While significant advances have been made in breast cancer care, evidence has shown that Ontarians diagnosed with breast cancer continue to face considerable challenges with their needs for information, support and care. To respond to these needs, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region is working with leaders in research, clinical care and community support to deliver current breast cancer information and education at a free public forum presented by Scotiabank Group in Barrie called Breast Cancer Today: An Evening of Care and Community.
Some of Ontario's leading breast cancer researchers and clinicians will speak at Breast Cancer Today, including Dr. Renée Hanrahan, Royal Victoria Hospital, Dr. John Semple, Women's College Hospital and Dr. Mary Jane Esplen, Toronto General Research Institute. Speakers will address a range of issues related to breast cancer treatment, care and survivorship.
Breast Cancer Today will be held Thursday, May 20, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Churchill Room. This is the third year of this three-year program and the fourth forum in a series of seven. Breast Cancer Today is presented in partnership with Scotiabank Group.
The development of the Breast Cancer Today program was informed by findings from a Foundation-led research initiative called Up Front: New Perspectives on Breast Cancer. It found that Ontarians affected by breast cancer experience numerous challenges with the cancer care system, and identified ways in which their quality of life could be improved, including access to information and resources.
"A breast cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, and can have long-term impacts on quality of life," said Beth Easton, Vice President, Allocations and Health Promotion for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region. "Through Breast Cancer Today, the Foundation is proud to respond to the information and education needs of the breast cancer community with the goal of reducing the burden of disease for patients, survivors and their families."
"Breast cancer touches so many lives across Ontario, from those who are diagnosed to their families, friends and communities," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank Group. "Together with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Scotiabank is committed to supporting all those affected by breast cancer, helping them to live with and beyond breast cancer."
In Canada, it is estimated that 22,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year, making it the most prevalent cancer among Canadian women. On average, one in nine women in Canada will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, and one in 28 is expected to die from the disease.
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