SCREEN IT! TREAT IT! BEAT IT!
CCRAN (Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network) was formed from a single information/support group in the Greater Toronto Area in August 2006 and has been the largest and longest running colorectal cancer information/support group in Canada. Its success is entirely based on its delivery of evidence-based information on the management and prevention of the disease as well as caring interactions from peer-to-peer psychosocial support.
Dr. Mary Jane Esplen, psychosocial oncologist from the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, leads CCRAN’s Patient Information/Support Program.
The Group Model provides the following:
The benefits reported by our support group members include the following:
Feeling more empowered and improved outcomes
Learning more about cancer
Feeling life is more meaningful
Able to cope with the disease and medical procedures
Better perspective on the illness and access to highly skilled experts
Able to talk with family and friends about cancer
More aware of needs
A chance to meet and form connections with people who have experienced what you are experiencing. This may be particularly helpful if you are feeling isolated, fearful, or lonely.
Being able to talk to others who understand the day to day challenges helps to fill the emotional gap.
Gain access to authoritative factsheets, literature, and expert presentations about your disease, including monthly access to a hard copy of clinical research updates on novel treatments
Discover which healthcare professionals have a special interest in the management of your disease
Access career support networks that may be beneficial for the people who take care of you.
An opportunity to help other patients by participating in the groups’ activities.
An opportunity to influence government policy by strengthening the voice and reach of the patient support group.
Members consist of patients, their caregivers and family, as well as and survivors
CCRAN believes in a central motto:
A WELL-SUPPORTED PATIENT…..IS A WELL-COPING PATIENT. TOGETHER ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE.
Please call us about our support groups.
We are eager to help:
CCRAN AFFILIATED INFORMATION/SUPPORT GROUPS
NATIONAL
>50 Years Patient Population
This group will target the >50 years patient population and their caregivers, scheduled for 1:00-4:00 p.m. EST on every third Sunday of the month. It will be led by Filomena Servidio-Italiano, President of CCRAN.
For more info or to RSVP, contact frank.p@ccran.org
<50 Years Patient Population
This group welcomes the <50 years patient population and their caregivers, scheduled for 7:00-9:00 p.m. EST on every third Sunday of the month. It will be led by Hayley Painter, R.N., Stage IV Rectal Cancer Survivor
For more info or to RSVP, contact hayley.p@ccran.org
ONTARIO
Ottawa, Ontario
(Now virtual)
The Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation’s MapleSoft GumDocs Centre, 1500 Alta Vista Drive.
Colorectal cancer patients, survivors and caregivers meet monthly to provide information and share their authentic lived experience.
Meetings are held on the Second Tuesday of each month (except July)
6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
For more information please contact
Robert Hamilton: robert.hamilton3@icloud.com
Greater Toronto Area (Oakville)
(Now Virtual)
CCRAN Information/Support Group: A group designed to provide evidence-based information and support to people afflicted all stages of colorectal cancer. Caregivers and family members are very much welcome.
Wellspring Cancer Support Centre, 2545 Sixth Line, (Dundas and Trafalgar Road), Oakville, Ontario
Meetings are held every third Sunday of the month
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
For more Information, please contact info@ccran.org
ALBERTA
QUEBEC
Edmonton, Alberta
Wellspring Edmonton
11306 65 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2Z8
Contact: Dr. Daniel Schiller
Montreal, Quebec
Virtual Colorectal Cancer Information/Support Group offered every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Contact: Mr. Frank Pitman at frank.p@ccran.org or 514 941 2562 to register for the zoom meeting at least two days in advance of the meeting. Anyone in the province of Quebec is welcome to participate in the zoom meeting to gain access to colorectal cancer information and support. Caregivers are welcome as well!!
Languages Spoken: English and French
Research Updates
Charitable Registration Number 776821936RR0001
English 
French