Breast Cancer Canada (BCC), a national charity dedicated to advancing breast cancer research, is advocating for faster access to new and innovative treatments. Currently, approval processes can take up to two years, leaving many patients waiting for therapies that could significantly improve outcomes and save lives. For individuals facing aggressive forms of breast cancer, timely access to effective treatments is essential, making current delays a pressing concern.
A Call for Faster Access to Life-Saving Treatments
While 93% of Canadians believe new therapies should be available within a year, however, the reality is often very different1. Breast cancer affects more people worldwide than any other disease, making timely access to new treatments critical. These challenges are even greater for those in rural areas, where access to the latest therapies and care is limited. With 88% of Canadians believing that geographic location impacts the quality of care, it’s clear that approval pathways for new treatments must be updated to better serve patients across the country, ensuring no one is left behind1.
“Being diagnosed with breast cancer is overwhelming, but the added stress of waiting months for treatment is unbearable,” says Charlene Judge, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2020. “The thought of others facing even longer wait times, along with the financial strain, is deeply concerning. We know that the earlier it’s caught and treated, the greater the impact it has on the outcome.”
Breast Cancer Canada’s Commitment to Accelerating Access
“With increasing breast cancer diagnoses among women under 50, timely access to treatment has never been more critical,” states Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “New, innovative treatments are available, and patients should not have to wait years to benefit from them. We must work together to ensure these life-saving therapies reach those in need as quickly as possible.”
At this year’s MedTech Conference (AdvaMed), industry leaders from around the world emphasized the urgent need to accelerate approval processes for innovative therapies. The discussions showcased a shared commitment across the medical and research communities to expedite patient access to life-saving treatments. As advancements in breast cancer research continue to evolve, it is more important than ever that Canadian patients can benefit from these breakthroughs without unnecessary delays.
Charlene Judge, who shared her experiences during a panel at the conference, reflected on how the landscape of breast cancer care has evolved, “When I was diagnosed, we were just starting to see real advances in treatment options, and it's been incredible to witness the progress firsthand. My mother, a three-time breast cancer survivor, had even fewer options. The innovative technologies and targeted therapies available today are true game changers. But it is heartbreaking that, even after approval, many new life-saving treatments take far too long to reach patients who need them most.”
BCC is addressing these challenges through initiatives like the REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance, the Raise More Challenge, and the Progress Tracker. These programs fund research, track patient outcomes and advocate for faster approval of new treatments. By collaborating with healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers, BCC aims to remove the barriers that delay access to vital therapies.
“This year’s discussions were a reminder that speeding up approval pathways isn’t just about innovation—it’s about saving lives,” Carson reflects. “The demand for faster access to breast cancer treatments continues to grow across Canada, and we must work together to ensure these therapies reach patients in every part of the country.”
About Breast Cancer Canada
Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care), it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada with a clear mandate to fund research, advocate, and educate on the progress of new research evidence. The organization receives no government funding; all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information, visit breastcancerprogress.ca.
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1https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240924916740/en/New-Survey-Reveals-94-of-Canadians-Back-Earlier-Screening
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241016062573/en/
Media Contact
Hana Baig
Communications, Santis Health
hana.baig@santishealth.ca
