I Have Breast Cancer
Frequently Asked Questions
When having just received a cancer diagnosis, or during treatment, or fighting against the disease, a thousand questions will pop into your mind. Here are the most frequently asked questions by women who call us at the Foundation. This section also contains lots of practical advice on many topics.
1. Where can I donate a lock of hair?
Please note:
- A ponytail must measure at least 8 inches, or 20.5 cm (from over the elastic to the tip).
- Hair must be free of chemical treatment (coloration, discoloration, perm, straightening, thinning, etc.) Only hair coloured with vegetable hair colour, semi-permanent hair colour, or washable hair colour is accepted.
- Curly or wavy hair must be straightened when measuring its length.
- Hair must be freshly washed, completely dried and must not contain any styling product.
- Hair must have less than 5% of gray hair.
For more information, contact one of the following organizations:
- www.cancer.ca Telephone: 1 888 939-3333
- www.viragecancer.org Telephone: 514 890-8000, extension 28139
2. I lost the letter from the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (QBCSP); can you send it back to me?
If you have lost your letter, you must contact the QBCSP at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/PQDCS/
3. Where can I purchase hair prosthesis?
We will be glad to provide you with the contact information of the suppliers in your area. Contact us to find out more.
4. Where can I purchase breast prosthesis?
We will be glad to provide you with the contact information of the suppliers in your area. Contact us to find out more.
5. Where can I purchase mastectomy swimwear?
We will be glad to provide you with the contact information of the suppliers in your area. Contact us to find out more.
6. Where can I obtain financial support?
The following organizations may be able to offer you financial support:
- Jean-Marc Paquette Foundation (SAFIR Program)
Telephone: 514 982-3173, extension 3119
- Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation
Telephone: 1 866 713-7773
- Canadian Cancer Society
Telephone: 514 255-5151, extension 2520
7. Where can I find support groups and activities in my area?
Our Support Program offers many activities and workshops free of charge.
We will be glad to provide you with the contact information of the suppliers in your area. Contact us to find out more.
8. Can you recommend a psychologist? A nutritionist?
Many professionals can offer you appropriate support.
These websites should help you find the right one:
Ordre des psychologues du Québec: www.ordrepsy.qc.ca
Index Santé, by clicking Nutritionnistes: www.indexsante.ca (French only)
9. Where can I find Look Good, Feel Better workshops?
The Look Good, Feel Better program offers two-hour workshops to women undergoing treatment for make up and hair prosthesis. Services are offered in many regions.
Telephone: 1 800 914-5665
Web site: www.lgfb.ca
10. Where do I go to have a mammography done?
CLSCs, clinics and hospitals generally offer this service.
Public institutions:
Prevention: Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (QBCSP) at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/PQDCS/ or ask your doctor.
Screening test: ask your doctor.
Private institutions:
11. I have young children and I have breast cancer. Are there books that you can recommend to me?
The Foundation has a Documentation centre. Contact us for more information.
The Quebec Cancer Foundation also has a loan desk: www.fqc.qc.ca
12. My friend/mother/spouse has breast cancer. Can you call her: she needs your help?
Encourage her to call us. We will be happy to offer support and give her the information she needs.
You may also see section One of my loved ones has breast cancer where you will find information and advice on how to help a person with breast cancer.
13. My friend/mother/spouse died of breast cancer. I have a hard time accepting it. What should I do?
Call us to receive information on organizations that can help you in your area.
14. Are there programs offering support to women who return to work after breast cancer?
Unfortunately, no such programs exist.
If you have any questions or wish to have additional information on one of these subjects, contact the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation at 514 871-1717 or at 1 877 990-7171, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, inclusively. Our team will give you information on the best services available to you in your area.