Breast Cancer Canada Applauds the Province’s Commitment to Timely Access and Life-Changing Treatments
Breast Cancer Canada commends the Ontario government for its ongoing commitment to improving breast cancer care, highlighted by today’s announcement of the Fast Access to Specialized Therapies (FAST) program. This initiative aims to reduce wait times for breakthrough cancer treatments, ensuring patients receive timely, potentially life-altering therapies.
Each year, more than 30,000 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer, nearly half of them in Ontario. Despite advances in research and treatment, many patients still face long delays in accessing new therapies. Nationwide, the average time from drug approval to public availability exceeds 12 months, which can have profound consequences for those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.
“For people facing breast cancer, waiting is not an option,” says Kimberly Carson, CEO, Breast Cancer Canada. “The FAST program is a critical step forward, ensuring patients can access breakthrough treatments without unnecessary delays. We saw Ontario’s leadership when the province lowered the recommended breast cancer screening age to 40 last October, recognizing the importance of early detection. By prioritizing both timely access and screening, Ontario is driving systemic change and setting a strong example for the rest of the country.”
Data from Breast Cancer Canada’s national survey highlight how urgently Canadians feel about these issues:
- 97% of Canadians believe breast cancer patients should have timely access to the same new treatments available in other countries.
- 87% believe where you live in Canada significantly affects your access to quality breast cancer care.
- 97% believe there is still progress to be made in breast cancer care.
“As a three-time breast cancer survivor, it’s impossible not to think about recurrence and wonder if one day another diagnosis might come,” says Natalie Wilson. “Every day counts when facing breast cancer. Delays in accessing the latest, most effective treatments can impact everything: quality of life, treatment options, risk of recurrence, and most importantly, the chance to survive. No Canadian should face barriers to access. Where you live or what cultural background you come from should never determine the care you receive. Every breast cancer diagnosis deserves the very best treatments available, for each and every Canadian.”
While the FAST program addresses some gaps, Breast Cancer Canada continues to advocate for a coordinated, national approach that ensures equitable access to cancer treatments across all provinces and territories. Faster, fairer access and early detection should not depend on a postal code or private insurance, they must be standard for every Canadian facing breast cancer.
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About Breast Cancer Canada
Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care), it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada with a clear mandate to fund research, advocate, and educate on the progress of new research evidence. The organization receives no government funding; all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information, visit breastcancer.ca.
About the Survey
These findings are from a survey conducted by Breast Cancer Canada from September 3rd to September 5th, 2025, among a representative sample of 1505 online adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
