September 4, 2024
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Leucan, the Fondation Charles-Bruneau and the Quebec Cancer Foundation are announcing a partnership to create a new financial aid program in support of young people affected by the sequelae of cancer treatments. With funding from the three organizations, this initiative will make it possible to extend the preservation of reproductive cells by an additional five years by covering the annual cost of storage. Some two-thirds of childhood cancer patients will experience significant long-term effects resulting from their treatments, one of which can be infertility.
Since November 15, 2021, Quebec’s Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR) program has provided storage services for ovarian tissue, eggs, sperm and embryos as part of fertility preservation for surgical or gonadotoxic reasons for up to five years, or until age 25. After this period, annual storage fees must be paid.
Now, thanks to this new partnership, the additional annual storage fee will be covered until age 30 instead of 25. The aim is to give young people who are afflicted with cancer more time to make major decisions that will impact their future. Thus they can regain control of their adult lives without having to make a rushed decision. In addition, they will be relieved of a significant financial burden at this stage in their lives.
Adjusting to new realities to enhance support
On average, in Quebec, women have their first child at age 31 and men at 34. Leucan, the Fondation Charles-Bruneau and the Quebec Cancer Foundation felt it was important to adjust to the current needs of young people and extend the storage period of their reproductive cells.
These young people are already navigating a constant whirlwind of worries. Cancer adds even more, especially when it comes to concerns about fertility at an age when these questions are not usually top of mind. Since fertility preservation must be arranged with their medical team before cancer treatments begin, the program funded by these three organizations offers vital support, helping to ease the mental stress during this difficult time.
“The words ‘egg retrieval’ seemed so simple at first, but the ordeal was far greater than I could have imagined. Injections and hormones; a very painful combination. Despite the pain, I told myself it was worth it. If one day I want children, at least I have the option. And with this program, I now have the time,” says Florence, 17, diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
A natural partnership between three Quebec organizations
As key players in pediatric oncology, this partnership highlights Quebec’s leadership in addressing the lasting effects of childhood cancer. Supporting cancer survivors who are living with the long-term effects of their illness, improving their quality of life, easing their day-to-day worries and giving comfort are central to the missions of the three organizations involved in the initiative.
“This project is essential to meet the needs of families that have a child with cancer. Joining forces to better respond and adapt to the evolving reality of these young people was an obvious choice for our three organizations. This new program aligns with our respective missions and clearly shows that together we are much stronger, we can act more quickly and we can offer more.”— Juli Meilleur, Executive Director, Leucan; Rébecca Dumont, Chief Executive, Fondation Charles-Bruneau; Marco Décelles, General Manager, Quebec Cancer Foundation
