Talk to someone who's been there

When a person is diagnosed with cancer, they and their loved ones may feel like their world has turned upside down. We know that talking to others who’ve gone through a similar experience is comforting.

Our free Peer Support Service connects people living with cancer with trained volunteers who listen, provide hope, offer encouragement and share ideas for coping – all from their unique perspective as someone who’s been there.

How can this help me?

Many people who have used this service say it helped them get a better understanding of what to expect throughout their or their loved one’s cancer experience, making them feel more hopeful and less anxious. It helped them cope.

What can I expect?

Peer support is provided over the telephone. This confidential service is tailored to your needs and preferences. We match you with a volunteer based on a number of factors, including cancer type, sex, language and lifestyle.

How do I sign up?

The service is easy to access throughout Canada. Call 1-888-939-3333 or email info@cis.cancer.ca and one of our staff will register you with the service.

Who can use this service?

Our Peer Support Service is available to people with cancer and their caregivers who are 18 and over.

In some cases, your needs may go beyond what our volunteers can offer. If that is the case, we’ll suggest other services that may be able to help. You don’t have to go through cancer alone.

Other peer support programs

In addition to our Peer Support Service, the Canadian Cancer Society PEI Division offers one-to-one, in-person support to women with breast cancer through its Reach to Recovery program.

Women who have had breast cancer are available to visit women who have recently been diagnosed to share their experience and provide hope. When volunteers visit, they will provide a kit containing:

informative pamphlets and booklets
a temporary prosthesis
props to assist with post-surgery exercises
information about relevant community resources
a locally knitted Wrap of Love

To request a Reach to Recovery visit, contact the Canadian Cancer Society PEI Division:

Email: info@pei.cancer.ca
Toll-free: 1-866-566-4007
Telephone: 902-566-4007

In addition to the peer support programs offered by the Canadian Cancer Society, there are various self-help groups in the community. These groups offer emotional and social support as well as practical help and guidance.

Find out more about these peer support programs in our Community Services Locator.