The Charles-Bruneau Foundation, Leucan and the Quebec Cancer Foundation join forces in safeguarding the fertility of young cancer patients
“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.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, Leucan 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.
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.
“We are very proud of this new partnership with Leucan and the Fondation québécoise du cancer, which is in line with our respective missions. Through this commitment, the Charles-Bruneau Foundation is reaffirming its desire to work more closely with the key players involved in helping children with cancer. By joining forces in a concerted fashion, we can intervene more quickly and go further.
It’s vital for the Fondation Charles-Bruneau to remain agile and adjust its actions to new realities. Improving the chances of recovery for children with cancer, preventing the onset of cancer in patients with cancer-prone illnesses, and meeting the needs of survivors with cancer-related after-effects are more than ever at the heart of our mission.”
– Rébecca Dumont, Executive Director, Charles-Bruneau Foundation
