News Release Health Minister Announces Ongoing Funding for Renewal of Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative Toronto - Health Minister Allan Rock, at an announcement at Princess Margaret Hospital, today made public the federal government's renewed commitment to breast cancer initiatives. Unlike that initiative, the new funding will not lapse after five years. Major stakeholders in the Initiative were in attendance, including the Canadian Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, the Breast Cancer International Centre, Avon Canada, the Medical Research Council of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the Canadian Nurses Association. The extensive networks and partnerships established across the country during the first five years of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative are a major and outstanding accomplishment. All levels of government, health professionals, care providers, associations, researchers, educators, consumer groups, the private sector and women affected by breast cancer must continue to work together to combat this disease.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in Canada.
In 1998, it is estimated that 5,300 women will die of breast cancer and there will be 19,300 new cases. The goals of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative are to reduce both the incidence of breast cancer in Canada and the mortality rate, and to improve the quality of life of those directly and indirectly affected by breast cancer. The renewed Government of Canada commitment supports several interrelated activities. The formal addition of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Canadian Breast Cancer Network and Breast Cancer International Centre to the research partnership illustrates how government, voluntary and corporate sectors are focusing efforts to enhance breast cancer research. When planning the renewal of the Initiative, the government took into account the results of evaluations, consultations and recommendations for action emanating from major stakeholders as well as needs and priorities.