The Traditional Medicine Clinic serving Indigenous cancer patients in the Central East Region is the focus of a new Lakeridge Health account of cultural and spiritual support alongside cancer treatment.
In an October 22 profile, the hospital system shares the experience of Keith Hernandez, who has received care through the Durham Regional Cancer Centre after a stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis more than four years ago.
He describes the demands of treatment and appointments, the importance of family and friends, and his wish for spiritual support while navigating care. Lakeridge says an Indigenous Navigator helped him connect with support through the Central East Regional Cancer Program.
Appointments in person and virtually
The Traditional Medicine Clinic launched in October 2024. According to Lakeridge Health, it connects Indigenous cancer patients across the region with a Traditional Healer and Knowledge Carrier, with both in-person and virtual appointments available.
The programme offers Traditional medicines, Ceremony, conversation and spiritual support as another way for patients to support their well-being alongside their cancer care. The profile does not announce a replacement for oncology treatment or make a new claim about cancer-treatment effectiveness.
Hernandez, who has been meeting with the Traditional Healer for about two years, describes having someone who listens, provides emotional support and helps him deepen his understanding of cultural beliefs.
Addressing a barrier to support
Lakeridge says access to Traditional Healers can be difficult, particularly for Indigenous people living in urban communities. Bringing that support into the cancer programme is intended to give patients greater choice in the support available to them.
The clinic received a 2025 Indigenous Health Award from the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario, according to the hospital’s account. The October 22 release is a patient-experience profile of an existing service, not an announcement that the clinic has just opened.
The account highlights the local role of the Durham Regional Cancer Centre while describing support available across the broader Central East Region. Details of Hernandez’s experience are attributed to his comments in Lakeridge Health’s published profile.
