Raphaëlle Tousignant
At just 23 years old, Raphaëlle Tousignant has already built a remarkable career in Canadian sport: one defined by determination and an unwavering passion to keep moving forward.
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At 33, Jaclyn Carter was diagnosed with breast cancer. With no family history of cancer and no identified genetic risk factors, her diagnosis was unexpected – and came at a time when she was navigating another major life change: pregnancy.
During treatment, Jaclyn became pregnant. Faced with complex decisions about her cancer care and her pregnancy, she made the deeply personal decision to pause treatment until after her baby was born.
For Jaclyn, her experience reinforced the importance of personalized breast cancer care. Every diagnosis is different, and treatment decisions must consider the individual – not just their cancer, but their circumstances, priorities and life.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all” situation, Jaclyn says. Her experience as a young woman diagnosed with breast cancer and as an expectant mother reflects the difficult decisions many patients can face throughout their diagnosis and treatment. It also underscores the need for continued investment in breast cancer research to develop more personalized treatment options and improve outcomes for people at every stage of the disease.
Today, Jaclyn shares her story to help others facing breast cancer feel less alone and to raise awareness about the importance of research. She wants to see continued progress in breast cancer care, particularly for those living with stage 4 disease, so that more people can have the opportunity to live longer and fuller lives after a diagnosis.
Jaclyn’s story is a reminder that breast cancer does not happen in isolation. A diagnosis can intersect with pregnancy, family, work and other significant moments in a person’s life. Personalized care means recognizing the whole person—and ensuring patients have the information, options and research they need to make decisions that are right for them.
At just 23 years old, Raphaëlle Tousignant has already built a remarkable career in Canadian sport: one defined by determination and an unwavering passion to keep moving forward.
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At 22 Years Old, Lauren Took Control of Her Life After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Breast Cancer Canada donations fund life-saving research that directly impacts Canadian patients. That means better answers, bigger breakthroughs – and more personalized treatment for every breast cancer diagnosis.
Our suite of digital tools are each designed to help individuals better manage their breast cancer journey through education, research and personalized insights, while also elevating the patient voice.
Every breast cancer journey is unique, but together, these stories paint a powerful picture of progress. Through firsthand accounts from patients and survivors, we share stories that highlight the lived-experiences of breast cancer.
Progress happens when we invest in it. Canada is home to some of the world’s brightest minds in research. Together, we are advancing science, ensuring it leads to earlier detection, better treatments, and improved outcomes for patients across the country.
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