Penny MacWhirter

Early Detection of Breast Cancer: A Lifesaving Measure

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Holly Smith, Penny MacWhirter, LJI Journalists

cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Canadians, but early detection can make a significant difference in outcomes for both women and men. Understanding the importance of early detection and regular screening can create successful treatments and better survival rates. 

According to the Canadian Cancer Society website, in 2024, an estimated 30,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and about 5,500 will die from the disease. This makes breast cancer the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the country. 

Emphasis on early detection of breast cancer can dramatically improve the chances of successful treatment. When breast cancer is detected early, in the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. This statistic shows the importance of regular screenings and self-examinations. 

For women, mammograms are the most effective tool for detecting breast cancer early. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that women aged 50 to 74 have a mammogram every two to three years. For women with a higher risk of breast cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease, screenings may start earlier or be conducted more often. 

Judy Mann Fitzgerald speaks from experience. She found her breast cancer through self-examination. “I felt a bump that I never noticed before when getting dressed.” Early detection played a critical role in her treatment plan as she embarked on a journey of chemotherapy and surgery. 

Judy also shared the emotional side of her diagnosis. “At first, I was scared,” she admits, “I hoped that I had found it fast enough. I was scared that I wouldn’t be around to be with my husband, kids, or have a chance to watch my grandchildren grow.” Like many, the fear of the unknown and the uncertainties of treatment weighed heavily on her mind. 

Despite these challenges, Judy remained focused on survival, even as she faced difficult physical changes. “I had to do chemotherapy. Losing my hair was hard, but I was so determined to survive to be with my family that a bit of hair didn’t mean anything. I kept telling myself that it would grow back.” 

Judy emphasizes that support from family and friends can be vital during the cancer journey. “With big events like cancer, you learn quickly who your friends are,” she reflects, “They are the ones who are always there to listen, call to check on you, offer to take you to appointments, or even just sit in silence.” For those who may not have the support they need, community organizations and support groups can offer additional help. While Judy wishes she had known more about these resources, she credits her husband and family for being her rock throughout the experience. 

Breast cancer is a serious health issue in Canada, affecting thousands of women and men each year. Judy Mann Fitzgerald’s story highlights the importance of early detection, emotional resilience, and the support of loved ones in overcoming the disease. Her advice to others? “Think about your family and loved ones and only have positive vibes. Never give up hope. You can get through the most difficult times.” 

While most people associate breast cancer with women, men are also at risk, though at much lower rates. 

For men, breast cancer is much rarer but still poses a risk. Approximately 290 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024, with about 60 deaths resulting from the disease. While these numbers are significantly lower than those for women, they highlight the importance of awareness and early detection among men as well. 

Men, on the other hand, are less likely to be aware of their risk for breast cancer. Because breast cancer is so rare in men, there is no general screening program. However, men with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, should talk to their doctor about screening. Like women, men should also be aware of any changes in their breast tissue, such as lumps, and go to see a healthcare provider if they notice anything unusual. 

Both men and women should remain vigilant about changes in their breast tissue, discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider, and remember that early detection can indeed save lives. 

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Services for Cancer Patients: How organizations are making a difference

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , ,

Holly Smith, Penny MacWhirter, LJI Journalists

NEW CARLISLE: – Living with cancer is one of life’s most difficult challenges, but for residents of the Gaspé Coast, several organizations provide vital support. Among these, the Organisme gaspésien pour les personnes atteintes de cancer (OGPAC), the Gaspé Cancer Foundation, and the Linda LeMore Brown Foundation (LLB) play crucial roles in helping cancer patients and their families navigate this difficult journey. 

OGPAC: Since its founding in 1984, OGPAC has worked tirelessly to support those affected by cancer. Offering a range of free and confidential services, the organization helps patients and caregivers navigate the physical, emotional, and practical challenges that come with a cancer diagnosis. From the Peer Mentors Program, which connects patients with others who have faced similar struggles, to providing hair and breast prostheses (temporary or permanent), headpieces (hats and scarves, with or without fringes) and post-operative bras. OGPAC addresses the needs of patients with a comprehensive approach. “We are here for people with cancer and their caregivers,” says Manon Lebrun OGPAC interim director. “Our support and accompaniment service is offered free of charge and in complete confidentiality at our offices in Maria or at our service points.” she adds. 

OGPAC has centres, located in Maria and Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, which provide patients and families with books, guides, and multimedia resources on topics like cancer treatment, relaxation techniques, nutrition, and spirituality. Additionally, their popular “Cafés-Rencontres” offers an open and welcoming space for individuals to recharge, reflect, and share experiences with others, all while listening to expert talks from oncology professionals. 

Over the years, the OGPAC has experienced significant growth. The territory served has expanded: it now extends from Shigawake to L’Ascension-de-Patapédia (MRC Avignon and Bonaventure). states Ms. Lebrun. 

OGPAC’s primary goal for the coming years is to raise awareness about its services. Many residents of the Gaspé region remain unaware of the resources available to them, and the organization is working hard to increase its visibility through outreach and partnerships with local media. 

Gaspé Cancer Foundation: Another key player in cancer care on the Gaspé Coast is the Gaspé Cancer Foundation. The Gaspé Cancer Foundation was founded in 2003 and was an initiative of Noreen Hackett. The mission of the Foundation is to provide nondiscriminatory and confidential travel assistance to cancer patients of the Gaspé MRC from Grande-Vallée to Corner of the Beach including Murdochville, who have to travel to Montreal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Rivière du Loup, Rimouski and Chandler for treatment. 

The Foundation has made a tremendous contribution in these communities by dispersing over $500,000 over the last 21 years. In order to be able to carry out its duties, the Gaspé Cancer Foundation relies on the sale of membership cards, donations, Memoriam cards and fundraisers. “The generosity of many in the communities has been outstanding, with fundraisers such as spaghetti suppers, bingos, and tickets for drawings of many valuable prizes donated by businesses and individuals. Those donating $10 or more receive a tax receipt,” says Gaspé Cancer Foundation Secretary Debbie Sams. 

To be eligible for travel assistance from the Gaspé Cancer Foundation, you must have a membership card, in good standing for at least one month. The cost of an annual membership is $15 for one adult or $25 for a couple. Children under 18 are free, if the parent has a membership. “Once diagnosed with cancer, the oncology department in Gaspé will provide you with a form that has to be signed by the attending physician at the hospital you have to be treated at, or you can print off a form on the Gaspé Cancer Foundation website at www.fcg-gcf.com. To clarify though, when having to go for radiation in Rimouski, for example, for a set amount of treatments, you will not be paid to travel back and forth home on weekends before the treatments are finished. Follow-up trips will be covered when sent by your physician. If you need help in Quebec City, we partner with “Liaison/Translator” or English patients going there for treatments,” explains Ms. Sams. 

When asked what the biggest challenge the organization faces, Ms. Sams noted that getting known in the French community is one of their biggest challenges. She also says it’s important to make the distinction that “The Gaspé Cancer Foundation is not part of the Canadian Cancer Society, that it was formed to give financial aid to those living in our designated area so the funds raised are put back in the communities. The Foundation functions on an entirely volunteer basis and no one receives a salary.” 

Gaspé Cancer Foundation, since the beginning in 2003, we have heard so many wonderful and appreciative stories from cancer patients who have taken advantage of our travel assistance program. Being helped financially for travel has taken away part of their struggle. So, for just $15 a year, why not help out a neighbour or friend because there aren’t many families that haven’t been afflicted by this dreaded disease,” says Ms. Sams. 

If you are interested in purchasing a membership or memoriam card, it can be done on the organization’s website. 

Linda LeMore-Brown Foundation (LLB): The Linda Lemore Brown Foundation was formed in 2002 with the goal of providing non-discriminatory financial aid to cancer patients living in the MRC of Bonaventure, who must travel outside the area for treatment. 

Anyone can become a member of LLB by purchasing an annual membership which costs $20. New members have a waiting period of three months before being eligible for aid from LLB. The organization pays members needing to travel to Rimouski $150 per trip, Quebec $200, and Montreal $250. The support is capped at $1,500 per year for each eligible member. 

In the case of a child who is diagnosed with cancer, the three-month waiting period is waived. One of the parents is required to purchase a membership, but the family can receive assistance immediately. 

The LLB relies solely on money raised through memberships, donations and memoriam cards, and fundraising. The organization’s main fundraisers are the LLB Curling Bonspiel and the Tim Horton’s Smiley cookies. 

LLB President, June Main says one of the biggest challenges the organization faces is that “Getting volunteers involved is increasingly difficult”. If you are interested in getting involved with the LLB organization, Ms. Main says “Volunteering at the foundation 4 hours per week every other week would be a great help.” 

Last year the LLB helped over 100 people, providing monetary support surpassing $50,000. The members who receive assistance “Really appreciate the help that they get from the Linda Lemore-Brown Foundation. I get many messages thanking us,” says Ms. Main. 

When asked if there’s a message she’d like to share with Spec readers, Ms. Main says “I think everyone should buy a membership, as we all know or are aware of someone who has cancer and someday it could be us.” 

How can you get involved? 

Organizations rely heavily on community support, and there are many ways to get involved. Volunteering, donating, and spreading awareness are all essential to the continued success of these organizations. By rallying the community, OGPAC, the Gaspé Cancer Foundation, and LLB hope to secure the funding needed to expand their services and continue providing vital support to cancer patients and their families 

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Show your support on International Day of Sign Languages 

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Holly Smith & Penny MacWhirter, LJI Journalists

NEW CARLISLE: September 23 marks the International Day of Sign Languages, a global initiative established by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of sign language for the deaf community. 

The day was established with a resolution in 2017 following a proposal by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). The United Nations resolution acknowledges that “Early access to sign language and services in sign language, including quality education available in sign language, is vital to the growth and development of the deaf individual and critical to the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals.” 

That WFD is made up of 135 national associations of deaf people, representing approximately 70 million deaf people’s human rights worldwide. The proposed date of September 23 was in recognition of the WFD’s founding on that date in 1951. It also coincides with the International Week of Deaf People which takes place September 23 to 29. 

This year’s observance emphasizes the unity of sign languages worldwide, urging communities and governments to support and recognize these vital linguistic tools. 

Shining a blue light on Sign Languages 

To promote and recognize sign languages, communities and governments around the world are encouraged to display blue lights. 

Sign language around the world 

There are over 70 million deaf individuals globally, with more than 80% residing in developing countries. These individuals use over 300 different sign languages, each with its own unique grammar and syntax. In Canada, American Sign Language (ASL) and Quebec Sign Language (Langue des signes québécoise, LSQ) are most common, with additional Indigenous and Maritime Sign Languages also used. 

Statistics Canada reported that in 2021, 8,415 people identified ASL as their mother tongue, while 1,860 reported LSQ. 

Furthermore, 37,620 Canadians could converse in ASL, and 6,193 in LSQ. Though estimates vary, the Canadian Association of the Deaf suggests there are approximately 357,000 deaf Canadians and 3.21 million hard of hearing individuals. 

Challenges in the Gaspé Peninsula 

There are significant gaps in services for the deaf community, particularly in remote regions like the Gaspé Peninsula. Peter Mann, 34, who currently lives in Port Daniel, shared his personal experiences with SPEC as he navigates life with deafness in a region with limited resources. 

Diagnosed at birth, Mr. Mann was raised in Port Daniel, first attending Shigawake Port Daniel School, and then New Carlisle High School and Bonaventure Polyvalent before moving to Montreal for work. 

Despite returning to the region for a new job in Chandler, he faced considerable challenges due to the lack of sign language services in the area. 

“I was diagnosed at birth and have family members who are also deaf,” Mr. Mann told SPEC. “When I started school I learned some ASL. I learned more ASL online because there were no sign language services in the Gaspé Peninsula. 

In addition, there have been times in Mr. Mann’s life when he needed an interpreter for lawyers, court appearances and healthcare. “I had to travel to Montreal for an interpreter, which cost a lot,” explains Mr. Mann. 

Despite his efforts, finding employment locally was tough. “I looked for ten years for a job, I eventually got a job at RITMRG in May 2023.” However, the language barrier between ASL and LSQ poses additional difficulties. “At work, I use my smartphone to communicate with my boss and coworkers,” adding that he later uses Google Translate to bridge the language gap between English and French. 

The lack of local support extends to home adaptations as well. “I have no special adaptations at home, like for smoke detectors or doorbells,” says Mr. Mann. “I have not been able to get those services covered and, if they’re not covered, they are very expensive,” he adds. 

His advice to newly diagnosed deaf individuals is to use online tools and resources, as they can be crucial when local services are unavailable “Use online tools to learn ASL. When you can’t get services, you have to do it yourself,” says Mr. Mann. He recommends using internet sites such as lifeprint.com. 

Silver Gallan was diagnosed with a hearing impairment in both ears since birth. Now seven years old and in grade two, Silver has undergone numerous tests at several hospitals to determine the extent of her hearing impairment. She has learned that her condition could further decrease over time, with the possibility that she may eventually lose her hearing entirely Tabitha Flowers, Silver’s grandmother, is eager to learn sign language to ensure that Silver is fluent and is able to communicate with her friends and family in sign language. “It is very important for Silver, her family and friends to learn sign language due to the fact that she could be fully hearing impaired one day,” explains Ms. Flowers 

“Unfortunately with the lack of resources in our region, it is more difficult to learn sign language considering there are no classes, workshops, etc. that are available. We have reached out to multiple organizations to try and get more resources in our region for the hearing impaired but, unfortunately, in our small communities, there is not enough need for it,” says Ms. Flowers. 

Silver would like to learn sign language and become fluent: “I’m discouraged to not know more, but I’m learning online one word at a time,” she says. The family has purchased an online program so that they can learn sign language together. 

In addition to the challenges of learning sign language, Silver faces other difficulties in her daily life. “A few of the biggest challenges for Silver is being in a large group of people (due to echoing voices), swimming (being underwater creates pressure in the ears), and riding a bike (since hearing impairments can affect balance),” says Ms. Flowers, noting that Silver is athletic and loves sports. 

Silver has also struggled with receiving adequate speech therapy resources, currently, she is receiving the service online rather than in person. Moreover, the family has waited over two years to receive a hearing test at the hospital and, consequently, has resorted to paying out of pocket for an annual test to ensure timely evaluations. 

The family does not currently have hearing impairment devices in their home but is prepared to install devices such as special phones, along with alarms and doorbells that trigger lights and vibrations. 

Silver says, “It’s important for people to know that hearing aids are not a magic fix and if you talk to a person who is hearing impaired, look at them, speak clearly, and not too fast.” Her grandmother adds, “Silver has experienced some bullying but that doesn’t stop her from enjoying all the things she loves, such as hunting, fishing, karate, dancing and singing. She does all these activities with pride because she knows truly how amazing she is in her own way.”

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Listuguj conducts successful prescription drug drop-off drive

Local Journalism Initiative / / / , , , ,

Penny MacWhirter and Holly Smith, LJI Journalists

LISTUGUJ: – On the afternoon of July 17, a successful prescription drug drop-off drive was held at the former church site in Listuguj. This initiative was designed to support safe disposal practices for unused or expired medications.

To maximize outreach and encourage participation, the drive was promoted through a range of channels including social media, the local radio station and Listuguj’s digital message board encouraging residents of the Indigenous community to drop off expired or unused prescriptions; over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers, cough suppressants and sleep aids; vitamins; and other products such as diaper rash creams and hand sanitizers.

“Why is disposal of medication important? In addition to expired medications no longer being effective, having fewer medicines in your home also means having fewer safety risks,” states one of the advertisements for the drop-off activity.

The event was a partnership between the CLSC, Listuguj Wellness, Listuguj Police and Listuguj Health and Community Services.

Michael Isaac Jr., Communications Manager for the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, says, “Multiple containers of solids, liquids and needles, such as those used for insulin were collected.” He adds that “the total amount was brought to the CLSC, and they sent them off for disposal.”

The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive. Many participants and partners suggested that similar initiatives should be held more frequently. The Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government is currently conducting an online survey to determine at what frequency drop-off drives should be held. According to Michael Issac Jr, the feedback has been taken seriously, and plans are underway to organize additional events and focus groups through the Listuguj Wellness Renewal Initiative (LWRI).

The LWRI is an initiative that is supported and endorsed by the Listuguj Chief and Council. It focuses on the well-being and health of all community members making education, resources and overall support available and accessible to all ages. In addition, the LWRI promotes a cultural and holistic approach to wellness, empowering community members to overcome substance abuse and addictions, while advocating for positive change.

While it is too early to fully assess the long-term impacts of the drive on the community, the success of the event highlights the community’s commitment to responsible medication management.

Why safe disposal of expired or unused medication matters

The medicine cabinets in many households have expired or unused medications. The medication could be leftover following the death of a loved one, a prescription that was not finished due to a reaction, among other reasons. Disposal of the medication is usually free and can prevent accident or deliberate intoxication. In addition, it can reduce inappropriate self-medication, adverse reactions and harmful interactions.

In order to reduce the amount of over-the-counter medications in your home, don’t immediately reach for the largest size, but rather the one that meets your needs, taking into account the expiry date indicated on the package.

Proper disposal of unused medication is important for several reasons:

• Preventing misuse: Unused medication left in home cabinets are a common source of prescription drug misuse. By safely disposing of these drugs, the risk of misuse by individuals, including children and teenagers, is reduced.
• Protect the environment: Improper disposal of medications, like flushing them down the toilet, can lead to contamination of water and is harmful to wildlife.
• Overdose risk: Many overdose deaths are linked to the misuse of prescription medications, By ensuring that unused drugs are properly disposed of, the likelihood of accidental overdoses is minimized.

Drug disposal procedures in Quebec

According to the Government of Quebec, expired or unused medication can be returned to any pharmacy in Quebec, at any time of the year, particularly:

• Once a year, after sorting through your medicine cabinet. Choose a time of the year that is easy for you to remember, such as during your fall or spring cleaning;
• After a loved one has died, return his or her medication;
• When there is a change in dosage or medical treatment;
• At the end of a medical treatment.

Be proactive and return your prescriptions sooner, rather than later. The primary types of medications that should be disposed of are medications sold under a prescription or controlled by a pharmacist, including opioids for pain or cough relief; over-the-counter medications; natural health products; and antibiotics. Medications purchased from a veterinarian clinic must be returned to a veterinarian.

In addition, injectable medications, syringes, needles, lancets used for glucose testing must be returned in a special container. You can obtain and return your sharps disposal container from your local pharmacy, CLSC or hospital.

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