2024 progress report on breast cancer

breast cancer canada has released the 2024 progress report on breast cancer

access report here.

progress report key themes:

1. routine screening and early detection
   breast cancer diagnoses among women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and early 50s are on the rise, emphasizing the need for earlier screening for those at average risk. a recent poll by breast cancer canada identified that  94% of canadians support a lowered screening age to 40, while bcc’s progress tracker registry analysis shows that patients have significantly less financial hardship when diagnosed at an earlier stage.  however, the progress report reveals inconsistent screening guidelines across provinces, delaying early detection, particularly for women under 50. breast cancer canada advocates for standardized national screening protocols, including self-referral starting at age 40, with guidelines updated every two years to incorporate new diagnostic tools.
2. timely access to treatment
   canada ranks behind other g7 nations in providing timely access to new breast cancer treatments with only 5 of the last 20 new breast cancer treatments funded within 6 months since 2016. once approved by health canada, new therapies face significant extended delays due to additional health technology assessments (htas) and provincial pricing negotiations. with 93% of canadians agreeing that treatments should be available within a year, based on a recent breast cancer canada poll, the progress report highlights the need for a faster, more efficient approval process to ensure life-saving drugs reach patients sooner.
3. financial burden of breast cancer
   the financial toll of breast cancer extends beyond healthcare costs, affecting patients and their families deeply. a 2024 analysis of breast cancer canada’s progress tracker of 228 survivors, found significant financial strain among patients under age 55. specifically, the analysis indicates that 36% of employed survivors under age 55 experienced financial hardship, compared to just 13% of employed survivors over age 55. in response, bcc is calling for policy changes to alleviate financial burdens and provide meaningful, funded healthcare programs for patients.
4. expert-driven policy and clinical insights
   experts from real canadian breast cancer alliance emphasize the need to close gaps in diagnostic tests and drug accessibility with standardized care across the country. the progress report highlights clinical viewpoints focused on accurate staging of breast cancer and treatment management of the her2-positive subtype of breast cancer. bcc’s recent poll also demonstrates that 95% of canadians agree that expert recommendations should shape public health policies. breast cancer canada advocates for real alliance’s national guidelines to ensure equitable and timely access across canada to  pet-ct, ct, and mri staging tests, as well as approved her2-targeted treatments.

insight from multiple perspectives

• patient lived experience gathered through breast cancer canada’s progress tracker national registry, offers real-world evidence of the challenges faced by breast cancer survivors. this year’s analysis focused on the financial impact of a breast cancer diagnosis.
• public opinion captured through an omnibus poll conducted by breast cancer canada provides insights into canadian attitudes toward breast cancer care, screening, financial impact, and treatment.
• expert evidence-based recommendations from real canadian breast cancer alliance focus on health policy change for care improvements from clinical trial outcomes and expertise in health care delivery.