The beginnings of an organized approach to breast cancer, recognized as a major public health concern in Canada, was initiated with the1992 House of Common Standing Committee on Health and Welfare, Social Affairs, Seniors and the Status of Women report entitled "Breast Cancer: Unanswered Questions". In its response to that report, the federal government launched Phase l of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative (CBCI), making a commitment of $25 million over five years to support research, care and treatment, professional education, programs for early detection, and access to information for women.

The National Forum on Breast Cancer, held in Montreal in November, 1993, was the launching point of the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative that began a level of collaboration that had been unprecedented in the field of breast cancer. It brought together for the first time breast cancer survivors, health care professionals, policy makers, researchers and support groups to recommend to the health care community at large priorities and directions for future action in four main areas:

1. breast cancer research;
2. prevention and screening;
3. treatment and care; and
4. support and advocacy of and networking by women with breast cancer.

Since the National Forum on Breast Cancer, Health Canada has been working with its partners in the private and voluntary sectors, as well as in other levels of government, to ensure that the momentum generated by the Forum continues.

In the September 1997 Speech from the Throne, the Government reiterated its commitment to "expand the Canadian Breast Cancer Initiative."

In June 1998, Health Minister Allan Rock announced the renewal of the initiative with stable, ongoing funding of $7 million per year. The Minister also announced an additional contribution by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research of $10 million over the next five years to the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Initiative.

Objectives

Acting in a collaborative way with its partners, stakeholders, and those affected by breast cancer, the objectives of the CBCI are to:

1. reduce the incidence of breast cancer;
2. reduce mortality as a result of breast cancer;
3. improve the quality of life of those affected by breast cancer and their support networks.

Partners and Collaborators

• Health Canada
• Canadian Institutes for Health Research
• Canadian Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute of Canada
• Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
• Canadian Breast Cancer Network
• Canadian Nurses Association
• The College of Family Physicians of Canada
• Consumers Association of Canada
• Canadian Association of Provincial Cancer Agencies
• The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance