50 years of care – 50 years of stories | François

"A few months before his retirement, François undergoes a routine exam revealing an elevated PSA level—prostate-specific antigen—that could indicate prostate cancer. An initial biopsy confirms the presence of some cancerous cells, though it remains possible that the disease won’t progress. He isn’t too worried, especially since he has no symptoms. However, a year later, a follow-up biopsy shows that the cancer has advanced: 'Your cancer has progressed, so we need to act now; either we remove the prostate or proceed with radiotherapy,' says his urologist, Dr. Claudio Jeldres, who has been consistently supportive, François explains. 'I quickly had scans and a bone scan to confirm that the cancer was confined to the prostate, which thankfully it was. I certainly considered a lot of scenarios while waiting for the results, but fortunately, the cancer hadn’t spread to other organs.'

He soon met with various specialists who outlined the available treatment options. 'This allowed me to make an informed choice that fit my needs. I knew that whatever path I chose, I could count on excellent care and cutting-edge technology.'

From suit and tie to the blue gown

As a former strategic development director for about ten years at the CHUS Foundation, François Lefebvre attended the inauguration of the brachytherapy room in 2018—a radiotherapy technology specific to prostate cancer that was previously unavailable in the region. He had contributed to the project’s development and funding.

'At the inauguration, I was proud that this treatment was now accessible, and happy that our patients no longer had to travel to Montreal or Quebec City for it. Little did I imagine that, six years later, I’d be stepping into the same room wearing a blue gown to receive it.'

François also collaborated with Dr. Claudio Jeldres, well before Jeldres became his urologist, to establish the CHUS Foundation’s Fonds Santé des Hommes, which supports research and the acquisition of specialized equipment for men’s health issues.

Today, François encourages men to get tested and to stand together in the face of this disease. 'Prostate cancer affects one in eight men, which is why it’s so important to foster solidarity among men against this illness—talk about it, support those affected, and back research and technology funding to help fight it.'"