On Monday 25 April 2016, Fondation Cancer presented the conclusions from this year's Relais pour la Vie, which brought 10,565 participants together into 375 teams to show their solidarity for cancer survivors, those currently battling the disease and those who have sadly lost their fight against it.

The 11th edition took place on 19 and 20 March 2016 at d'Coque in Luxembourg-Kirchberg, generating a grand total of €361,861.12 in favour of cancer research and care.

At a subsequent ceremony held on Monday at the Tramsschapp cultural centre in Luxembourg-Limpertsberg, Minister of Health Lydia Mutsch gave a speech congratulating the more than 10,000 participants and 290 volunteers for their commitment and display of solidarity. The Minister further used the opportunity to highlight the considerable toll the disease continues to take, with cancer remaining the second leading cause of death in the Grand Duchy, responsible for 30.4% of all deaths in 2014.

Minister Mutsch further emphasised the importance of thinking about prevention to lower risk factors, as well as providing "innovative and adapted treatment for every patient" to improve the chances of survival. She pointed to a colorectal cancer screening project which will soon be offered to any Luxembourg resident aged between 55 and 74 years old to test for the second leading cause of cancer death amongst men and fourth leading cause amongst women in the country. To this end, she cited Fondation Cancer as "a very very important partner in our approach".

"The huge turnout this year shows us that the Relais pour la Vie still has a big impact, which has been ongoing since its existence, 11 years ago," commented Claudia Gaebel, Relais pour la Vie coordinator. "This is of great satisfaction for us as organisers. We wish to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event."

"I wish to express my deep gratitude to all the teams for their extraordinary engagement," added Lucienne Thommes, director of Fondation Cancer. "This support enables the Fondation Cancer to accomplish its 'Information-Help-Research' missions."

Monday's ceremony also represented the occasion to announce the winners of the 2016 Trophées de l'Espoir, awarded within six categories to the team who managed to collect greatest amount. The results were as follows:

Category: Health Profession

- Jousefshaus Réimech: €1,970.60

Category: Country

- Team Italia: €1,898.10

Category: Schools

- Lycée Vauban - APE - EFL: €3,930.92

Category: Supporters

- Nathalie's Team: €6,800

Category: Clubs and Associations

- Maison Relais Monnerech 1: €6,840

Category: Businesses and Institutions

- European Investment Fund (EIF) 1: €19,581

April will continue to be a busy month for Fondation Cancer, which along with Foundatioun Kriibskrank Kanner will be the beneficiary of the 4th Rock Against Cancer concert being held by Swiss Life Luxembourg on Friday 29 April 2016.