Up Front: New Perspectives on Breast Cancer
A breast cancer diagnosis is an everyday reality in Ontario’s health care system.
For the individual, life changes at the moment of diagnosis. Many former patients recall their experience of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment as extremely stressful.
To find out why and how to help, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Region initiated a three-year research project (2003-2007) that tapped into women’s experiences of breast cancer care.
Up Front partners
The project was driven by a collaborative partnership of six organizations dedicated to improving breast cancer care in Ontario:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation–Ontario Region (lead partner)
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
Ontario Breast Screening Program
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Breast Centre Women’s Committee
Willow Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services
Up Front findings and recommendations
The project used a range of research methods to gather data on Ontario women’s experiences of breast cancer care.
While some regional differences emerged, the findings were remarkably consistent whether from north or south, rural or urban Ontario. The research revealed that most former patients had experienced a difficult path through their breast cancer treatment. Only a small minority reported that the care had met their expectations. The research identified inconsistencies and inequalities in care across the province and between different women.
Based on the findings, recommendations were made for more useful prevention information, more pervasive screening, more supportive diagnosis, informed participation and more navigable treatment, more accessible continuing care, and kinder end-of-life care.
The research findings continue to inform our advocacy and health promotion efforts.
A summary of findings and the full report are available for download:
For more information about the Toward Kinder Care report, to obtain hard copies, or to learn about other breast health and breast cancer resources offered by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region, please visit our resources page, contact resourcesON@cbcf.org or download the resource order form.
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Thank you to our sponsors
The Up Front partners gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the project’s funders:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
The Ontario Trillium Foundation
The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation Breast Centre Women’s Committee
RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada
More Information:
Recommendations for wider access to breast cancer screening in Ontario
Access to Herceptin in Ontario
Raising funds for the Foundation