The Quebec Cancer Foundation and the Lymphedema Association of Quebec (LAQ) are partnering to provide better access and support to lymphedema patients. 

The Quebec Cancer Foundation offers the widest range of expertise when it comes to providing support to people with cancer. Through its Info-cancer Hotline, the only service of its kind in Québec, nurses, experienced oncology documentalists, nutritionists and psychologists respond directly to the questions and concerns of patients and their loved ones. The Foundation also offers a wide range of free or low-cost programs and services designed to support them throughout their ordeal. The Lymphedema Association of Quebec is the only educational and support organization in Quebec dedicated to people living with lymphedema, a debilitating disease that occurs particularly among cancer survivors and necessitates lifelong care and support.
 
By joining forces, these two organizations have made a tangible step toward achieving their common goal of improving the well-being of Quebecers with cancer and lymphedema. “The Lymphedema Association of Quebec is very pleased to have formalized a partnership with the Quebec Cancer Foundation. Since the key to reducing the impact of lymphedema is early detection, it is a good idea to link referrals to the LAQ to the lodging and support services provided by the Quebec Cancer Foundation. This initiative will make the LAQ’s expertise, as well as its educational and support resources, more easily accessible. Together, we can better help survivors meet the challenges of life after cancer.” says LAQ Executive Director, Anne-Marie Joncas.

The two organizations plan to expand their information network by offering joint workshops on lymphedema via the Quebec Cancer Foundation's videoconference platform. Also, in order to optimize screening, the nurses at the Info-cancer Services, along with other Foundation personnel, will receive a training workshop given by the LAQ.

"This partnership is in line with the major thrust of our 2020-2022 strategic plan, entitled Being Closer to People (in French only), and brings us one step nearer to our goal of providing concrete support to every Quebecer affected by the disease, regardless of their type or stage of cancer, their history or where they come from. This partnership prevents us from duplicating services and will permit us to reach out to a larger pool of people.” explains Marco Décelles, Director General of the Quebec Cancer Foundation. 

Lymphedema, a threat to people with cancer

Lymphedema is a real threat to people who survive certain cancers but whose lymph nodes have been damaged by surgery or radiation treatments. Lymphedema is caused by the accumulation of lymph in the tissues and manifests itself as chronic, incurable swelling and inflammation. It is estimated that more than 73,000 Quebecers are living with secondary lymphedema related to gynecological, breast, prostate, bladder, melanoma, sarcoma and head and neck cancers.

About the Lymphedema Association of Quebec

For 22 years, the Lymphedema Association of Quebec (LAQ) has been informing, supporting and educating people at risk for lymphedema or those living with the disease, as well as their caregivers. We extend our assistance to health professionals and decision-makers in order to raise awareness of the various causes of lymphedema and to facilitate screening and treatment, and thereby reduce the prevalence of the disease.