“I was diagnosed with hormone-dependent breast cancer, with affected axillary lymph nodes,” testifies Chantal Brousseau from the Côte-Nord.
“It all started when I felt a small mass on my breast during my pregnancy. At night, I fell into “worry” mode and thoughts swirled around in my head. After giving birth, I therefore went to see a doctor who prescribed me a breast ultrasound.
“I waited four long months before I could get my appointment. Days turned into months. Every day I worried about the impact a cancer diagnosis would have on my life and that of my family. I no longer slept and I thought of the worst: if the cancer got worse? Can I be helped? Will it be too late?
“I understand the importance of a comprehensive diagnosis, but waiting for results shouldn’t be that long, let alone be done alone. No one should have to bear the brunt of such a long wait. We deserve better. »
As President and CEO of the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation (FCSQ), I confirm that we receive testimonials like Chantal’s every week through our helpline 1-855-561 -PINK. This telephone line, offered by peer helpers who themselves have experienced breast cancer, was launched a little over a year ago thanks to the Diagnostic project, an initiative of the FCSQ in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.
This project aimed in particular to reduce the distress and anxiety of those affected during the process of waiting for a diagnosis and to collect quantitative and qualitative data on the experiences lived during this period since there are very few of them. .
Launched in 2021, the Diagnosis project is spread over three years. Now that it has reached the midpoint and taking advantage of the month of February, month of psychology, to punctuate this text, we believe that the time has come to take stock.
Alarming psychological distress
We are forced to note that women who are waiting for a diagnosis go through a period of major anxiety and that there is unfortunately no, if any, help to alleviate this period. They are often left on their own because they are not (yet) part of the system.
When a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, everything collapses, of course, but care is taken and an action plan is put in place. But what about the weeks before?
Although we want to wait until the end of 2024 to analyze the data from the Diagnostic project and take concrete action, the FCSQ cannot remain inactive in the face of these findings. We have decided to get ahead of things because we have the capacity to do so, and this, with our own means. If women are taken care of by the health system after their diagnosis, we will support them upstream.
In addition to the many services and programs already in place at the Foundation, this year we are launching a call for projects to fund Quebec programs and initiatives that help women who are in the pre-diagnosis period, thanks to 1 million dollars to help.
The FCSQ is committed to funding, for a total of $1 million, projects that will help the thousands of Quebec women who find themselves in this waiting situation every year.
Because as a foundation, this is how we can have an impact, here and now.
Last year, 6,900 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in Quebec: let’s make sure to help the next ones by accompanying them through this difficult journey, together.