NEWLY DIAGNOSED

Hearing “you have cancer” is devastating at any age. As a young adult, you might be focusing on finishing school, starting a career, and starting a new chapter in your life. Cancer stops you in your tracks. It can make you feel afraid and isolated.

Based in Montreal, Quebec, CancerFightClub is a professionally grounded, volunteer supported bilingual resource for young adults. Many of our programs are designed by and for young adults. We provide local resources and educational programs to help you deal with the anxiety and concerns you may have about your diagnosis. Some of our fabulous social activities such as cooking nights, karaoke and game nights are held at Hope & Cope’s beautiful Wellness Centre/Lou’s House. We also have social meet-ups in and around the city of Montreal which include:

  • Movie nights
  • Sunday at the tam-tams
  • Color runs
  • Comedy nights

We always keep you up to date with our informative monthly newsletters and we have a strong presence on social media including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and our new YouTube channel.

WHAT WE OFFER…

SUPPORT GROUPS

Connecting with others who understand what you are going through is so important. Hope & Cope hosts support groups for many different types of cancer, including a Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer group. This 6-part series is led by trained facilitators under the guidance of a Hope & Cope professional. We also provide one-on-one peer matching when available.

For a list of all other support groups, please check the Hope & Cope calendar.

RETREATS

CancerFightClub hosts a winter retreat completely free of charge for young adults with cancer as well as their supporters. It is open to those living in the greater Montreal area and attracts people from all over Quebec as well as Ottawa. This three-day weekend is designed to help you get away from it all and to relax and rejuvenate in nature. The retreat also offers a variety of strategies and workshops for living with cancer.

EXERCISE

Our unique ActivOnco program is designed to help you regain as much strength, balance and flexibility as possible and to cope with side effects of treatments such as fatigue. Our team of professional specialists will provide you with a careful assessment and a personalized exercise plan that can be completed at home or in our fully equipped gym. If working out in the gym is not your thing, you can always try other physical activities in our beautiful Wellness Centre/Lou’s House such as:

  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Qi gong
  • Dance

Registration, a physical evaluation and medical authorization are required prior to participating.

BREAST & BONE HEALTH PROGRAM

Bone health is not just a concern for our parents and grandparents. Young women diagnosed with breast cancer can be at risk for osteoporosis, bone fragility and fractures, often as a result of their cancer treatment. This Hope & Cope initiative, funded by the Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation and offered at the Segal Cancer Centre, is run by a physiotherapist and a nurse who provide education about, exercise, nutrition and lifestyle modifications, as well as personalized exercise programs.

For more information please contact glau@jgh.mcgill.ca

EDUCATION

Knowledge is power. That’s why CancerFightClub offers educational seminars and workshops that deal with issues specific to young adults. Topics include:

  • Dating, sex and intimacy
  • Fertility
  • Facing fears about recurrence
  • Finding balance

COOKING CLUB

Our monthly cooking club is always a big hit. Whether you are looking to make delicious, nutritious, budget friendly, easy meals, or socialize with friends old and new, we invite you to come on out to Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre / Lou’s House for a great evening. Our monthly recipe is featured in our newsletter so you have so many to choose from. We also celebrate the birthdays of the month!

BROS CLUB

In general, men don’t like to talk about their health and cancer is no different. Whether it is at Hope & Cope’s Wellness Centre / Lou’s House or out in the city, the Bros Club is a place where young men can bond and share similar experiences. Great activities include:

  • Game nights
  • Museums
  • Dinners at local restaurants
  • Axe throwing

YOUNG ADULT CLINIC

The Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology Program at the Jewish General Hospital’s Segal Cancer Centre in Montreal is the only medical centre in Quebec that addresses the unique challenges and needs of the young adult population. The clinic provides a dedicated multi-disciplinary team for 18 – 39 year-olds.

The team offers individualized services including fertility consultations, assessment of the impact of illness on daily activities, monitoring of physical and cognitive functioning, rehabilitation services, nutrition assessment and education, and psycho-social support for parents and families.