News Release
2002-70
October 30, 2002
For immediate release
Minister McLellan renews funding for breast cancer research and launches Web site to increase access
to information on breast cancer
OTTAWA - The Honourable Anne McLellan, Minister of Health, today announced renewed
funding of $29 million over five years for Phase III of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative
(CBCRI). Joined by the other six partners: the Avon Flame Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network, the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Institutes
of Health Research, and the National Cancer Institute of Canada, the Minister also launched the CBCRI's
new Web site.
The CBCRI is the primary funder of breast cancer research in Canada. Health Canada's contribution,
as well as the funding of all CBCRI partners, brings the total amount invested into Phase III of
the Research Initiative to $60.5 million over five years.
"This initiative puts reliable health research into the hands of scientists, health professionals,
and survivors to help prevent the disease and find a cure," said Minister McLellan. "Health Canada
is proud to be a partner and to work together with these organizations so that we can improve the
quality of life of those affected by breast cancer."
The federal government launched the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative (CBCI) in 1992 in response
to the need for an organized national initiative to address the many issues of breast cancer. In
1993, the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative was created as the research component of the
CBCI to address the need to further research into this disease.
The new CBCRI Web site features new and ongoing Canadian-based breast cancer research projects funded
under the CBCRI since 1993. The site is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and will be a valuable resource
for both researchers and Canadians who want information about the latest Canadian research into breast
cancer.
Falling breast cancer mortality rates can be attributed to the excellent research into this disease
to date. However, breast cancer continues to be one of the most common forms of cancer for women.
It is estimated that one in nine women in Canada will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
An important part of research under the Initiative focuses on prevention of breast cancer. While
the causes are still unknown, CBCRI-supported research on the disease has shown that women can help
lower their risks of developing breast cancer.
As a partner in the CBCRI, Health Canada promotes inclusive, collaborative, multi-disciplinary research
to support and improve evidence-based decision-making. As part of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative,
Health Canada also supports the development of quality, organized screening programs in all provinces
and territories in Canada and the development of clinical practice guidelines for the care and treatment
of breast cancer. The Initiative also focuses on prevention, surveillance and monitoring, and community
capacity-building.
For more information on the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative, please consult the following Web
sites:
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Media Inquiries:
Farah Mohamed
Office of Anne McLellan
Minister of Health
(613) 957-1694
Paige Raymond Kovach
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
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