Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage 4 breast cancer or advanced breast cancer, occurs when the cancer cells in the breast spread to other parts of the body. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for this type of cancer. Most people living with this diagnosis are under ongoing treatment to limit the progression of the disease and mitigate side effects.
To meet the specific needs of people with metastatic breast cancer and address the lack of adapted services in Quebec, the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation has developed a program exclusively to provide support tailored to the reality of this community.
At the Foundation, we believe it is important to get people with the disease involved in developing new services and resources. The Stage 4 Club was developed to meet the needs raised by the community based on facts documented nationally and internationally. People living with breast cancer contributed their stories and their experience with the disease to the discussion. Their involvement in decision-making ensures that our actions are addressing real needs.
Services and resources
Financial aid service
Metastatic disease can put a strain on personal finances, which in turn causes stress and anxiety. The Foundation offers financial assistance of up to $2,500 per year to people diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Contact us for the eligibility criteria and to apply:
Telephone: 514 871-1717, ext. 245
Toll-free: 1 877 990-7171, ext. 245
Psychosocial support service
We offer psychosocial support free of charge. Our social worker can help you find balance in your daily life and support you through the many emotional challenges of metastatic breast cancer. We offer one-on-one (as of 14 years old) or family meetings, in person, by phone or videoconference. If you have been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it at any time. Contact us to make an appointment:
Telephone: 514 871-1717 ext. 325
Toll-free: 1 877 990-7171, ext. 325
Peer support resources
Mutual support between people living through similar situations has many benefits. It helps to improve quality of life by breaking isolation. Being surrounded by people who know what we’re going through allows us to develop coping strategies to better handle everyday challenges, while benefiting from peer advice and support.
Virtual Chit-Chat Club
The Virtual Chit-Chat Club is a bimonthly peer discussion group where you can meet and share with other people who know what it means to live with metastatic breast cancer. Accessible by videoconference and led by a social worker, the Virtual Chit-Chat Club is held in a respectful, judgment-free and confidential atmosphere. The health professional leads and stimulates reflection and discussion while prioritizing conversations between people with the disease. The primary language of communication is French.
Contact us to register for the next Virtual Chit-Chat Club:
Private discussion group
You may find comfort in sharing your experience with other people who are also living with metastatic breast cancer. The private Club stade 4 Facebook group allows you to talk with other people with metastatic breast cancer who understand your challenges. Receiving support and advice from peers can help you develop coping strategies to better handle everyday challenges.
Join the Club (primary language is French)
This group is exclusively for people with metastatic breast cancer who live in Quebec. The primary language of communication in the group is French.
Virtual clinic
Metastatic breast cancer can turn your routine upside down, involve many medical appointments and add a heavy mental load. Once you have been diagnosed, you can consult doctors and nurses via our Virtual Clinic service free of charge and for life from the comfort of home. These services complement the support of your healthcare team, for all non-cancer-related issues. Your family members can also use these services. Check the eligibility criteria and register on our website or contact us:
cliniquevirtuelle@rubanrose.org
Telephone: 514 871-1717, ext. 269
Toll-free: 1 877 990-7171, ext. 269
My Active Health Program
Physical exercise is good for your health and well-being. Daily activity can help you manage the side effects of cancer and treatments like fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety and stress. However, metastatic disease may limit the type of exercise you can do, or how often you can do it.
Our My Active Health services can help you establish or maintain an active routine, at your own pace, and adapted to your condition. We offer free lifetime access to oncological yoga sessions from the comfort of your home or in studio or adapted exercise sequences in the videos posted on the private Club stade 4 Facebook group.
The My Active Health program also offers tips and recipes for a healthy diet adapted to your situation and your needs.
Learn more about our My Active Health services on our page.
Information on metastatic cancer and testimonials
Metastatic Breast Cancer: The Realities of Stage 4
Le jour où…j’ai décidé de vaincre ma peur de la mort (French only)
Contact us at stade4@rubanrose.org for more information on the Metastatic Breast Cancer Program.
We will direct you to the services and resources best suited to your needs. You can call our Peer support helpline at 1 855 561-PINK (7465). Our resources directory is a great place to find resources that meet your needs in your area.