Breast cancer is a complex and challenging disease which continues to be the most common cancer among Canadian women.

At a national level, investment in research by the Foundation is made primarily through the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance; a collaboration of organizations from the public, private and non-profit sectors all committed to reducing the incidence of breast cancer, improving survival and enhancing the quality of life of those affected by the disease. Since 1986, the Foundation has contributed over $120 million to a broad spectrum of research projects and community programs, and has helped influence a reduction in breast cancer mortality rates, which have declined by an estimated 26 percent since 1986.

Relevant & Innovative Research – Funding a balanced approach to the breast cancer research agenda, covering the wide spectrum from prevention to treatment.

In Ontario, for example, understanding how breast cancer cells metastasize (or spread), and developing a new technology called videomicroscopy, enabling researchers to visualize how breast cancer cells spread inside the body via the lymph nodes.

In Alberta, the first breast cancer tumor bank was launched, allowing cancer researchers to access the samples they need as they search for answers to questions like “Why does one woman respond well to a certain type of breast cancer treatment while another does not?”

Education & Awareness Programs – Providing a broad range of outreach programs, educating women and men about the importance of good breast health.

In the Prairies/NWT Chapter, the Multicultural Breast Health Peer Educator Project is educating immigrant women about the facts and risks of breast cancer, early detection and breast health.

The British Columbia Screening Mammography Awareness campaign, GOHAVE1, has increased the number of new mammogram bookings by 25%.

The BC/Yukon Chapter’s Breast Cancer Navigation Map provides an overview of the breast cancer journey from diagnosis to treatment options and key decision points.

Early Diagnosis & Effective Treatment – Supporting people to be active participants in their breast health by being aware of how their breasts normally look and feel; improving access to and experiences that has the potential to reduce the burden of a breast cancer diagnosis through improved treatments.

In British Columbia, funding has provided Dr. Ivo Olivotto and Dr. Dereck Wells with the opportunity to research better ways to treat women with breast cancer by improving radiation through targeting affected areas only.

An Ontario-based research team has developed an innovative approach to treating breast cancer that takes only an hour, eliminating the need among eligible women for three to seven-week radiation treatment and which has had no documented side effects reported by patients.

Positive Quality of Life for those Living with Breast Cancer – Examining life circumstances for breast cancer survivors and helping health care professionals better meet their needs.

In the Atlantic Chapters, looking at the experience of single women living with breast cancer and identifying gaps in support and resources for them.

Ontario research is exploring how breast cancer affects relationships including communication, intimacy and lifestyle in order to support couples dealing with the physical, psychological and emotional effects of breast cancer.