We’d like to know more about your profession. What exactly do you do?

“I’m a breast cancer surgeon and oncologist at the Jewish General Hospital, which means I see women when they are initially diagnosed with breast cancer, then treat them surgically. “Together with my colleagues in medical oncology, radiation oncology and cancer genetics, I also help coordinate and administer additional cancer treatments for our patients. “Finally, as Director of the JGH Stroll Cancer Prevention Centre High-Risk Breast Clinic, I care for women at high risk of developing breast cancer for their screening and offer preventive options, including risk-reducing drugs or risk-reducing surgery.”

And is there a particular reason you chose breast cancer as your specialty? 

“We all know women who have been affected by breast cancer, and I have to say that working in this field is wonderful because of them.

“The patients we treat are incredibly strong and inspiring, and make our work rewarding.

“I’m also very grateful to be working in a field where incredible research is constantly moving things forward, so that year after year we see dramatic improvements in the treatments we can offer our patients.”

We are immensely grateful to you for agreeing to join our October campaign to raise awareness about breast cancer. Can you tell us more about your reasons for joining the Foundation?

“The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation does outstanding work supporting patients and initiatives to improve the quality of cancer-care delivery in Quebec, as well as funding researchers who are working to improve outcomes for our breast cancer patients.

“As a researcher, I feel very fortunate to have been supported by the Foundation and I want to do everything I can to help this organization shed light on breast cancer in Quebec!”

To conclude, do you have a message for the general public?

“The quality of life and survival of our breast cancer patients has improved dramatically over the past 30 years, although we still have a long way to go.

“Until no woman has to worry about dying from breast cancer, we in the breast cancer community will continue to work every day to ensure that they receive the best possible treatment and care.

“We appreciate your trust and support; we are committed to this effort together and we want you to know that we are working towards a cure.”