Breast Cancer Canada, a national charity dedicated to advancing breast cancer research and care, is excited to announce several initiatives that underscore its commitment to improving patient outcomes and driving innovation in breast cancer treatment and detection.

Empowering Patients with the mBC Know More App

Breast Cancer Canada is proud to be launching the mBC Know More app, an innovative tool designed to support Canadians living with metastatic breast cancer (mBC). Developed under the leadership of Dr. Nancy Nixon, Medical Oncologist at the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre, this app provides patients with tools to better manage their care and communicate with healthcare providers.

Metastatic breast cancer (mBC), or stage IV breast cancer, occurs when cancer spreads to other parts of the body and remains incurable, accounting for 14% of cancer-related deaths among Canadian women. The mBC Know More app addresses the unique challenges of living with mBC through features such as:

• Medication tracking
• Symptom tracking
• Health journey logging
• Peer support connectivity
• Caregiver support
• Patient-reported outcomes research

“I lost my mom to breast cancer in 1994, and that loss has profoundly shaped my career,” says Dr. Nixon. “It drives me to create tools and resources that truly empower patients. The launch of the mBC Know More app is a meaningful step in supporting individuals living with metastatic breast cancer.”

Dr. Nixon’s work focuses on understanding patient needs and improving their care experience. The app, which allows patients to track their symptoms, medications, and treatment plans, is designed to provide personalized support and help patients feel more in control of their journey.

“Managing metastatic breast cancer can feel overwhelming but having a tool like the mBC Know More app helps patients take an active role in their care,” she explains. “By tracking their symptoms and medications, they can better understand their treatment, communicate more effectively with their care teams, and feel empowered to make informed decisions. It’s about giving patients the tools they need to stay on top of their health.”

“In developing the mBC Know More app, we worked closely with metastatic breast cancer patients to ensure its features address their unique needs and challenges,” said Dr. Nixon. “This patient-centered approach makes the app an indispensable tool for navigating the complexities of metastatic breast cancer care.”

“Metastatic breast cancer is an ongoing journey, filled with constant changes and adjustments. Having one central place to connect with others, track symptoms, and stay organized isn’t just helpful—it’s a game changer. The mBC Know More app will support patients like me. It’s empowering us to take control of our care and allowing all Canadians to have information on the latest advancements,” shares Connie Claeys, a mBC patient in Calgary.

This patient-facing app represents a significant step forward in improving the quality of life for Canadians living with mBC.

Advancing Equity in Breast Cancer Research

In partnership with AstraZeneca Canada, Breast Cancer Canada is proud to announce $200,000 in new funding for the Neo-Adjuvant Equity and Outcomes Research Matching Grants. These grants aim to advance research on improving equity in uptake, experience, and outcomes from neo-adjuvant therapy (NACT) for early-stage breast cancer patients.

Funding has been awarded to two nationally and internationally recognized research teams:

• Dr. Tulin Cil (Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON): The PATHWAY Study: Piloting a Clinical Care Pathway for breast cancer Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Referral
• Dr. Stephen Chia (Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC): Understanding and Overcoming Disparity in the Use of Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy for Early-Stage breast cancer Patients Living in Non-Large Urban Regions of British Columbia

These studies represent two distinct yet complementary approaches to addressing equity challenges in NACT:

• Perspectives from both surgical and medical oncology, providing actionable insights for health policy advocacy.
• Representation from Eastern and Western Canada, ensuring broad applicability.
• Potential for these findings to be adapted to other regions across Canada.
• Integration of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to capture patient-centered perspectives.

“At AstraZeneca, we’re incredibly proud of our collaboration with Breast Cancer Canada in support of this important Canadian research to improve outcomes and experience for early-stage breast cancer patients,” said Brian Seguin, AstraZeneca Canada, Head – Breast Cancer. “I would like to thank Breast Cancer Canada for their continued partnership on these awards and we look forward to seeing the results of these two exciting research projects in the near future.”

$200,000 to Address Critical Gaps in Early Detection

To improve early detection and screening, Breast Cancer Canada is investing in a new research initiative to study how breast cancer is detected—whether through patient-discovered symptoms or routine mammogram screenings. Led by Dr. Anna Wilkinson and Dr. Jean Seely at the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, this program will provide critical evidence to guide inclusive and effective breast cancer screening policies.

“Recent studies show that expanding screening to women, especially in provinces with self-referral mammograms, improves survival rates and reduces mortality,” said Dr. Wilkinson.

$250,000 in New Funding Announced by Breast Cancer Canada

Additionally, Breast Cancer Canada is announcing a new call for grants offering $250,000 to fund research in breast cancer screening, diagnostics, and targeted treatments, reinforcing the organization’s mission to drive impactful research and patient care advancements.

“We are excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead as we continue to research and advocate for better outcomes for Canadian patients,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “By investing in personalized breast cancer approaches, we’re fueling progress across the country.”

To learn about ways to donate and continue to support BCC’s research opportunities, visit: breastcancerprogress.ca/applyforfunding/

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 and advocate and educate on the progress of new research evidence. The organization receives no government funding, meaning all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information, visit breastcancerprogress.ca.