The University of Victoria and Self-Management BC have recently rolled out a new program for people with cancer and their families. Titled, Cancer: Thriving and Surviving, this free workshop will be offered at Walnut Grove Community Centre starting Nov. 6.

Getting through treatment for cancer is a victory, yet many people find the time after treatment has completed to be different than what they expected.

It can be difficult to make sense of how cancer has affected and changed them and their families.

Along with a renewed outlook on life, there may be pain or scars from treatment, changed relationships, a sense of distress over what has happened, or possibly worry about the cancer coming back.

It is a time of adjustment and finding a new "normal." This is part of recovery, and it may take more time than expected.

The Cancer: Thriving and Surviving self-management program was developed at Stanford University by Dr. Kate Lorig, a cancer survivor herself.

It was designed for people who are living with cancer or have been affected by cancer. The program is facilitated by two trained peer leaders and teaches skills to manage one鈥檚 health after cancer treatment, as well as offering valuable support on getting back to an active and fulfilling life.

鈥淭here is a belief that when you have cancer, a year later you鈥檙e fine. In reality, you might be cancer-free, but you鈥檙e different. Lots of people get stopped by that when objectively there is no reason they can鈥檛 get on with their lives,鈥� Lorig said.

The workshop at Walnut Grove Community Centre is open to the public, however pre-registration is required.

Sign up at or by contacting Self-Management BC at 604-940-1273 or .

The class will meet weekly for two and a half hours to discuss topics such as fatigue, pain, poor sleep and living with uncertainty.

Participants will learn skills for problem solving, setting priorities and communicating effectively with family, friends and health professionals.

All participants will receive the companion book, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions.

This workshop is offered through the UVic Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health and is supported by Province of British Columbia.