Published on October 5, 2024 by Clément Bolano
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation stands out for the extent of the services it offers free of charge to patients, whether before, during or after treatment.
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Every year, the month of October becomes the symbol of breast cancer awareness with the international Pink October campaign. This initiative aims to encourage early detection, mobilize the necessary funds for research and support patients.
In Quebec, the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation has played a key role in this fight for more than 30 years by offering essential services to women affected by this disease.
Early detection is one of the most effective weapons against breast cancer. The Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS) offers free mammograms for women aged 50 to 69, but this should not minimize the importance of vigilance for younger women.
Myths to deconstruct
“Many young women think that it does not concern them, even though a significant proportion of cases affect women under 50,” explains Karine-Iseult Ippersiel, president and CEO of the organization.
17 %
Percentage of breast cancers diagnosed in women under 50
One of the great challenges of Pink October is to deconstruct the myths surrounding breast cancer. The idea that the disease only affects older women is false. “The first myth is age. Many young women believe that it is not for them, and this can lead to a late diagnosis,” says Ms. Ippersiel.
Although survival rates are high when cancer is detected early, she insists: “There is no easy cancer. »
Free services
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation stands out for the extent of the services it offers free of charge to patients, whether before, during or after treatment. These services include financial support for patients in difficulty, wellness programs such as oncology yoga and telemedicine consultations. “We finance everything that is not covered by the public system,” explains the CEO of the foundation.
In addition to these services, the Foundation invests massively in research, with innovative projects such as the Perspectives project, led by Professor Jacques Simard of Laval University. This project aims to personalize screening based on individual risk factors, a major breakthrough that could transform breast cancer management.
Pink October is therefore a crucial opportunity to mobilize funds. “Every dollar donated is reinvested in Quebec to support our patients locally,” concludes Ms. Ippersiel.
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