Making cancer bearable: the Interlink Community Cancer Nurses model of supportive care

Most cancer patients and their families experience the full impact of their diagnosis and the disruptions cancer brings to their lives in their own homes and communities. Access to supportive care programs within the community is critical if we are to assist these individuals in coping and adjusting to the realities of cancer. Interlink Community Cancer Nurses, a nonprofit nursing agency, provides supportive care across the continuum of cancer care from early diagnosis and treatment through to remission and/or palliative care through its independent model of supportive care delivered by expert oncology nurses. The program utilizes a unique, client-centred model of care delivery to ensure that needs are met, and to link patients to community services which promote their ability to meet the demands of cancer. Interlink's program of supportive care demonstrates that oncology nurses can make a significant impact on the outcomes of cancer for individuals and their families which may impact on cost, influence survival and enhance quality of life.