MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - On the eve of the International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, Leucan and the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation wish to underline the importance of clinical research for families with a child diagnosed with cancer.
Nearly 300 new or recurring cases of childhood cancer are reported each year in Quebec. Such news undoubtedly sends shock waves through families. "As a parent member of Leucan, I'm really reassured to know that the Association provides significant funding for clinical research. This not only allows us to believe in a better future for our child, but also ensures that Anthony suffers as little as possible, despite his disease," explains Isela Nochez Lopez, mother of Anthony Cordeiro, a 5-year-old child diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2012.
The primary goal of clinical research is to increase survival rates among children with cancer, and results are continually improving. In Canada, the five-year survival rate following diagnosis has now reached 82% for all childhood cancers combined.1
Dr. David Mitchell, Director of the Department of Hematology-Oncology at the Montreal Children's Hospital, believes research funded by Leucan does more than save lives; it also provides access to the best treatment protocols available. "A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the progression of cancer enables us to reduce the side effects and after effects of treatment," explains Dr. Mitchell. "These factors are of utmost importance for families, as they contribute to an improved quality of life for children over the course of their treatment."
This is why, in spite increased survival rates, research must continue with the goal of eradicating this devastating disease, which affects hundreds of families each year. Generous donors do make a real difference for children living with cancer and their families. On behalf of each one of them, thank you!
About Leucan
For more than 35 years, Leucan has been supporting cancer-stricken children and their families. As a loyal ally of hundreds of families and thousands of members across Quebec, the Association provides specific and personalized services to its members, in addition to funding clinical research. Leucan's skilled staff developed a cutting edge expertise in the following areas: support and emotional assistance; financial assistance; referral services; massage therapy; hosting in hospital playrooms; socio-recreational activities; school awareness; end-of-life and bereavement follow-up services; support to cured patients; and the Leucan Information Centre. In addition to a head office in Montreal, Leucan operates eight regional offices.
ABOUT THE MONTREAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
The Montreal Children's Hospital is the pediatric teaching hospital of McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. The Children's is a leader in providing a broad spectrum of highly specialized care to newborns, children, and adolescents from all across Quebec. The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation supports the Hospital in its mandate and is completing The Best Care for Children Campaign to support the construction of the new Montreal Children's Hospital on the Glen site, scheduled to open its doors to patients in 2015. For more information, please visit childrenfoundation.com
1 Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009, Canadian Cancer Society.
SOURCE: The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation
Anaïs Larose Bastien
Communications and Marketing Advisor | Leucan
514 731-3696, ext. 208
[email protected]
Luke Quin
Assistant Director of Communications
Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation (514) 934-4846, 29238
[email protected]
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