Overcoming postcode discrimination for thoracic cancer patients
Overcoming postal code discrimination for thoracic cancer patients $3.5M
While 42 hospitals from Gaspé to Gatineau refer patients with complex thoracic cancers to the MUHC, survival rates are lower for those living outside of Montréal. Why? They don’t have local access to the latest treatments and higher quality of care available in clinical trials run in Montréal.
Trials require weekly scans and checkups to monitor disease progression. For most, it’s too far to travel and too expensive. Local community hospitals aren’t staffed to offer clinical trials to their patients.

Dr. Jonathan Spicer

Armen, a Security Guard at the Montreal General Hospital was a stage 3 lung cancer patient who enrolled in a successful clinical trial led by Dr. Spicer. He is now in remission.
“We see a huge opportunity to enable our network of referring hospitals to participate in these innovative trials to overcome these postal code disparities, improving outcomes and advancing scientific discovery.”
Dr. Jonathan Spicer
Thoracic Surgeon, MUHC
Medical Director, McGill Thoracic Oncology Network
More news

$80M Raised So Far, Thanks to You
From offering patients whole-person care to equalizing access to clinical trials, and more, the life-changing projects supported by Together Against Cancer are already improving patient experiences and outcomes.

Alex’s Story: Philanthropy That Saves Lives
In October 2021, Alex Villalta’s cardiologist noticed that Alex had lost a lot of weight in a very short time, and he was concerned. Alex was referred to the Cedars Cancer Centre at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), where, just 18 days later, he received a devastating diagnosis.

Giving Patients Back What Cancer Took Away
Plastic surgeon Dr. Josh Vorstenbosch, Director of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)’s Surgical Lymphedema Program, wants to “give patients back what cancer took away,” he says.