Current State of Cancer in Quebec: Urgent Need for Action
Today, the Cancer Research Society is joining forces with Quebec Cancer Foundation, Leucan, and PROCURE to raise awareness of the fight against cancer—which is far from over—and calling for cancer to be the number one health priority in Quebec.
Montreal, October 12, 2023
To reach this goal, the relevant authorities must absolutely develop and implement an action plan to combat cancer, with a particular focus on prevention and the following components: access to up-to-date data, greater investment in research, increased awareness, rapid diagnosis, and greater access to innovative and more effective treatments.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada. Yet Quebec trails far behind the rest of Canada; there’s an urgent need for a costed cancer plan with measurable objectives and dedicated funding, as is already the case in other provinces.
“Today, health is a constant topic, but cancer is largely forgotten. In this day and age, it’s impossible not to know someone who has been affected by cancer: a relative, a friend, a colleague, or all too often, a child,” says Marco Décelles, Executive Director of the Quebec Cancer Foundation. “Patients and their families deserve a transparent healthcare system with cutting-edge oncology services. So it’s crucial that we come up with a plan to fight cancer, and quickly.”
Firstly, we recommend gaining access to up-to-date cancer data and increasing research on ways to fight cancer.
“A recent study showed there has been a nearly 80% jump in cancer cases in people under 50 over the past 30 years. That’s why it’s more important than ever to invest in research to better understand the causes of cancer and develop early detection methods, more effective treatments, and innovative prevention approaches,” says Manon Pepin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Research Society.
Cancer treatment can be costly, both for individuals and for healthcare systems. Even when cancer is not fatal, it can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. Research aims to develop treatments that are less invasive, better targeted, and more effective, thereby reducing side effects and improving patients’ quality of life.
Clinical research funding is lacking, but is essential if new personalized treatments are to be developed. Such treatments could increase the number of cured child patients.
“There is little research and little funding for rare cancers, which makes it difficult to reduce the 15% of children who die of cancer,” says Juli Meilleur, Executive Director of Leucan. “Clinical research—which is essential for new personalized treatments to emerge—remains underfunded. In fact, 70% of children who recover from cancer will suffer from after-effects, 30% of which will be serious. We need to find solutions to these problems.”
Secondly, there is a significant need to raise awareness in targeted communities for certain cancers. We need to maximize our efforts to demystify cancer and inform certain communities for whom the disease remains a taboo subject. In collaboration with the INSPQ, the organizations recommend setting up patient and community groups, as well as awareness campaigns on factors associated with cancer risk.
“Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed type of cancer in men, and unfortunately remains taboo in some communities,” says Laurent Proulx, President and Chief Executive Officer of PROCURE.
Thirdly, the delays in diagnosis and treatment caused by the pandemic will place a heavy burden on the healthcare system. Access to preventive measures and best-practice screening programs must be improved. Early detection can change the course of a patient’s life: it’s a matter of quality of life, and even of survival in some cases.
The organizations therefore recommend implementing an oncology plan focused on prevention to reduce the causes of cancer-related mortality and improve Quebecers’ quality of life.
About the Cancer Research Society
Founded in 1945, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) is one of the only Canadian organizations exclusively dedicated to research into all types of cancer. Since its inception, the CRS has supported thousands of researchers who have made significant advances in cancer prevention, detection and treatment. Thanks to the generosity of partners and donors throughout Canada, the CRS has distributed over $355 million in research grants and scholarships since its creation.
About the Quebec Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Cancer Foundation has, for more than 40 years, dedicated the funds it raises to provide day-to-day support to the thousands of Quebecers suffering from cancer and their loved ones. The Foundation not only boasts the largest accommodations network in the province, but it also offers complementary therapies – in the form of physical well-being and psychological support programs – at its regional centres in Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Trois-Rivières and Lévis. The Foundation also makes financial and legal assistance programs available to people with cancer who find themselves in a precarious situation. Its Programme à Felix also provides adapted services to youth between the ages of 15 and 39 who are touched by cancer. Lastly, the Foundation provides an attentive ear, answers questions, and offers comfort via its Info-cancer Services, and this on a province-wide basis.
About PROCURE
Founded in 2003, PROCURE is a charity dedicated to the fight against prostate cancer. It raises awareness, supports and informs those affected by this disease. It promotes and helps fund world-class research.
About Leucan
For more than 45 years, Leucan has been supporting cancer-stricken children and their families from the day of diagnosis through every stage of the disease and its side-effects. As a loyal ally of hundreds of families and thousands of members across Quebec affected by pediatric cancer, the Association provides specific and personalized services delivered by a qualified team with cutting-edge expertise. Leucan also funds clinical research and the Leucan Information Centre.