End-of-Life Care

Wills and Power of Attorney

If you are living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC), making legal plans now can ease the burden on your loved ones later and help ensure your wishes are known and respected.

Why These Documents Matter

Planning ahead can reduce stress for your family and caregivers. It helps avoid uncertainty, gives you peace of mind, and ensures your preferences are followed if you are no longer able to make decisions for yourself.

Organizing important information, such as passwords, bills, bank accounts, and medical wishes, in one place can help others support you when you need it most.

Two important legal tools to consider are a will and a power of attorney.

Writing a Will

A will is a legal document that explains what you want to happen to your money, property, and belongings after you die. It also names a person (called an executor) to carry out your wishes.

If you have children under 18, your will can name a legal guardian to care for them. Be sure to talk to the person you are considering and make sure they are willing and able to take on the role.

Without a will, the laws in your province or territory will decide how your estate is divided. That may not reflect your wishes. A lawyer can help make sure your will is legally sound and properly signed and witnessed. Some people use will kits or online tools, but these may not give you space to include more detailed wishes.

Power of Attorney

A power of attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to make decisions on your behalf if you are no longer able to. There are usually two types:

• Power of attorney for finances (also called an enduring power of attorney): This allows someone to manage your money, property, and bills while you are still alive but unable to do it yourself.
• Power of attorney for health care (also called a health care proxy or substitute decision maker): This allows someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot. These decisions may include treatments, living arrangements, palliative care, and end-of-life preferences.

You may also choose to create a living will (or advance directive), which outlines the kind of medical care you do or do not want (such as CPR, use of a ventilator, or organ donation).

Having both a health care power of attorney and a living will helps to ensure that your medical preferences are clearly communicated and respected.

Laws and terms vary depending on where you live. Your healthcare team or a legal professional can help you understand what applies in your province or territory.

Choose someone you trust and talk to them about your values and wishes so they feel confident making decisions on your behalf.

Keeping Your Plans Up to Date

You can update your documents at any time. It is a good idea to review them regularly, especially after major life changes, such as a new diagnosis, a change in relationship, or moving to a new province.

Store your documents in a safe but accessible place. Make sure the people you have named (such as your executor or power of attorney) know where to find them and understand your wishes.

The Canadian Cancer Society has a database that can be used to find local support services in your area. You can access it below:

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