The Story

At the forefront of breast cancer care and research in Canada, REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance was established to address critical gaps in treatment and care. Formed by a dynamic coalition of clinical and academic leaders, the REAL Alliance brings together experts from across the nation to develop and advocate for evidence-based clinical recommendations, shaping the future of breast cancer management and standards of care. Established by Breast Cancer Canada and founded by Dr. Jan-Willem Henning in 2023 and currently Chaired by Dr. Mita Manna, our national efforts focus on translating cutting-edge research and innovation into updated care and treatment strategies. By providing evidence-based recommendations to public and governmental bodies, REAL Alliance strives to ensure all breast cancer patients across Canada have equitable and timely access to care.

Established by Breast Cancer Canada and founded by Dr. Jan-Willem Henning in 2023 and currently Chaired by Dr. Mita Manna, our national efforts focus on translating cutting-edge research and innovation into updated care and treatment strategies.

By providing evidence-based recommendations to public and governmental bodies, REAL Alliance strives to ensure all breast cancer patients across Canada have equitable and timely access to care

The Purpose

REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance is dedicated to transforming breast cancer care in Canada. Led by scientific innovation and research outcomes, and driven by real-world needs, our mission focuses on a national leadership agenda to establish best practices for comprehensive breast cancer management—across the entire journey, from screening and diagnosis to surgery and treatment.

Our work also shapes healthcare policies by driving groundbreaking clinical trials and research. Through national clinical recommendations and collaborations, we ensure that Canadian patients benefit from the latest innovations in breast cancer care, providing leadership toward more effective, patient- centered progress that is equitable for all.

Because when science meets the real world, we save lives.

REAL Experts

When research meets the real world, we save lives.

Chaired by Dr. Mita Manna, with program oversight from Breast Cancer Canada, REAL Alliance Nucleus includes national and international breast cancer experts from across Canada, providing executive function and governance for the program.

This distinguished group brings together world-renowned experts in medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, as well as oncology pharmacy, from across Canada. With leaders in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and St. John’s, REAL Alliance is at the forefront of advancing breast cancer care nationally and on the global scale.

Shaniah Leduc

Chair of the Board, Breast Cancer Canada President, Cancer Insights

Kimberly Carson

CEO, Breast Cancer Canada

Dr. Mita Manna

Chair, REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance Hematologist Medical Oncologist Saskatchewan Cancer Centre

Dr. Christine Brezden

Medical Oncologist, Associate Professor and Clinician Investigator, Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Karen Gelmon

Medical Oncologist at the BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Professor of Medicine at the University of British Columbia

Dr. Jean-François Boileau

Associate Professor Surgery and Gerald Bronfman Oncology, McGill University Surgical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist, Montreal Jewish General Hospital

Dr. Christine Simmons

Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Program Director, Medical Oncology Training Program Clinical Associate Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Nathaniel Bouganim

Medical Oncologist Assistant Professor, Oncology, McGill University Health Center

Dr. Jeff Cao

Radiation Oncologist, Tom Baker Cancer Centre Clinical Associate Professor, University of Calgary Provincial Breast Tumour Team Lead, Alberta Health Services Chair, Canadian Radiation Oncology Foundation

Dr. David Cescon

Medical Oncologist and Clinician Scientist Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Stephen K. L. Chia

Head, Division of Medical Oncology, UBC Department of Medicine and Medical Oncologist, BC Cancer Agency Vancouver Head of Department of Clinical Research and Distinguished Scientist, BC Cancer and BC Cancer Research Institute Chair British Columbia Breast Tumour Group

Dr. Scott Edwards

Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Specialist Cancer Care Program, Eastern Health Assistant Professor, Memorial University

Dr. John Hilton

Medical Oncologist Attending Physician, Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre

Dr. Katarzyna Jerzak

Medical Oncologist Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto

Dr. Anil Abraham Joy

Medical Oncologist, Cross Cancer Institute Professor, Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

Dr. Kara Laing

Professor of Oncology and Acting Associate Dean, Education Development MD, Memorial, FRCPC, CCPE, B.Med.Sc. | Medical Oncologist, Cancer Care Program Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Sandeep Sehdev

Medical Oncologist, Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre

Dr. Nathalie LeVasseur

Medical Oncologist, BC CancerAssistant Clinical Professor Department of Medicine Division of Medical Oncology University of British Columbia in Vancouver

Staging Subcommittee

Dr. Ipshita Prakash

Assistant Professor of Surgery and Oncology – McGill Department of Surgery Jewish General Hospital

Dr. Ian Dayes

Division Head of Radiation Oncology, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University Associate Member, Escarpment Cancer Research Institute (ECRI), Faculty of Health Sciences Associate Professor, Oncology, Faculty of Health Sciences

REAL Experts

Dr. Jan-Willem Henning

Immediate Past Chair & Founder, REAL Alliance Medical Oncologist, Clinical Associate Professor Arthur Child J.E Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Calgary

REAL Recommendations

REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance releases annual clinical consensus recommendations and standards of care through a structured and collaborative process designed to ensure comprehensive, evidence-based care management that reflects the latest advancements in clinical trial research outcomes.

All consensus recommendations are voted on by Nucleus members and their invited sub-committee specialists using the Delphi methodology, ensuring a rigorous review process based on the best available evidence and their expert opinions as national and international thought leaders in breast cancer.