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For its 7th edition, the Forum will take place face-to-face on May 6th at the Montreal Science Centre and will focus on precision medicine: each cancer is unique, and the treatment must be too. During roundtables, experts from Quebec will tell you about recent discoveries that bring personalized medicine to another level, from diagnosis to post-treatment follow-up. You will discover how these advances could improve treatment and survival for people with different types of breast cancer. Finally, you will learn more about complementary therapies and healthy lifestyle habits that can improve quality of life.
Djazya Yettou, student and QBCF volunteer
This presentation will review the fundamentals so as to ensure a better understanding of the scientific content to be presented during the day. Why do we say that breast cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease? Various concepts will be covered, such as the mechanisms that lead to the development of breast cancers, the main characteristics that differentiate them, and how those differences can become assets for the management of the disease.
Louis Gaboury Director, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, and Principal Investigator, IRIC
Jamil Asselah MD, FRCPC, Medical Oncologist, McGill University Health Centre, and President, Executive Scientific Committee, McPeak-Sirois Group
Danielle Charpentier Chief, Hematology and Oncology, CHUM, and Assistant Clinical Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal
Facilitators: Katerine-Lune Rollet and Catherine Wilhelmy (patient partner)
This roundtable discussion will explore how, when, and why it is so important to focus on the characteristics that differentiate each type of breast cancer. Experts will discuss the various methods used to profile different cancerous tumours and explain the latest advances in markers and targeted therapies that are enabling more personalized medicine.
Facilitator : Laura Hernandez, oncology yoga teacher
Through a series of exercises accessible to all, you will experience adapted postures and deep relaxation techniques, which promote relaxation and letting go to restore and maintain the connection of the body to the mind.
Nathalie Bolduc MSc, CCGC, CGC, Certified Genetic Counsellor, and Advisor, Breast Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation Project Manager – Operations at McPeak-Sirois Group
Mark BasikProfessor, Departments of Surgery and Oncology, McGill University, Surgical Oncologist, Jewish General Hospital, and Director, Cancer Genomics and Translational Research Laboratory
Facilitators: Katerine-Lune Rollet and Sylvie Desmarais (patient partner)
How does analyzing the genetic profile of a given breast cancer enable development of therapies specifically adapted to the individual and their condition? The guest experts at this roundtable will explain the benefits of identifying the genetic profile of a breast tumour, as well as the prospects for advancements in precision medicine. You will also learn more about the benefits of various genetic tests at different stages of breast cancer management.
Jean-François Côté Director, Cytoskeletal Organization and Cell Migration Research Unit, IRCM, and Research Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal
Dr. Jean-François Côté’s team is conducting long-term work in an attempt to unravel the complex process of the metastatic cascade. During this presentation, Dr. Côté will share the latest findings from his lab concerning the mechanisms of cancer cell dormancy regulation and the prospects for new anti-metastatic therapies to improve survival for invasive breast cancer patients.
Hélène Laurendeau Nutritionist
Studies have proven the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits throughout the breast cancer journey. The Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation offers the free My Active HealthTM program to help people living with the disease get exercise daily. Hélène Laurendeau will present the new nutrition component to the program, to help you maintain a healthy and adapted diet before, during, and after treatment.
Karelle Trottier Project Manager, Environmentally Responsible Events and Environmental Health, Réseau des femmes en environnement
This presentation will tell you more about the substances known as endocrine disruptors. You will learn about their potential and proven impacts on health, including on the functioning of the body’s hormonal system, along with tips on how to limit your daily exposure to these harmful substances.
With Brigitte Dubuc Osteopath, DO, Helping Relationship Therapist and Coherent Breathing Specialist
This introduction to coherent breathing will provide an understanding of the physiological principles of this practice as well as its benefits on physical and mental health throughout the breast cancer journey. This workshop will also be an opportunity to do coherent breathing exercises as a group, for added benefit.
Marie-Josée Lord Physiotherapist
The side effects of hormone therapy can lead to early menopause and cause different side effects. We will discuss the impacts on intimacy and sexuality (libido, vaginal dryness, muscle relaxation) and talk about exercises that can be practical for perineal rehabilitation.
With Laura Hernandez
Discover the benefits of the practice of adapted yoga on physical, emotional and spiritual well-being during the care pathway. It is in a warm atmosphere that Laura Hernandez, oncological yoga teacher, will offer you a moment of relaxation through a series of postures on chair and breathing exercises, respecting your limits.
Closing remarks by Cédric Baudinet, Director, Investments and Health Promotion, Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation, and distribution of door prizes.
