Cancer Care

North York General has one of the largest cancer care programs in a community academic hospital in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), and provides treatment for many types of cancers, including breast, colon, prostate, gynecological and urinary. 

Enhancing the patient and family experience 

We work to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of cancer care. All patients receive care guided by best practice standards of Cancer Care Ontario. These practices have been shown to provide the best patient outcomes. Patients and their families can quickly access a diverse range of cancer care services, including these facilities:

  • The BMO Breast Diagnostic Clinic, part of  the Karen, Heather & Lynn Steinberg Breast Centre  
  • The Baruch/Weisz Cancer Centre  
  • Freeman Centre for the Advancement of Palliative Care
  • Gale and Graham Wright Prostate Centre
  • Charlotte and Lewis Steinberg Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Clinic (Genetics Program)  

Our cancer surgery wait times are consistently below the average for Ontario hospitals. We know patients and their families want timely and responsive care, and North York General has implemented a number of measures to decrease wait times for all cancer surgeries. Visit our Surgery Program to learn more. 

Our patients benefit from advanced technology, including three state-of-the art digital mammography machines, two with tomosynthesis, that improve early breast cancer detection.

Patients supported by dedicated team of experts 

Our interdisciplinary team of highly skilled and compassionate health-care professionals includes physicians, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, nurses, medical imaging professionals, case managers, and volunteers. We partner with the two regional cancer centres: the Odette Cancer Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and Princess Margaret Hospital at the University Health Network, to facilitate radiation treatments for our patients. A partnership between North York General and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre offers patients easy and timely access to quality colorectal cancer care.

The work of our Cancer Care Program is fully supported by our innovative Surgery Program as well as with many other departments and services including Medical Imaging, Laboratory Medicine, Genetics, Medicine, Mental Health, and Pharmacy Services. Our ties with regional and provincial cancer care partners provide our patients and their families with outstanding and responsive care. 

Information for new patients

This following series of videos are designed for patients who are receiving treatment at the Anne Tanenbaum Chemotherapy Clinic.  The first video “A Day in Chemo Clinic”, is helpful to watch prior to starting treatment and want to know what to expect before your appointment. Most patients will receive conventional chemotherapy and may find the videos that explain what chemotherapy is and how it is given, helpful. For a general introduction, start with “Chemo 101”.  This video covers important day-to-day considerations such as “Can I take supplements while on chemo?”, “Can I drink alcohol while on chemo?” and “Do I have to avoid crowds while on chemo?” Additional videos include common side effects of chemotherapy, important prevention and management tips.

Go to NYGH's YouTube channel NYGHNews to view these series of video.

Cancer & Me video series

Cancer & Me is a video series about the cancer journey. Cancer affects everyone. In our lives we, or someone we love, will be diagnosed with cancer. Today, doctors and researchers have a better understanding of the causes of cancer so we can work towards prevention. We have the tools and technology to treat cancer early so more people can have better outcomes. 

To raise awareness and support for those who are or will be affected by cancer, North York General Hospital, the North York Family Health Team and Cancer Care Ontario developed the Cancer & Me video series that takes you through the journey: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment, and the stories of four people diagnosed with cancer. 

Go to NYGH's YouTube channel NYGHNews to view the Cancer & Me video series.