MONTREAL, April 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Presented by Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec, the 8th National Conference to Defeat Cancer, sponsored by Marguerite Blais, former Quebec Government minister responsible for seniors and natural caregiver, opens today in Montreal.
Its theme "Cancer: the revolution… is now !" suggests that the revolution in the fight against cancer is already underway. "Not only are cancer treatments increasingly effective and better targeted, but professional practices have improved. Furthermore, we are aware that cancer survivors are more fragile and require more support and services. The challenge is right before us," states Coalition president Nathalie Rodrigue, T.M., as she reminds us that the number of cancer cases in Quebec is projected to increase by more than 35% over the next 20 years. The time for choices is upon us and, collectively, we must play an active role in this revolution by combining our energies and strengths."
The cancer revolution goes well beyond medical or technological aspects. For Marguerite Blais, sponsor of the 8th National Conference, "it starts within each and every one of us, by way of our commitment to making society aware of the battle against cancer. This is the only way we can succeed in working together more effectively to defeat the illness."
"People affected by cancer need help and better services," insists Serge Dion, Chairman of the Coalition's Patients and Survivors Committee. "Every day, we see people having to fight to obtain services, while they are already battling their illness. On their behalf, we are asking that cancer truly become a priority in the healthcare and social services network and that access to care be facilitated."
The 8th National Conference will greet close to 300 participants, from all parts of Quebec, who will exchange ideas with high-profile speakers and experts in various fields linked to the battle against cancer.
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Thursday, April 14
Two significant roundtable discussions
"Governance of the fight against cancer in Quebec: an efficient control plan" will bring together the key participants of a special forum held last September. David Levine, Léonard Aucoin, Dr. Denis Soulières and Jérôme Di Giovanni will attempt to draw a clear picture of the cancer-control situation in Quebec, and present the conclusions and recommendations proposed by a group of approximately thirty experts as a means of refocusing its governance.
"Quebec – World leader in clinical research and personalized medicine by 2025 ?" Research teams are making cancer discoveries almost every day. These discoveries further the development of innovative and targeted treatments that increasingly match the profile of each patient. Our experts: Dr. Reynaldo Battista, Nathalie Ouimet, Dr. Gerald Batist and Martin Leblanc will attempt to answer the question raised. Can Quebec become a world leader in this field?
A delightful and hilarious lunchtime moment
Motivator, comedian and author Jean-Marc Chaput will present a highly relevant motivational monologue, created for the 8th National Conference and focusing on the battle against cancer, under the theme "Motivation… is now !
Two conferences: "Sexuality and cancer: changing the rules of the game" and"Balancing ork and cancer: it's possible!
"Sexuality and cancer: changing the rules of the game": Sexologist Renée Pichette and Dr. Marc Steben will raise real questions and attempt to demystify the taboos surrounding the sexuality of patients with cancer, while "Balancing work and cancer: it's possible !" will provide human resource experts Dominique Sigouin and Lucie Poitras with an opportunity to offer advice and tips designed to guide employers, as well as employees whose colleagues are cancer patients or survivors.
Presentation of awards for the 5th edition of the Pat Burns Award (natural caregivers)
Pat Burns Award Chairman Jason Burns, Ale Dee and jury members honour natural caregivers who have done an outstanding job of helping a patient affected by cancer. A record number of nominations were submitted this year.
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Friday, April 15
Celebrity breakfast
Marguerite Blais and guest personalities invite persons affected by cancer to come and chat with other celebrities who share their concern regarding the disease.
Two conferences explore the reality of natural caregivers and young people with cancer
Over 400,000 natural caregivers provide assistance to people with cancer. "Social policies to be reviewed" presents speakers Mario Tardif, Zelda Freitas, Mark Stolow and Frédéric Messier who will take turns presenting the conclusions of a think tank on the subject held last October, as well as their views regarding the situation in Quebec and elsewhere. "Young people and cancer: a model to be created and resources to be developed" will provide Eva Villalba, Julie Szasz, Dr. Michael Palumbo and Sylvie Aubin with an opportunity to describe the problems facing young people with cancer, the treatments available to them, as well as the psychological, social and financial impacts they will have to overcome during their lives.
Presence of political parties
Representatives of two of Quebec's four major political parties have accepted the Coalition's invitation. Diane Lamarre, spokesperson for the Opposition officielle en matière de santé (Parti Québécois), and François Paradis, spokesperson regarding health (Coalition Avenir Québec), will be making brief statements.
To view the entire program, visit: www.conferencecancer.com
About the Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec
Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec was founded in 2001 to protect, support and give a strong voice to people affected by cancer (patients, survivors, informal caregivers, their families and their loved ones, as well as cancer-related community organizations and health professionals) and to help organize the fight against cancer. The Coalition supports the achievement of the mission of it's community and volunteer members and patients groups. Because of the contribution of these organizations and members, the Coalition's membership represents close to 2 million people.
SOURCE Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec
Information : Sylvie Piché: 514 868-2009, poste 225, Cell : 514 296-0694; Michel Racette: Cell : 514 576-9327; Website : www.conferencecancer.com; Facebook: CoalitionPrioriteCancerAuQuebec, Twitter: @CoalitionCancer
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