December 1, 2010 - Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) applauds the report released by Cancer Care Ontario on November 23, 2010 on an action plan to improve the patient experience. CBCN in particular endorses the advancement in screening programs to promote early detection and the promotion of new cancer therapies.

The intent of this report is to ensure that Ontario cancer system serves the changing and growing needs of Ontarians. Among the many recommendations, the plan promises that every cancer patient in Ontario will have access to more information tools as well as online and hands-on assistance in the form of Patient Navigators. Patients will also have their interests represented on a Patient Advisory Council.

“As the only survivor driven organization in Canada, we advocate for the improvement of services and access to optimal care for breast cancer patients since we know firsthand that these changes will help Canadians to receive timely access for care,” stated Jackie Manthorne, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. “Ontario has one of the worst records in approving new cancer drugs and CBCN is pleased to see that the government is committed to ensuring that the cancer system will be equipped to quickly determine which new cancer therapies are the most effective and ensure that these drugs are made available to patients,” she added.

CBCN encourages Cancer Care Ontario to involve informed cancer patients and survivors at all levels of the cancer drug approval process to ensure that patients’ voices are heard in this process.

About CBCN

CBCN is the only national survivor-driven and survivor-focused breast cancer organization in Canada. CBCN works to focus national attention on breast cancer and ensure that issues faced by those affected are addressed by decision makers in research and health care policy. CBCN has been the leading advocate for economic issues resulting from a breast cancer diagnosis, while promoting the improvement of services and access to optimal care for all breast cancer patients.

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For additional information or to arrange interviews, contact:
Ashley Mac Isaac-Butler
1-800-685-8820 ext 221
Amacissac-butler@cbcn.ca