Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women, with one in eight expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. Yet according to a recent national survey, most Canadians, or 90 per cent, believe there is still progress to be made in how the disease is detected, treated and monitored. Access to care can vary depending on geography, health-care systems and local practices. The new survey from the charity and research organization Breast Cancer Canada shows strong support in advancing areas of screening, treatment and specialized care. “We know what more personalized, evidence-based care looks like. The next step is making it the standard across the country,” says Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “Closing the gaps means connecting the full patient journey and ensuring that every Canadian can benefit from the innovations that are changing and saving lives.” Most survey respondents, or 82 per cent, support a single national standard that would guarantee screening starting at age 40 across all provinces. Even more, 94 per cent, support public access to innovative approaches in detecting the cancer, including emerging technologies like liquid biopsies. Once cancer is detected, three in four Canadians indicate support for a coordinated national treatment framework to reduce disparities in equity and access. And finally, 92 per cent of respondents say just because treatment is complete does not mean the cancer journey is over. “Survivorship needs to be recognized as an integral part of breast cancer care, with personalized surveillance and follow-up planned from the outset and tailored to each patient’s individual needs,” says Carson. “Closing these gaps means ensuring patients have ongoing support to monitor recurrence risk, manage the long-term effects of treatment and address their evolving medical needs,” she adds. Surveillance to reduce the risk of the cancer’s recurrence is highlighted as a priority by nearly 70 per cent of survey respondents. The national survey was conducted by the Angus Reid Group on behalf of Breast Cancer Canada with a sample size of 1,501 online Canadian adults from Sept. 15 to 17.
