Symptoms describe how you are feeling. They can be physical complaints or treatment side effects, such as pain or nausea. They can also be emotional or spiritual changes, such as anxiety or depression.
Other concerns come from the day-to-day impact of cancer on your overall wellbeing.
‘Your Symptoms Matter’ (YSM) is a symptom screening tool that asks you to rate common symptoms on a scale from 0 to 10. By filling out YSM, you help your cancer care team to understand how you are feeling and which symptoms are concerning for you. With this information, your cancer care team can work with you to create a plan to manage your symptoms.
You should complete a symptom assessment questionnaire before every clinic appointment. You can fill out YSM on a tablet at the Cancer Centre or you can do the questionnaire on a computer, tablet or cell phone on your own device before your appointment.
Have your Ontario Health Card number ready. To fill out your YSM questionnaire up to 2 days before your appointment, visit the online portal.
Enter your health card numbers only. You do not need to enter the version code letters. When you finish the questionnaire, your answers will be saved for your cancer care team to go over during your virtual or in person appointment.
You may be asked to visit a Palliative Care Clinic for help you with your symptoms and other concerns. Palliative care is an approach that focuses on relieving symptoms and other concerns identified by you and your family. The Palliative Care Clinic has specialized nurses and doctors who work closely with social workers, registered dieticians, spiritual care providers, physiotherapists, trained volunteers and more to provide you with support. At the Palliative Care Clinic, your cancer care team will prescribe you medications or teach you techniques that will help you feel better.
You can also make an appointment with a social worker for help with emotional, financial, or practical (day-to-day) concerns. To make an appointment, contact us.
