, or call us at 1-888-939-3333 to speak with a dedicated Client Support Specialist. We’re here to help.
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.
