As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, Breast Cancer Canada, the national charity dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and patient advocacy, is drawing attention to persistent gaps in care.
The national survey, conducted by Breast Cancer Canada of 1505 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum, indicates there is still more to be done to ensure timely access to the latest treatments, eliminate inequities, and provide education for all affected by breast cancer. One size does not fit all—breast cancer is personal, and treatment must be tailored to each patient.
Top Findings:
- Consensus for progress – An astounding 97% of Canadians believe there is still progress to be made in breast cancer care, recognizing the ongoing development of the disease.
- Universal need for Access – Nearly all Canadians (97%) believe patients should have timely access to the same new treatments available in other countries.
- Equal access is a must – 91% support equal access to breast cancer treatments, regardless of gender, and 87% of Canadians believe that where you live in Canada significantly affects your access to quality breast cancer care, underscoring the understanding that life-saving care should be available no matter who you are or where you live.
- Concern for Canadians – 62% of Canadians are concerned about the current state of breast cancer care in Canada.
Treatment Access in Focus
Some treatments that have been available internationally for years are only now reaching Canadian patients. For example, a therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer, which has transformed care in other countries, has only recently become accessible here, despite Health Canada approval. This underscores the ongoing challenges Canadians face in gaining timely access to innovative, life-saving treatments, and highlights the importance of continued advocacy and investment to close gaps in care.
“PERJETA™, (Pertuzumab) a prescription medication used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer, has been helping breast cancer patients around the world for over ten years, and only now in 2025, are Canadians able to access it,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “This delay shows that we must continue advocating for faster access to proven, life-changing treatments so all Canadians can benefit without unnecessary barriers.”
Patient experience highlights that while national advocacy and research efforts are advancing, patients continue to encounter real-world challenges. For those with more complex forms of breast cancer, delays in diagnosis and access to specialized treatments remain significant barriers. These experiences underscore the urgency of ensuring that research and policy translate into timely, personalized care.
“Delays in screening and treatment aren’t just inconvenient, they can cause significant health implications” shares Brenda Cunnington, breast cancer patient and advocate. “It’s unacceptable that Canadians still wait years for treatments that have been available elsewhere. Progress only matters if it reaches the hands of those who need it”.
As the only national breast cancer organization in Canada dedicated to research, policy change, and public education, Breast Cancer Canada is driving real improvements in patient care. The new data released today shows Canadians want faster progress in research, equity, and access. Canadians worry about being left behind compared to other countries. Breast Cancer Canada continues to push for earlier screening and quicker approval of new life-saving therapies.
“Far too many Canadians continue to encounter barriers to timely breast cancer screening and care, whether due to geography, wait times, or limited access to the latest diagnostics and treatments,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “Breast Cancer Canada is leading national efforts to address these inequities, ensuring that research breakthroughs reach patients as quickly as possible and that policy decisions reflect the needs of all Canadians.”
