November 20, 2025 — Leads & Copy — Breast Cancer Canada has released its 2025 Annual Progress Report, providing a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care in Canada, highlighting advances in treatment, screening, and policy, while also pinpointing persistent disparities in equitable access to care.
Breast Cancer Canada, as a national organization, remains dedicated to funding research, educating Canadians, and advocating for enhanced care. The organization champions patient-centered solutions nationwide.
The 2025 report highlights the approval of seven new breast cancer therapies by Health Canada and the Canada Drug Agency over the past year. Despite these approvals, the average timeframe for public access exceeds 12 months. Breast Cancer Canada has lauded Ontario’s new FAST track program, which aims to expedite funding for approved cancer therapies within six months, and continues to advocate for similar programs across Canada.
Through the REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance, national expert clinicians have developed evidence-based treatment guidelines to ensure consistent, high-quality care across the country. Advocacy efforts in 2025 led to recommendations for public funding access in provinces outside Quebec for pertuzumab and abemaciclib, aligning Canada with global treatment standards after years of delay.
Current federal guidelines recommend beginning breast cancer screening at age 50 for average-risk women. Breast Cancer Canada continues to advocate for accessible screening starting at age 40. Work is ongoing to ensure self-referral programs and equitable access are available across all provinces and territories.
The report indicates that only 55% of Canadians have access to advanced treatments through clinical trials, with significant disparities across certain regions. Innovative screening technologies, including AI-driven blood tests and wearable elastography devices, are showing promise for earlier detection.
Insights from Breast Cancer Canada’s national patient surveys reveal that 72% of patients feel unprepared to manage breast cancer recurrence risk, underscoring the need for health policies that ensure ongoing, coordinated healthcare for breast cancer survivors after active treatment.
Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada, stated that the 2025 Progress Report reflects their commitment to advancing personalized care and reducing disparities in breast cancer treatment. Shaniah Leduc, Chair of Breast Cancer Canada’s Board of Directors, added that while progress is being made in Canada, gaps remain, and the report highlights the need for continued advocacy and attention to improve outcomes for Canadians living with and beyond breast cancer.
The 2025 Annual Progress Report utilizes data from national patient surveys, the PROgress Tracker, public opinion research, and expert clinical guidance to provide a thorough assessment of breast cancer care in Canada.
Contact:
Kimberly Carson, CEO
Breast Cancer Canada
