Breast Cancer Canada Applauds Federal Commitment to Modernize Preventive Health Guidelines

National Post

a day ago

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TORONTO — Breast Cancer Canada proudly celebrates the federal government's response to the External Expert Review (EER) of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, and the sweeping reforms it recommends to ensure preventive health guidance in Canada is more equitable, expert-informed, and responsive to real-world care.
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'These systematic changes will save lives,' said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. 'We commend Canada's Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel for making this a priority so early in her mandate, and we thank former Health Minister Mark Holland for working so closely with Breast Cancer Canada during his tenure. This milestone reflects years of dedicated advocacy. Bringing expert voices into task force decision-making is a long-overdue step toward ensuring that both science and lived experience shape public policy for Canadians.'
The EER outlines recommendations, including stronger integration of subject matter experts, patient and public voices, and structured provincial input in guideline development. For Breast Cancer Canada and the REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance—a national coalition of breast cancer experts—the report validates their persistent calls to reform how health guidance is developed and delivered in Canada. It also affirms that advocacy works: the federal government listened to patients and advocates calling for change.
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This report embodies the transformative shift Breast Cancer Canada has relentlessly advocated for: expert-led, patient-centred, and equity-driven care informed by Canadian data and research. It signals a new era in Canadian breast cancer policy, one grounded in a national commitment to access for all.
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'This report is a breakthrough,' said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. 'It recognizes that science and lived experience must work together to shape public health guidance. These recommendations reflect what Breast Cancer Canada, researchers, clinicians, and patients have been saying for years.'
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Founded by Breast Cancer Canada in 2023, REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance brings together leading clinicians, patient advocates and data from across the country to advance evidence-based, equitable, and patient-informed breast cancer care. REAL Alliance was established to ensure that the latest research reaches patients faster and to help establish equitable, national standards of care for breast cancer.
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Breast Cancer Canada is actively addressing the critical gap in Canadian-specific data by collecting and analyzing breast cancer outcomes across all stages and subtypes, with a focus on race, age, and geographic location.
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'We are especially encouraged to see a formal shift toward expert engagement,' said Shaniah Leduc, Chair of Breast Cancer Canada's Board of Directors. 'Guidelines that impact patient outcomes must include disease-specific expertise. It's not just about input—it's about equity and access. Science moves quickly, and lives are affected when guidelines lag behind. A commitment to living guidelines ensures Canadians benefit from the most current knowledge in real-time.'
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'As someone whose survival depended on timely diagnosis and access to targeted treatment, I know firsthand the power of evidence-based care,' said Kim MacDonald, breast cancer survivor and advocate with Breast Cancer Canada. 'The recommendations released today are long overdue. Including expert insight and patient experience in national health guidance isn't just the right thing to do—it's what saves lives. My story could have ended differently without access to the testing and treatment I needed. Every Canadian deserves equity and access.'
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As the report notes, current guideline development in Canada is fragmented and often lacks the flexibility to reflect provincial realities or incorporate diverse forms of knowledge. The recommendations call for a pan-Canadian coordination hub and better integration with provincial screening programs, quality councils, and implementation bodies.
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'When evidence, expert insight, and lived experience come together, patients benefit,' Carson added. 'We look forward to seeing these recommendations put into action and continuing our role in ensuring breast cancer care is equitable, evidence-based, and patient-informed.'
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Key Takeaways from the External Expert Review of Canada's Preventive Health Guidelines:
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Structured engagement of patients and community members, particularly from underrepresented groups, to bring real-world lived experience into national guideline development
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Equity-focused topic selection and public accountability, ensuring preventive guidance addresses the realities of all people in Canada, especially those from equity-denied populations
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Contextualizable and coordinated guidelines, enabling provinces and territories to implement evidence-based recommendations in a way that fits their own systems and structures
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A phased transition to living guidelines, so recommendations keep pace with science and practice in real-time
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Breast Cancer Canada remains a committed partner in this modernization effort, with ongoing investments in personalized screening research and the REAL Alliance—a multi-disciplinary expert body established to accelerate breast cancer progress through national collaboration. Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through science. Focused exclusively on breast cancer research, Breast Cancer Canada funds programs that advance earlier detection, better treatment, and improved outcomes for everyone affected by the disease. For more information, visit breastcancerprogress.ca.
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About Breast Cancer Canada
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Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity focused exclusively on breast cancer research, education, and awareness. Dedicated to advancing science that leads to earlier detection, more precise treatments, improved access to care, and better outcomes, the organization ensures that lived experience is reflected in research priorities. With no government funding, all progress is made possible through the generosity of donors. To learn more, visit breastcancerprogress.ca.
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