On New Guidelines for Herceptin Funding

OTTAWA- May 13, 2011 – Two months after a very aggressive advocacy campaign by the breast cancer community, Cancer Care Ontario announced that Herceptin in combination with chemotherapy to treat tumours less than one centimeter will be the first drug funded through the Evidence Building Program.

Up until this point the province of Ontario funded Herceptin in the treatment of tumours over the size of one centimeter. This policy drew media attention in early spring when Jill Anzarut, a 35 year old mother of two was denied treatment when she was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer.

“I am thrilled with the news that Herceptin will be covered not just for me, but all of the women who are in my similar situation," said Jill Anzarut. "Being diagnosed with breast cancer introduced me to a community of friends, advocates and supporters. I am honoured to be part of something that will benefit so many more women - women who are my friends, family, sisters, nieces and daughters. We did this for all of us,” added Anzarut.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) has been very active in advocating on patient’s behalf through an advocacy campaign targeted at access to treatment of Herceptin for all tumours. The Government of Ontario announced in March changes to the guidelines around funding for patients who fall into the grey area when it comes to coverage.

“This is great news for more than 100 women in the province of Ontario who fall into this category this year alone,” said Cathy Ammendolea, President of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network’s Board of Directors. “CBCN advocates to provide support to breast cancer patients and survivors for fair access to treatments, we are pleased that we could lend our voice to this issue,” added Ammendolea.

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.

For More Information
Ashley Mac Isaac-Butler
Government Relations & Policy Manager
Canadian Breast Cancer Network