About
The Cancer Assistance Program (CAP) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization offering free services for individuals and families affected by cancer, living in the greater region of Hamilton and surrounding communities.
The services offered by CAP are practical and tangible in nature. They have a focus on creating access and removing barriers, promoting personal safety, reducing or eliminating financial burden and offering individuals with cancer the opportunity to live more comfortably, with dignity and improved emotional health. The mission of CAP is to support, educate and empower individuals and families touched by cancer through programs and services provided free of charge.
Services include transportation to and from medical appointments, loans of home health equipment, limited access to parking for appointments taking place at the Juravinski Cancer Centre and Hospital, practical education via the Cancer Assist Show podcast, as well as monthly issuances of adult incontinence products and oral nutritional supplements. Wigs, breast prostheses and mastectomy bras are also available. All services are available free of charge for as long as needed.
Delivering these much needed services are compassionate and caring volunteers. Over 100 volunteers contribute their time every year to service delivery as well as Cancer Assistance Program planning, fund development activities and organizational governance, alongside five full-time and one part-time staff.
The Cancer Assistance Program is not in receipt of sustainable government funding. It relies greatly on the generosity of the community and the proceeds of special events held throughout the year.
The needs of cancer patients have not stopped because of COVID. The ability to support them just became more challenging. CAP remains dedicated to providing services in reimagined, safe, and responsive ways; but we cannot do it alone.
Our Impact
LOVE, SUPPORT AND CARING
Whether it’s loved ones, friends, colleagues or even ourselves, we all know someone living with a cancer diagnosis. So, you’ll know how important caring, loving support is to building the hope and courage those loved ones need. The fewer things that cancer patients need to worry about, the more they can focus on healing and living their best lives. That’s where the Cancer Assistance Program comes in. Founded more than 27 years ago, we provide the services that make life easier for cancer patients and their caregivers. All at no cost. Our singular focus is to alleviate the financial, medical and emotional burden of a cancer diagnosis.
THE NEED IS GREAT
The number of new cancer cases is expected to grow by 40% in the next 15 years. This year alone, someone in Canada is diagnosed with cancer every two minutes. Every two minutes, every day, all year round. Our population is aging and, combined with new treatments and early detection, it means that people are living with cancer for longer. This is excellent news, but means that supports and services, like those provided by CAP, are needed more than ever.
