Oncology/Cancer Care

The Oncology Clinic provides consultation, chemotherapy treatment and follow-up care to patients with a variety of cancers.  We are associated with the Juravinski Cancer Centre and part of the Cancer Care Ontario regional system.

Cancer care is provided with excellence and compassion, close to home and in a comfortable environment.

We also provide Outpatient Palliative Care support for patients and families.

Location

Oncology is located on Level 1 of the South tower. 

Hours of Operation

Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

Referrals

Patients are seen by referral from their physician

Physician

Referrals must be completed by a physician. Referral forms are available on the Clinic Referral Forms page. 

Patients

Once referred, we will call you to book an appointment.

Preparation

• Ensure you have your Ontario Health Card or proof of medical coverage
• Bring in your medications and supplements from home
• Write down any questions you have and bring them to your visit so you don't forget what you want to ask.
• Do not wear fragrances. Oncology is a scent-free area. 
• Arrive 10 minutes prior to your appointment
• Check-in at the registration desk.  

What to Expect

• Your visit may take several hours
• You will see many members of your health care team.
• Blood and other laboratory work may be required.  

Tests & Treatment

Blood and other laboratory work may be required before and during your care. These tests will inform your health care plan and treatment. Your treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.  

Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy (sometimes called chemo) uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is used to treat many types of cancer. Chemotherapy drugs can be given on their own or or with other treatments

Coming for Chemotherapy

• Your visit may take several hours. We recommend that you bring a lunch, water bottle and some activities to help occupy your time.
• Your chemotherapy treatment will be planned by a medical oncologist, a cancer specialist who oversees drug therapies. They work with other members of the health care team to plan and deliver your treatment.
• Blood and other laboratory work may be required.

Chemotherapy Classes

We offer have Chemotherapy education sessions for patients, families and caregivers. Information about these sessions will be provided when the decision for treatment is made.

Radiation

Radiation uses energy to damage or destroy cancers cells. It is used to treat many types of cancer. Radiation therapy can shrink a tumour or completely destroy it. It is most effective on cells that grow and divide quickly.

Surgery

Surgery is a medical procedure to examine, remove or repair tissue. It can be used in prevention, diagnoses and treatment. As well as, to relieve symptoms, remove cancer or lower the chance of reoccurrence.  

After Treatment

After you have finished your treatments, your team will continue to follow up. During these visits you will be seen by one or all of the members of your team. Any new information about you may be shared with the team.

Contact

Messages are taken Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m.to 4 p.m. It is important that you give some details regarding the nature of your call.

905-336-4103

Phone Extensions

• Dr. Phillips (Medical Oncologist) - Extension 5732
• Dr. Barnfield (Medical Oncologist) - Extension 7432
• Dr. Christjanson (Malignant Hematologist) - Extension 1404
• Dr. Kang (Malignant Hematologist) - Extension 8401

Non-Urgent Messages

Appointment bookings or changes, prescription refills, test results and general questions will be directed as appropriate by our office staff. Any messages will be responded to within 24-48 hours.

Urgent Problems

If you are experiencing any of the following urgent issues, please contact your family doctor or go directly to the nearest Emergency Department or Urgent Care Centre.   

• Fever of 38.0 C or higher
• Bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Severe Vomiting
• Pain

*If you become very short of breath or develop severe chest pain, call "911"or go directly to the nearest Emergency Department.

Tools & Resources 

• Patient and Family Chemotherapy Treatment Orientation
• Joseph Brant Oncology Clinic Patient and Family Handbook
• Treatment Symptom Management Guide
• Your Symptoms Matter Brochure 
• Smoking Cessation Resource

Community Partners  

Canadian Cancer Society
Burlington Unit
T: 905-332-0060

Wellspring
A network of community based support centres
T: 905-257-1988