MUHC to create the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation Lymphedema Support Centre
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation announced a $1.5 million contribution to The Best Care for Life Campaign today in support of the Redevelopment Project of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) at the Glen, Mountain and Lachine campuses. This generous donation, made through the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, will establish the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation Lymphedema Support Centre at the MUHC.
“We are very pleased to be collaborating with the MUHC on this forward-thinking and much-needed initiative,” stated Nathalie Le Prohon, Chair of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation. “Through this new facility, our goal is to provide support for breast cancer patients who suffer from lymphedema, while promoting both patient awareness and early diagnosis.”
“Breast cancer survivors have gone through difficult times; they need to get healthy and stay healthy. This new Centre will give them resources to achieve this goal. The QBCF is also looking into funding other projects that could provide tangible support to breast cancer patients and their families” she added. The Centre will provide crucial services and support to cancer patients from across Quebec, including the 20 to 25 percent of breast cancer survivors who develop lymphedema after treatment.
“The Cancer Care Mission at the MUHC has the highest government ranking in Quebec thanks to exceptional multidisciplinary teams and partners such as the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation,” stated the Hon. Arthur T. Porter, MUHC Director General and CEO. “With contributions such as this $1.5 million donation, our experts can implement the innovative programmes that are the hallmark of a world-class academic health centre while sustaining the clinical care, research and teaching excellence for which we have become renowned internationally."
“Over the past five years, Montrealers from across the city have embraced this campaign, and we are extremely grateful.” noted John Rae, The Best Care for Life Campaign Chair. “Individuals, families, community groups and the business community have stepped up to help us build the New MUHC. We are very pleased to welcome the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation to our growing team and we hope that they inspire others to join our cause as well. Together, we will help transform health care for generations to come.”
About lymphedema
Lymphedema is characterized by localized fluid retention and painful tissue swelling and is brought on by a compromised lymphatic system. It is a risk for all patients undergoing cancer surgery and radiotherapy but especially breast cancer patients. Often taking years to manifest itself, lymphedema is devastating to cancer patients who have already suffered the ravages of one disease, only to be made susceptible to another chronic debilitating condition. Those with uncontrolled lymphedema are subject to recurrent bacterial infections (cellulities) of the affected limb, requiring hospitalizations, and potentially leading to reduced life expectancy. Since lymphedema is incurable, prevention initiatives and patient education are critical for early diagnosis. Province-wide awareness programs are a key component of the Centre and will be bolstered by the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation’s support.
The MUHC Redevelopment Project is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will improve care, research and teaching for generations to come. It will ensure patients, their families and medical experts have access to the best facilities, equipment and information systems. The new facilities will allow the full integration of care, research and teaching. Construction is getting underway on the new Glen Campus site and work is ongoing at the Mountain and Lachine campuses.
About the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
The MUHC is a comprehensive academic health institution with an international reputation for excellence in clinical programs, research and teaching. Its partner hospitals are The Montreal Children's Hospital, the Montreal General Hospital, the Royal Victoria Hospital, the Montreal Neurological Hospital and Institute, the Montreal Chest Institute and the Lachine Hospital. The goal of the MUHC is to provide patient care based on the most advanced knowledge in the health care field, and to contribute to the development of new knowledge. muhc.ca.
About The Best Care for Life Campaign
The $300-million Best Care for Life Campaign is an unprecedented philanthropic effort aimed at raising the funds needed to complete the McGill University Health Centre’s Redevelopment Project on the Glen, Mountain and Lachine campuses as well as the Capital Development Plan. It is a partnership of the MUHC foundations: MUHC Foundation, Cedars Cancer Institute, Lachine Hospital Foundation, Montreal Chest Institute Foundation, Montreal General Hospital Foundation, Montreal Neurological Hospital, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, and The Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation through its Best Care for Children Campaign. muhc.ca/cause
About the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to fund breast cancer research, promote breast health education and awareness, and support people touched by breast cancer. Since its inception in 1994, the Foundation has awarded more than $15 million to Quebec’s medical community, providing essential funding for innovative research projects, education and support programs. Visit www.ly for more information.