Community-based organizations are critical partners in providing complete cancer care

In Canada people affected by cancer access psychosocial care and support from two systems. In the conventional medical system, psychosocial professionals focus mainly on screening for and treating those most distressed by their diagnosis. Many patients and family members go beyond this step to find information and support provided by community-based organizations (CBOS). This article outlines the components of complete cancer care effectively provided by CBOS and why the integration of the two systems of care is critical in delivering seamless high-quality psychosocial care for all.