Presented at the Laure-Conan library as part of the winter-spring program, the “Cancer: new discoveries” conference attracted a curious and engaged audience on Saturday afternoon. Organized by the Déclic Center, the free activity made it possible to bridge the gap between scientific research and the general public, in a formula focused on dialogue.
For the occasion, researcher Mélanie Lorrain, assistant professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Laval University and researcher at the Research Center of the CHU de Québec, was accompanied by science journalist Valérie Levée, who hosted the event.
Despite the beautiful spring weather, several citizens responded to the call. “People who are alert, interested, who participate… it’s always impressive to see the quality of the questions and the desire to understand,” underlines Ms. Lorrain.
The objective of the conference was clear: to popularize the science of cancer and to demystify its mechanisms. “We want to explain what cancer is, why there are several forms and why it is so complex. But above all, show that there is hope through research,” explains the researcher.
Among the topics covered, recent advances in research were highlighted. In her field, skin cancer, Ms. Lorrain is particularly interested in the distinction between aggressive forms and those that are less aggressive, with the objective of identifying biomarkers. “We are trying to better understand these differences to guide treatments more precisely,” she explains.
The conference also made it possible to address concepts increasingly known to the public, such as immunotherapy and the role of the microbiota in the evolution of cancer. These avenues open the way to more personalized medicine, adapted to the specific characteristics of each patient.
Beyond scientific advances, the issue of information was also raised. “People are getting a lot of information, but there are still several myths, particularly about food and alcohol. The challenge is often the interpretation of the studies,” mentions Ms. Lorrain.
This is precisely where the Déclic Center comes in. Its mission: to create spaces for exchange between scientists and citizens. “We want to provoke meetings and allow the general public to ask their questions. This is why we give a lot of space to the discussion period,” explains Valérie Levée.
The formula seems to be working. From the first part, the participants do not hesitate to intervene. “The questions come naturally, sometimes very specific, sometimes more basic. It shows that people want to understand,” observes the host.
Adapted to all levels of knowledge, the content is prepared by science journalists in order to make the concepts accessible. An approach that promotes public engagement, regardless of their background.
Ultimately, the conference not only allowed us to better understand cancer, but also reminded us of the importance of access to reliable and popularized information. And above all, to emphasize that, despite the complexity of the disease, research continues to advance.
The Center Déclic’s next conference, on bird observation in Charlevoix, is scheduled for April 11 at 10 a.m.
