Breast Cancer Canada Launches Progress CONNECT

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New Data by Breast Cancer Canada Reveals Almost 3 in 4 Canadians (73%) Turn to Search Engines to Understand a Diagnosis from Their Doctor

Breast Cancer Canada has launched Progress CONNECT, a new portal equipping Canadian breast cancer patients to know more about their individual cancer type, options and treatment.

Today, Breast Cancer Canada released new data that sheds light on the increasing number of Canadians turning to online search engines to gather more information after receiving a diagnosis from their doctors.

The survey, conducted among members of the Angus Reid Forum, found that the majority of Canadians rely on search engines to gain a better understanding of their health. After receiving a diagnosis from their doctor, almost 3 in 4 Canadians (73%) would turn to a search engine to further understand their diagnosis and options for treatment. 

Progress CONNECT Breast Cancer Portal
Amidst this new data highlighting the heavy use of online web searches, BCC announced the launch of Progress CONNECT, a new breast cancer information portal that provides individuals with personalized reports based on their type and stage of breast cancer.  The tool bridges the gap between patients and their knowledge, providing a tailored approach to help them better understand what to plan for at every step of their breast cancer journey. 

“Canadians often turn to search engines to gather information about their breast cancer diagnosis. However, relying solely on these sources can expose patients and their families to inaccurate and misleading information. Progress CONNECT was created to offer a reliable source of information and provide meaningful context compared to overwhelming online resources.” said Kimberly Carson, CEO, Breast Cancer Canada. “With over 50 different types of breast cancer, understanding personalized management options is crucial. Progress CONNECT offers customized information to empower patients with relevant knowledge. We invite Canadians to ‘Know More by Knowing Your Type’ and through tailored information be connected to their care.” 

Each person is different — and each breast cancer diagnosis is too. Progress CONNECT will provide streamlined, personalized information to patients. Once an individual receives their pathology report, they can input their breast cancer details into Progress CONNECT. Instantaneously, they will be presented with a PDF report that is built for them providing a customized breast cancer profile. Progress CONNECT will equip Canadian breast cancer patients with validated treatment knowledge from credible sources, specific to their breast cancer type, including the timing sequence of when cancer treatments are expected like surgery, radiation and medications. 

The Patient Impact of A Reliable Information Tool
Charlene Newland was advised not to turn to the internet for answers after her Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis at 33 years old. However, at the time she felt that she was left with little choice.

“I was in so much denial after receiving my diagnosis, and no one in my circle or community was having these conversations,” explained Charlene. “In between doctor appointments, I turned to Dr. Google. As you can imagine, it sent me down a rabbit hole of unreliable information that only planted further doubt and uncertainty.”

With Progress CONNECT, breast cancer patients like Charlene will have an accessible and reliable resource in addition to their oncology team to learn more about their type of breast cancer and treatment options.

To learn more about Progress CONNECT, please visit progressconnect.ca.

 

On the heals of the Progress CONNECT launch, BCC also announced new funding for two new research teams:

$200,000 in Screening and Detection Research Grants Announced
BCC in collaboration with AstraZeneca is proud to announce the recipients of new funding dedicated to research in breast cancer screening and detection. This granting partnership includes additional in-kind support from Illumina Canada and sought to identify two Canadian research teams committed to advancing breast cancer screening or detection through the integration of precision diagnostics and AI technology.

The selected research grant recipients’ discoveries could hold the promise of higher quality, less invasive or more detailed cancer information with new screening and testing techniques for Canadians.

  • Dr Elijah Van Houten
    Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec
    Dr Van Houten’s lab at Université de Sherbrooke conducts research using state of the art technology to build a sensor bra to measure suspicious breast lumps during the wearer’s everyday activities with a goal to revolutionize simple and convenient screening and detection. 
  • Dr Luke McCaffrey
    Goodman Cancer Research Centre
    McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
    To reduce the need for less-invasive therapies, Dr. McCaffrey’s lab is developing a machine learning model to discriminate between ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and minimally invasive types of breast cancer (MIBC). 


Brian Seguin, Head of Breast Cancer at AstraZeneca Canada, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to redefining cancer care and improving patient outcomes. “At AstraZeneca, we’re committed to redefining cancer care – to unlocking what science can do to improve health outcomes and identify cancers earlier so that patients have the best chance at cure. We’re incredibly proud of our collaboration with Breast Cancer Canada in support of this important Canadian research.” 

The selected research teams are visionary and have demonstrated cutting-edge approaches, setting them apart in a competitive selection process adjudicated by Breast Cancer Canada’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

 

** New Data by Breast Cancer Canada Reveals Almost 3 in 4 Canadians (73%) Turn to Search Engines to Understand a Diagnosis from Their Doctor. These are the findings of a survey conducted by Breast Cancer Canada from November 1st to November 3rd, 2023 among a representative sample of 1,507 online Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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 that has a clear mandate to raise money for research. The organization receives no government funding, meaning all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information visit, breastcancerprogress.ca. 

MEDIA CONTACT

Lindsay Silverberg, Senior Account Manager
lindsay@talkshopmedia.com 

Donate Today

When you support Breast Cancer Canada, you are helping to improve and save lives through better treatments and early detection of breast cancer.

1 in 8 Canadian women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

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Individual Donor

When you support Breast Cancer Canada, you are helping to improve and save lives through better treatments and early detection of breast cancer.

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Gifting securities

Donating securities is becoming more popular, and supports Breast Cancer Canada just like cash donations. Gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) are an easy, tax-effective way to make a contribution towards life-saving research that helps with early detection, better treatments, and ultimately  Securities can be of any size and given immediately, or you can bequeath them to Breast Cancer Canada in your will. Just like a cash donation, you’ll get a donation tax credit for your gift of securities.

Today, most securities are held electronically and are easily transferred from your brokerage account to our BCC brokerage account. Your Financial Advisor can make all the arrangements.

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Send e-cards in memory or honour

Bravery is beautiful. That’s why we encourage you to make a donation in honour of a loved one’s own experience with breast cancer. With your donation, we’ll send a email to acknowledge the dedication to the individual or family.

Make a donation with  eCard by dedicating your donation:

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Corporate matching

Multiply the impact of your donation

Fact: thousands of companies will match donations made by employees.

It’s true, and it’s very generous. Want to know if your company will match your donation to BCC? Use the search tool below. It also has access to all the forms, guidelines, and instructions you need to submit a company-matchable gift donation today.

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Monthly Giving

Support life-saving breast cancer research every month of the year.

 

When you make a monthly contribution to Breast Cancer Canada, you provide stable funding for year-round campaigning and allow us to continue to support research projects across Canada.

 

To join, simply pre-authorize a monthly deduction from your credit card.

  1. Online:  Donate Now
  2. By Phone: Sign up as a monthly donor by calling Toll Free: 1-800-567-8767
  3. By Mail


Breast Cancer Canada, National Office
415 Exmouth Street Unit # 101
Sarnia, ON N7T 8A4

You will need to provide us the credit card type, number and expiry date, and the amount you would like to give each month.

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Legacy Donor

Over the last 30 years, many generous donors have left a legacy to Breast Cancer Canada in efforts to advance breast cancer research.

No matter what the form of your gift, you will be remembered by your legacy which will live on through each of the lives you touch with your gift.

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Legacy donor

Leave a legacy. Plan for a future gift.

  • Leave a gift in your will
  • Donating a life insurance policy
  • Donate a TFSA, RRSP, or RRIF

Support Breast Cancer Canada with a future gift to create a better future for breast cancer patients. Your gift helps to save lives through early detection and improve outcomes with better treatments.

or more information, please contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca


LEAVE A GIFT IN YOUR WILL

This is often called a bequest. It’s the simplest way to make a legacy gift. A gift in your will has no effect on your current income and your estate receives a charitable donation tax receipt. Here’s a sample of simple bequest wording : “To pay the sum of $_________ OR _______% of the residue of my estate to Breast Cancer Canada.”


DONATING A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY

Life insurance is a way to provide financial security for your family. If the needs of your family are already taken care of, a life insurance policy is a smart way to donate to charity including tax savings for your estate. Speak to your financial advisors for your personalized advice and learn how a gift of life insurance can work for you. Here’s the top-line on ways of leaving gifts of life insurance:


Bequeath your policy to Breast Cancer Canada for the future:

  • Name Breast Cancer Canada as the beneficiary of your policy. BCC will receive your insurance proceeds tax-free. Your estate will receive a donation receipt.


Transfer ownership of a paid-up policy to Breast Cancer Canada now:

  • Want to gift us your existing, paid-up policy right now? Make Breast Cancer Canada the beneficiary and owner of your policy. You will receive a donation receipt for the fair market value of the policy. BCC may redeem the policy now, or hold it and receive the face value in the future – however your gift can be put to best use.


Transfer ownership of a policy on which premiums are still owing to BCC now:

  • Premiums still owing? You can still opt to transfer your policy ownership to BCC. You’ll receive a donation receipt for the policy’s fair market value. Want to make it an ongoing gift? Transfer the ownership to BCC, and still continue to pay the premiums owing. You’ll receive donation receipts for those payments too.


DONATE A TFSA, RRSP, RRIF

Register a significant difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. Donate the proceeds of a registered account: Tax-free savings account (TFSA); Registered retirement savings plan (RRSP); Registered retirement income fund (RRIF). It’s a smart way to make a major contribution. Without reducing your current assets. Without subjecting the funds to probate fees. While reducing taxes on your estate through a donation receipt.

Making a gift like this is easy. Designate Breast Cancer Canada as the beneficiary of your registered account.  You benefit from the full use of your account(s) during your lifetime. We receive any remaining funds after your passing.

For more information, contact: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca

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Corporate Donor

Support life-saving breast cancer research. A corporate donation is a simple and efficient way to demonstrate your corporate support.

To make a one-time or reoccurring corporate donation online, please click here.

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How to Sponsor

Thinking about becoming a corporate partner of Breast Cancer Canada? Amazing. work with all types of organizations. We’ll help you deliver results which are measurable. National or local.

A partnership with Breast Cancer Canada is a win-win. It improves employee engagement, boosts morale, fosters a tighter culture. It raises your organization’s profile and demonstrates your support for breast cancer research. To customers. To employees. To suppliers. Most of all – it makes a positive impact for those affected directly by breast cancer.

We’ll raise money for life-saving breast cancer research, together.

Let’s talk about building your program!

Contact Dawn Hamilton today to get started.
Email: hello@breastcancerprogress.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-8767 

To make an online corporate donation, please click here.

How to

Support an Event

Make a contribution to a fundraiser being held in support of Breast Cancer Canada. You can search for the organization or person you wish to support; or click on the event name to make a general donation to the Raise More initiative of your choice.

How to

Sponsor

Thinking about becoming a corporate partner of Breast Cancer Canada? Amazing. We work with all types of organizations. We’ll help you deliver results which are measurable. National or local.

A partnership with Breast Cancer Canada is a win-win. It improves employee engagement, boosts morale, fosters a tighter culture. It raises your organization’s profile and demonstrates your support for breast cancer research. To customers. To employees. To suppliers. Most of all – it makes a positive impact for those affected directly by breast cancer.

We’ll raise money for life-saving breast cancer research, together.

Let’s talk about building your program!

Contact Charlene Politano today to get started.
Email: cpolitano@breastcancerprogress.ca
Phone: 1-800-567-8767 or 416-352-8567

To make an online corporate donation, please click here.

If you would like to explore other ways to give, we invite you to learn more.

How to

Fundraise

Join the Raise More Challenge

The more money we raise, the sooner we can end breast cancer. The more time researchers have in the lab. The more technology they can use. The more support we can get. Advancements in early detection and personalized treatment are in reach, and with your help to raise funds, we can find a cure sooner.

There are many ways to fundraise – whether you want to create a competition or tournament, fundraise with your team, challenge your colleagues, host a pink party, have a bake sale or cook-off, the idea is to raise more for breast cancer research.

Breast Cancer Canada will empower you with all the tools you need for a successful fundraiser, and if you need more information, contact Dawn Hamilton at: dhamilton@breastcancerprogress.ca  

How to

Volunteer

Volunteers are Breast Cancer Canada’s most important resource, and the backbone of our organization. From helping build our PROgress research to helping breast cancer patients, to supporting events, special fundraising projects and administrative tasks, our volunteers are dedicated to making a positive, life-changing impact.

We ensure our volunteers have the best possible experience and apply the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement.

You can help us end breast cancer by:

  • Volunteering with one of our fundraising campaigns. Or a BCC signature event
  • Helping with local community events where you live
  • Joining our PROgress research at a local hub
  • Assisting us with virtual office tasks

Learn more about our volunteer driven Regional Hubs.

Regional Hubs are an integral part of Breast Canada Canada. We connect communities and those committed to our mission to make the goal local. Together, we can save lives through advancing breast cancer research, coast to coast.

Connect to learn more about what is happening in your area: volunteer@breastcancerprogress.ca