A core part of the mission of Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation–Ontario Region is to advance the best evidence-based breast health and breast cancer policies and practices. Together with the vast movement of people who share our vision, the Foundation strives to make a real and meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by breast cancer.
One of the ways we do this is with advocacy. By speaking up and speaking out about issues related to breast health and breast cancer. Our advocacy work is based on credible research evidence, Foundation-commissioned research, consultations with scientists, clinicians, and decision makers, and individuals who have been affected by breast cancer, their families and care providers.
Advocacy is part of our vision of creating a future without breast cancer.
Support organized screening for Ontario women 40-49
Currently, Ontario women aged 40-49 cannot participate in high quality breast cancer screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). Scientific evidence demonstrates that earlier detection and diagnosis can save lives among women 40-49 by an estimated 25 per cent. Since 1-in-6 women who die from breast cancer are diagnosed in their 40s, we cannot afford missed opportunities for earlier detection.
To make sure the government understands our concerns, we need your help.
Visit www.cbcfscreeningsaves.ca to sign an online letter-writing campaign calling on the Ontario government to make women at average risk aged 40-49 eligible to participate in the Ontario Breast Screening Program, when recommended by a healthcare provider.
Learn more about our current advocacy initiatives in the following key areas:
Increased knowledge of breast cancer risk factors, prevention and risk reduction. Join the campaign to stop breast cancer before it starts: learn more about breast cancer risk reduction, take action, and advocate with us and like-minded organizations for policy change to improve the environments we live and work in.
Earlier breast cancer detection, including screening Ontario women ages 40-49 and for women at high risk of developing breast cancer.
Improved understanding of the barriers and inequities to breast cancer care in Ontario.
More equitable access to breast cancer treatment.
Getting involved
Real change is made possible by people who are committed to making a difference. We’ve been listening to our volunteers and supporters and what we’re hearing is a desire to do more to help create a future without breast cancer. To sustain the significant progress made over the past 25 years in breast cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment and care, we have begun to recruit passionate people in each region of Ontario to join a new volunteer grassroots advocacy network.
Community advocates will act as the Foundation’s representative in the community on our breast cancer policy priorities. Our community advocates will participate in ongoing policy work to strengthen the Foundation’s voice at the community level, and help to make real change at the provincial level. We will provide our advocates with the support, training, and tools needed to act as an advocacy network liaison between the Foundation and local community leaders, elected officials and media.
To get involved, or learn more about the network, please contact advocacy@cbcf.org.
More Information:
Recommendations for wider access to breast cancer screening in Ontario
Breast cancer screening for high-risk women in Ontario
Ontario women’s experiences of breast cancer care: research findings
Raising funds for the Foundation