Toronto– Breast Cancer Canada has praised the federal government’s endorsement of sweeping reforms to the country’s preventive health care guidelines, marking a significant victory for years of advocacy by patient groups, clinicians, and researchers.
The changes follow the release of the External Expert Review (EER) of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, which calls for more equitable, evidence-informed, and patient-centered health guidance. Among the key recommendations are the formal inclusion of clinical experts in guideline development, structured input from patients and underserved communities, and the creation of a national coordination hub to align recommendations with provincial realities.
“These systematic changes will save lives,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “The inclusion of expert voices and lived experience in shaping national policy is a long-overdue shift—and one Breast Cancer Canada has championed for years.”
The report, supported by current Health Minister Marjorie Michel and developed during the tenure of former Health Minister Mark Holland, validates calls made by the REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance. Founded by Breast Cancer Canada in 2023, the REAL Alliance unites medical professionals, researchers, and patient advocates to push for data-driven, equitable care across Canada.
Carson emphasized that science alone isn’t enough—real-world patient experience is critical. “When evidence, expert insight, and lived experience come together, patients benefit,” she said.
Breast Cancer Canada noted that the EER recommendations signal a new era in breast cancer care policy, including a transition to “living guidelines” that evolve alongside emerging research and treatments. This would allow more rapid updates to national recommendations and reduce delays in patient access to cutting-edge care.
Shaniah Leduc, Chair of Breast Cancer Canada’s Board, said the commitment to engaging disease-specific experts is crucial: “Lives are affected when guidelines lag behind. A real-time, evidence-based approach is necessary to keep pace with medical advances.”
Patient advocate and survivor Kim MacDonald echoed this sentiment. “My survival depended on access to timely, evidence-based care,” she said. “These changes will help ensure that more Canadians get the same chance.”
The review also urges integration of equity-focused policies, especially to address disparities across age, race, and geographic region—an area where Breast Cancer Canada continues to collect and analyze national data.
Breast Cancer Canada reaffirmed its role as a key partner in this modernization effort, continuing to invest in personalized screening research and the REAL Alliance’s mission to transform breast cancer outcomes through collaboration.
“We look forward to seeing these reforms implemented and will keep working to ensure breast cancer care in Canada is equitable, expert-led, and patient-informed,” Carson said.
