COPS Centres

The Community Oncology Program of Saskatchewan (COPS) is a program of the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency coordinated by the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in partnership with hospitals across the province. The primary goal of COPS is to provide cancer patients with care, treatment and support in or near their home communities.

What is a COPS centre?

COPS centres have nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and social workers who are specially trained in providing cancer care. They remain in close contact with the cancer care teams at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre in Regina and the Saskatoon Cancer Centre.

Can I receive cancer treatment in my community?

Most chemotherapy treatments can be administered in a COPS centre. Your oncologist or nurse will determine whether you are eligible to participate in the program and will refer you to the COPS centre nearest your home community.  

Radiation therapy treatments are only available at the Saskatoon Cancer Centre and Allan Blair Cancer Centre. Stem cell transplants, and much of the required follow-up care, are also only offered at the cancer centres.

What is the role of my family doctor in my treatment?

Your family doctor is an important member of your cancer care team. He or she will be notified when you are to receive treatment at a COPS centre and will receive ongoing communication from your oncologist about your progress. Your family doctor or a designated doctor in the hospital will be available during your treatment in case any concerns arise. Patients who receive their cancer care at a COPS centre will still need to visit their oncologist, who will prescribe treatment and help manage their care.

What services are available at a COPS centre?

Services such as nursing care, blood transfusions, care of your central line and blood work are available at each COPS centre. Support services, such as counseling, dietary, support groups, home care and palliative care may be available in your COPS centre. Check with your COPS team to see which services are offered in your community. Please contact the Saskatoon Cancer Centre or Allan Blair Cancer Centre for services not available in your area.

COPS centre locations

Your healing journey needs the comfort of home. As such, COPS centres are located throughout our province, ensuring you can conveniently access care in or near your home community: