Education Session On Pain Management Geared Towards Chinese Patients At BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 26 Nov 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Managing pain is a topic that Chinese patients want to hear about when discussing cancer care, though a language barrier often prevents them from getting the information they need. This year, the BC Cancer Agency will host an education session in Cantonese focusing on managing pain at its annual Community Cancer Forum, sponsored by the Provincial Health Services Authority.

"The pain and fatigue that goes with cancer care can be tough to manage and even more so for non-English speaking patients," says Burnaby North MLA Richard T. Lee on behalf of Health Minister George Abbott. "Language is just one of the barriers we are working to remove to improve access to cancer care for all British Columbians."

"Pain is something that every patient goes through in varying degrees," says Dr. Frances Wong, head of radiation oncology at BC Cancer Agency's Fraser Valley Centre.

"Pain control doesn't come naturally, but many patients are reluctant to take anything for it because there is often a stigma attached to pain medications," adds Dr. Wong. "Some patients are worried that taking a drug like morphine will make them addicted, and it is not until they are given more information about the drug and its proper usage that they are willing to use it."

"For those who have trouble with the English language though, coming across the proper information is not always an easy task," says Dr. Wong. "Having the information session in Cantonese at the BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum is so important because it is vital for this large population of patients to understand all the issues surrounding cancer care and treatment." The forum is an opportunity for these patients to hear from an expert and to ask pertinent questions, all in a language they understand and are comfortable using.

The session on pain management is just one of several unique sessions included in the BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum. The free open forum brings together experts in the oncology field to address the many issues and concerns that affect cancer patients, their family and supporters.

Other highlights at this public forum include:

- Integrative Cancer Care: Five steps to empowering body, mind, and spirit

- Picking up the pieces: Moving forward after surviving cancer

- Lessons from the wise ones: Transformative stories from cancer patients

- Ten ways to prevent cancer and its recurrence with diet and lifestyle

- The latest in cancer treatments: Participating in clinical trials

Participants and attendees can also visit displays from the BC Cancer Agency and community partners.

The BC Cancer Agency's Community Cancer Forum is free and registration is not required. It will be held at the Westin Bayshore Resort & Marina, 1601 Bayshore Drive, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 1. For more information, please visit http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/communitycancerforum.

The BC Cancer Agency, an Agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation and palliative care. The BC Cancer Foundation raises funds to support research and enhancements to patient care at the BC Cancer Agency.

BC Cancer Agency