Purpose

ESCA CancerSupport, established in 2000, is a locally recognised non-profit association
providing free of charge professional emotional support, practical help and information in English
to cancer patients, their carers and loved ones.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Switzerland.  Statistics show there will be more than 2,500 new cases of cancer this year in Geneva alone. The good news? Mortality rates continue to decrease as treatment options and early detection techniques continue to improve.  But this means more people than ever are living with cancer, trying to reintegrate socially and professionally. In 2015, an estimated 320,000 people were living with cancer in Switzerland. That number is projected to double by 2030.

Cancer can often have a devastating effect on individuals and families–emotionally, physically and financially. With over 40% of Geneva’s population being non-Swiss, ESCA CancerSupport was founded to address specifically the needs of this significant international community in the Geneva, Vaud and French border regions, for many of whom, English is their working language.

Our support services are in English and free of charge to those who need them
and our goal, with your help, is to keep it that way!

Paddle for CancerSupport is our annual cancer awareness and fundraising event and brings together both the local and international communities to work together to help cancer patients and their loved ones directly.  Cancer awareness is vital and can bring hope to what seems like an insurmountable challenge.  The more that people are aware of cancer risks, they more likely they are to seek early screening, such as colonoscopies and mammograms. Early detection of cancer can dramatically increase survival rates. Awareness can also encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles, reducing their chances of getting cancer.

Paddle for CancerSupport involves the racing of dragon boats and amateur dragon boat paddling teams comprised of Corporate, Open and All Female teams.  The festival demonstrates the direct (and highly positive) link between breast cancer rehabilitation and paddling as well as the increasing move toward corporate social responsibility among enterprises and organisations.  Our biggest hope is that Paddle for CancerSupport becomes a part of the lifestyle in the Swiss Romande region and be seen as a positive means for:

  • Cancer survivors to better manage their post-treatment, improve their quality of life and increase their chances of survival
  • Corporations to team build
  • Families to bond
  • Communities to get involved in the movement to help cancer survivors and in the fight against cancer

Fundraising and proceeds from the festival are used to fund the expansion and elaboration of our services and our on-going projects:

  • Professional Counselling Services for cancer patients and their loved ones
  • Continued training and supervision for peer supporters and volunteers, many of whom are cancer survivors themselves
  • Coffee mornings, information evenings, structured support groups, gym, yoga and more
  • Drop-in Centre with comprehensive library of books, pamphlets, CDs and videos on cancer issues
  • Awareness and information events throughout the year

Discover our previous events