Progress in breast cancer fight, but more to do

By Letter to the Editor on October 4, 2019.

Last month, new data released by the Canadian Cancer Society told us that the breast cancer death rate in women has been almost cut in half since it peaked in 1986.

This incredible new statistic shows us that years of dedicated research funding are producing outcomes that are making a real difference in the lives of Canadians. For many people who have received a breast cancer diagnosis, as well as their families, the five-year breast cancer survival rate of 88% has helped transform their diagnosis from one of fear to one of hope.

So, after hearing impactful news like this, why are we still talking about breast cancer? The unfortunate reality is that there remains so much more to be done.

There is no doubt that significant progress is being made. But as long as there are an average of 75 Canadians who are diagnosed with breast cancer each day, we can’t stop raising funds for the breast cancer cause.

We know that 1 in 8 Canadian women is expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In 2019 alone, it is estimated that 26,900 Canadian women will hear the words “you have breast cancer.” We know that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian women.

But we also know that in about a month, over 80,000 people will come together at Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure events across the country to show just how important the breast cancer cause is to Canadians.

The CIBC Run for the Cure unites a collective of Canadians who are a force-for-life in the face of breast cancer. With the support of that collective, we fund the best breast cancer research, provide the largest cancer support system in the country and advocate on behalf of all Canadians for important social change.

I encourage you to join us by signing up today for the CIBC Run for the Cure at cibcrunforthecure.com.

The Medicine Hat run takes place Sunday at Echo Dale.

Tanya Henry

Toronto

(The writer is Vice President, Signature and Special Events, Canadian Cancer Society.)