1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. cancer

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How to Reach Us:
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Ontario Chapter
20 Victoria Street, 6th floor, Toronto, ON M5C 2N8
Tel: 416-815-1313 1-866-373-6313 (toll-free in Ontario)
Fax: 416-815-1766 www.cbcf.org/ontario
Cette brochure est aussi disponible en français.
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WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES 2004
How your support makes a difference
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CBCF Vision
CBCF Values
Creating a future without breast cancer
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation strives to be:
CBCF Mission
As the leading national volunteer-based organization
dedicated to the fight against breast cancer, the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation works collaboratively to fund,
support and advocate for:
■ Relevant and innovative breast cancer research
■ Meaningful education and awareness programs
■ An effective advocate: Demonstrating our commitment
to those living with and touched by breast cancer, voicing
the need for a positive quality of life, today and in the future
■ A trusted leader: Promoting the highest values,
principles and practices to ensure accountability
and effectiveness
■ A respectful partner: Collaborating with donors and
sponsors, working within a network of organizations
■ Early diagnosis and effective treatment
involved in the issue of breast cancer, actively engaging
■ A positive quality of life for those living
volunteers, including survivors, to ensure that we
with breast cancer
maximize our impact and work effectively together
for the cause
■ A resourceful catalyst: Promoting innovation and
supporting meaningful and relevant work in research
and programs, from prevention to palliation
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Table of Contents
From the Chair
2
The CBCF - Ontario Chapter Community
3
Facts About Breast Cancer
6
How a Dollar is Raised
8
Putting your Money to Work
9
Abbreviated Financial Statement
10
How We Allocate Money
10
Projects We Funded: 2003-04
14
Themes of CBCF - Ontario Chapter Funding
16
Stopping breast cancer before it starts
16
Breast cancer biology
20
Finding breast cancer effectively
21
A return to health
22
Information and services for communities in need
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Story
28
33
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From the Chair
PATRICIA
SMITH
Approximately 80,000 charitable organizations are
This edition of Where Your Money Goes highlights
registered in Canada today – and they’re all competing
projects that were funded during our 2003-04 fiscal
for the same donor funds. More and more, donors
year, which ended on March 31, 2004. During this
are making their giving decisions not only on the
time, we achieved a new record: we allocated $6.7
basis of the cause the charity represents, but also
million to research, community health projects and
on the organization’s fiscal responsibility, efficiency
other programs that will make a difference. This year,
and progress in achieving its goals. They want to know
we are also sharing highlights from several projects we
exactly how their donations will be put to use, and are
have funded in the past, to update you on their progress.
demanding accountability and transparency from the
We are proud of the calibre of work that’s taking place
charities they support.
in Ontario, and we hope you will enjoy reading more
As one of five regional chapters of the Canadian Breast
about how your contributions support our shared
Cancer Foundation (CBCF), we at CBCF - Ontario
vision of a future without breast cancer.
Chapter strive each and every year to translate your
support into investments in projects that will have the
biggest impact in achieving our vision: creating a future
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
without breast cancer. Each year, we publish Where
Your Money Goes to report back to you on how your
contributions are being put to work, and to highlight
the important questions our funded projects are
helping to answer through your support.
2
PATRICIA SMITH,
CHAIR, CBCF - ONTARIO CHAPTER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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BEVERLY
THOMSON
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It Takes a Team!
The CBCF - Ontario Chapter Community
Since I began volunteering with CBCF - Ontario Chapter
The CBCF - Ontario Chapter community includes
more than a year ago, I have been continually amazed by
volunteers, donors and sponsors of all kinds, and
the overwhelming dedication of the many people who
is as vast and as varied as the province itself! Money
help make the Chapter what it is: a vibrant, effective
is raised through CBCF events like the Canadian Breast
community of people brought together by their
Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure and Breast
support of a common cause.
Cancer Awareness Day, as well as through individual
If there’s one thing that my own experience with
and corporate donations, and special events organized
breast cancer has taught me, it’s that a team approach
by third parties. In addition, the contributions of
is vital. Whether you’re a woman undergoing treatment,
volunteers and in-kind donors mean that we can
a volunteer offering your time and expertise, a loyal
dedicate even more donor dollars to research,
donor, or part of a research project team that is helping
community health projects and other programs
us learn more about the disease, you are part of a
that make a difference.
powerful movement. This booklet, which recognizes
The lists on the following pages are just a snapshot of the
CBCF - Ontario Chapter’s many supporters and
more than 300,000 individuals, groups and organizations
summarizes the scope of work that has been funded
who have made it possible for the Chapter to fund the
over the past year, is proof of what we have already
projects summarized in this booklet.
been able to achieve by working together. Let’s keep
it up!
BEVERLY THOMSON
CBCF - ONTARIO CHAPTER HONOURARY SPOKESPERSON
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Volunteers
Volunteers are at the heart of all that CBCF does.
They serve on the Board of Directors, at special
events such as Awareness Day and the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure,
as office and administrative support, on committees,
with Branches, at educational and fundraising events
and as grant review panelists.
While the combined power of these efforts never shows
up on a balance sheet, a value-added survey conducted
by CBCF - Ontario Chapter showed that, in 2003, Chapter
volunteers – as well as some 68,000 Canadian Breast
Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure participants
across the province – contributed approximately 180,525
hours. That’s 82 per cent of the Chapter’s total activity
hours! This contribution is estimated to be equal to 94
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
full-time staff – up from 67 in 2001 – with a projected
value of approximately $2.9 million – up from $1.9
million in 2001!
Participants, donors, volunteers, and sponsors
of the following events:*
• All Women Lousy Golfers
• Bathurst Jewish Community Centre Cycle-a-thon
• Booby Ball
4
• Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure
• Carlton Heights Curling Club Bonspiel for Breast Cancer
• CBCF Breast Cancer Awareness Day
• Christina Sorbara’s Milestone Birthday
• Coldwater Curling Club Bonspiel
• Companions for a Cure
• Firefighters of York Region Charity Calendar
• For the Love of Breasts Gala Event**
• Jazzercise Dance of Hope
• Mamma Mia
• Manitou Health & Fitness Weekend**
• Military Boot Camp
• Niagara Tournament of Hope
• Ottawa Bonspiel for Breast Cancer
• Paddle to a Cure
• Polaris – Way Out Women Snowmobile Relay
• Queen City Yacht Club Women’s Skipper’s Race
• Ride for the Cure Motorcycle Ride
• TaeBo® for a Cure
• Town of Markham – Holiday Home Tour
• Whitby Girls’ Hockey Association
• Women of Weston Golf Tournament
• York Region “Fore the Cure” Tournament
• York Region Bachelor Auction
• York Region Celebration of Hope
• York Region Evening in Versailles
• Zonta Club of Guelph Golf Tournament
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Corporate donors:*
Employee groups:*
• Bell Canada**
• CIBC
• Cineplex Odeon Corporation**
• Hoffmann LaRoche
• Kodak Canada Inc., Health Imaging Division**
• LCBO
• Nike Canada Ltd.
• Scotiabank Group
• Zacks Fashions Limited
• Bell Canada**
• BMO Fountain of Hope
• Estée Lauder Cosmetics Ltd.
• IBM Employees’ Charitable Fund
In-Kind donors:
• groundzero Marketing Communications
• Loyalty Group
• Micromedia
• Urbacon
Foundations and associations:*
• CAW Health & Safety Training Fund**
• The McLean Foundation**
• The Ontario Trillium Foundation
• The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation
*CBCF gratefully acknowledges the support of all of our donors. Due to space limitations, we are unable to provide a complete list of supporters. The donors listed
are those who gave more than $10,000 to CBCF - Ontario Chapter during the 2003-04 fiscal year. As part of our commitment to protect the privacy and personal
information of our individual supporters, and in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, we have chosen not to
publish the names of individual donors.
**Donations received from these corporations and events are used specifically for the funding of primary prevention research.
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Facts About Breast Cancer
How many people are affected?
■ In their lifetime, approximately one in nine women
will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This is an increase
from one in 20 during the 1970s.
■ In Canada:
An estimated 21,200 women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer in 2004.
An estimated 5,200 women will die from breast cancer
in 2004.
■ In Ontario:
An estimated 7,900 women will be diagnosed with
breast cancer in 2004.
An estimated 2,000 women will die from breast cancer
in 2004.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
Who is at risk?
The direct causes of breast cancer are unknown. The
risk factors listed here may increase a person’s chances
of developing this disease, but do not necessarily mean
the person will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Even
people who are at high risk for breast cancer may never
develop the disease.
Sources: National Cancer Institute of Canada; Health Canada
6
■ Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than
men. Breast cancer occurs in men in about one per cent
of all cases.
■ The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.
Approximately 80 per cent of women diagnosed with breast
cancer will be over 50 years old and approximately 20 per
cent of women will be under age 50 at the time of diagnosis.
■ Mutations in two genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – have
been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. However,
only up to five to 10 per cent of people with breast cancer
are believed to be carriers of these mutations.
■ Additional factors that may be related to the
development of breast cancer include: having a family
history of breast cancer; menstruation prior to the age
of 12; having late onset of menopause (after age 55);
being overweight/obese; having had no pregnancies, or
having a first pregnancy after age 30; drinking alcohol;
lack of physical activity; and possibly a diet high in
certain kinds of fat and low in vegetables and fruit.
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What progress is being made?
■ Since 1993, the number of new breast cancer cases
diagnosed among Canadian women each year has
stayed about the same.
■ The number of Canadians dying from breast cancer has
been declining steadily since 1993. The most recent actual
data available, from 2000, shows the number of Canadians
dying from breast cancer is the lowest it has been since 1950.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
While we don’t know what causes breast cancer, there
are certain things within a woman’s control that can
help lower her risk. Here are some things you can do
to reduce your risk of breast cancer:
■ Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or
obese can increase the risk of developing breast cancer
by 50 per cent, especially in postmenopausal women.
To reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, keep
your Body Mass Index (BMI) between 20 and 25.
For more information, visit the Web site for Health
Canada’s Body Mass Index calculator at
www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hpfb-dgpsa/
onpp-bppn/bmi_chart_java_e.html.
■ Be physically active for at least 30 to 45 minutes on
most days of the week.* Regular physical activity can
help you stay at a healthy body weight.
■ Eat five to 10 servings of vegetables and fruit each day.*
Some research suggests that a diet high in vegetables and
fruit may lower breast cancer risk. Following a healthy
diet that includes lots of vegetables and fruit may also
reduce your risk of developing other cancers.
■ Know your body and follow the triad approach
to breast health:
1. Conduct a monthly breast self-examination.
2. Have an annual clinical breast exam performed
by a qualified health care professional.
3. Have a mammogram every two years from age 50
to 69. Women 50 years and under should talk to their
doctor about when they should start having mammograms.
Women over 50 do not need a doctor’s referral to have
mammogram - they can call the Ontario Breast
Screening Program to make an appointment.
For more information, visit
www.cancercare.on.ca/prevention
_breastscreening.htm.
*Physical activity and nutrition are examples of lifestyle factors that we can control. CBCF - Ontario Chapter is hoping to learn more about the link between lifestyle and breast
cancer risk through its funding of primary prevention research. This research aims to stop breast cancer before it starts by studying the connection between breast cancer risk
and the foods we eat, our physical activity, our hormones, and the environment in which we live and work. Read more about the primary prevention research CBCF - Ontario
Chapter is funding on pages 16-19.
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How a Dollar is Raised
CBCF - Ontario Chapter raises money in a variety of
■ Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC
ways, which makes it easy for donors to choose their
Run for the Cure 68%
level of involvement. For example, donors may simply
Our signature event, the Run takes place in 40
mail a cheque, make an online donation, sign up for
communities across Canada – including 17 in Ontario.
monthly donations – or they may want to organize a
■ Individual programs 6%
fundraising event or collect pledges as a participant
These include direct mail programs, annual donors
in our signature event, the Canadian Breast Cancer
and in memoriam donations.
Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. From the smallest
■ Corporate programs 7%
These include employee groups that donate to CBCF,
cause marketing programs that raise money through
companies using the CBCF brand on their products,
and donations from corporations.
bake sale to the largest gala, every contribution matters,
and it’s easy to see how the money adds up! The pie chart
below shows our sources of revenue for the fiscal year
ending March 31, 2004.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
Canadian Breast Cancer
Foundation CIBC Run
for the Cure
68%
Other Revenue Sources 32%:
Individual Programs 6%
Corporate Programs 7%
Third-party Events 10%
CBCF Special Events 6%
Other Revenue
2%
Other Programs
1%
■ Third-party events 10%
These fundraising events are organized by separate
groups who wish to support CBCF. They range from
curling bonspiels to fitness events to scrapbooking
parties to galas.
■ CBCF special events 6%
These fundraising events are organized by
CBCF - Ontario Chapter and its branches.
■ Other revenue 2%
Gaming initiatives and investment income.
■ Other programs 1%
Money from other foundations and associations.
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Putting Your Money to Work
CBCF - Ontario Chapter continually seeks ways to
of dollars a charity spends on its programs (thought of
maximize the amount of money directed to charitable
by donors as the good works a charity does), in relation
purposes, while keeping expenses down through
to the total dollars the charity spends in a year. The
administrative efficiencies and in-kind support
GWI is based on similar indexes in the United States.
wherever possible. The chart below shows how the
Charity watchdogs say a GWI of at least 60 per cent
Chapter’s total annual expenditures were directed
is the minimum acceptable amount for an organization.
for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004.
CBCF - Ontario Chapter had a good works index of
This chart also demonstrates the Chapter’s “good
71 per cent for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2004.
works index” (GWI), which is the ratio or percentage
71%
6%
23%
Fundraising
Operations – Chapter
and National
23%
4%
2%
Good Works Index 71%:
Ontario Programs
Research and Community
Grant Allocations
National Research Grants
National Programs
Ontario Programs
45%
8%
7%
11%
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Abbreviated Financial Statement
for the year ending March 31, 2004
How We
Allocate Money
The following reflects the activities of CBCF - Ontario
Grant applications are accepted by CBCF - Ontario
Chapter and is derived from audited financial statements.
Chapter in four distinct grant programs:
A full set of the consolidated financial statements is
■ Research projects (one to three years) focus on
available upon request.
primary prevention, the biology of breast cancer, detection,
Revenues
Community Events (including
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
CIBC Run for the Cure)
General Donations, Fundraising
and Other Income
diagnosis, clinical treatment and supportive care.
TOTAL REVENUES
Expenses
Community Events
Fundraising
Chapter Administration
Chapter Contribution to
National Administration
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
TOTAL EXPENSES
Allocations
Ontario Programs
Contributions to National
Program Initiatives
Contributions to National for
Research Grant to CBCRA
Grants (Research and Community)
TOTAL ALLOCATIONS
NET REVENUES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE
ALLOCATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
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■ Community projects focus on education and health
$8,937,736
promotion initiatives that respond to a community’s
unique breast cancer and breast health needs.
$2,028,396
$10,966,132
$1,944,783
$259,633
$409,127
$155,000
$2,768,543
■ Fellowship awards are granted to young
researchers and to front line health-care workers
training in breast cancer specialties. This funding
enables recipients to gain expertise and advanced
training in the breast cancer field while at the same
time contributing to our knowledge of breast cancer
and supporting its treatment and care.
■ Projects that fit our vision and mission but fall
$1,022,580
$791,745
outside the parameters of our other programs are
eligible for funding from our opportunity fund.
Each grant program has specific application forms,
$616,770
$4,285,844
$6,716,939
$1,480,650
guidelines and criteria to help applicants understand
what is required and how their application will be
evaluated. All grant applications are evaluated by panels
of volunteers recruited for their expertise in the specific
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area of work proposed in each application. This
ensures grant decisions are made by people who
understand the work being proposed. The volunteer
grant review panel serves as an impartial body,
functioning at arm’s length from the board of
directors. To ensure thorough consideration and
review of each grant application, applications are read
by multiple reviewers and discussed by a review panel.
Volunteer Grant Reviewers
CBCF - Ontario Chapter would like to thank its
volunteer grant reviewers for 2003-04:
Research Project and Fellowship Grant Programs
Irene Andrulis, Ph.D.
Daniel Belliveau, Ph.D.
Dr. Norman Boyd
Dr. Stephen Chia
Dr. Mark Clemons
Michelle Cotterchio, Ph.D.
Cathy De Grasse
Susan Done, Ph.D.
William Foulkes, Ph.D.
Susan Galloway, Ph.D.
Judy Gould, Ph.D.
Ross Gray, Ph.D.
Deborah Hardwick
Dr. Ruth Heisey (review panel chair)
Dr. Claire Holloway
Robert Holt, Ph.D.
Joanne Honeyford
Jeanne Jabanoski
Dr. Roberta Jong
P. David Josephy, Ph.D.
Dr. Harriette Kahn
Rama Khokha, Ph.D.
Dr. Natasha Leighl
Dr. Brian Leyland-Jones
Dr. Wey Leong
Dr. Lavina Lickley
Lothar Lilge, Ph.D.
Dr. John Mackey
Dr. Yolanda Madarnas
Thomas Massey, Ph.D.
Dr. Sandra Messner
Andrew Minchinton, Ph.D.
Christopher Mueller, Ph.D.
Dr. Ivo Olivotto
Dr. Nick Pimlott
Clive Roberts, Ph.D.
Michael Sharpe, Ph.D.
Dr. Maureen Trudeau
Dr. Katherine Vallis
Dr. Shailendra Verma
Dr. Ellen Warner
Dr. David Warr
Dr. Christine Wilson
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Community Health Promotion Grant Program
In addition to the Chapter’s grant review committees,
Florence Agyapong
Norma Beam
Bernice Dubec
Celia Fernandes
Jennifer Gilbert, Ph.D.
Valerie Hepburn
Martha Jack (review panel chair)
Carole Mayer
Maurene McQuestion
Dallas Petroff
Randi Reynolds
Jill Taylor Brown
Jane Thurston
May Wong
two other volunteer committees provide expertise
The grant review process is designed to facilitate
the constructive discussion of grant proposals. When
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
applications do not meet necessary criteria, the panel
provides feedback on how the application could be
strengthened, and/or how the proposed project may
be better realized. This feedback is communicated
by Chapter staff to the applicant(s) and, where
appropriate, applicants are encouraged to reapply
for funding.
12
and guidance to the grantmaking process, as well
as to policy development and issues management.
Professional Advisory Committee
This committee provides professional expertise and
advice to the board and staff of CBCF - Ontario
Chapter on research and medical issues, and on
matters relating to research and fellowship funding.
Irene Andrulis, Ph.D.
Dr. Mark Clemons
Susan Done, Ph.D.
Judy Gould, Ph.D.
Deborah Hardwick
Dr. Ruth Heisey (committee chair)
Joanne Honeyford
Jeanne Jabonoski
Dr. Roberta Jong
Dr. Lavina Lickley
Patricia Smith
Dr. Katherine Vallis
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Community Development Advisory Committee
This committee provides professional expertise
and advice to the board and staff of CBCF - Ontario
Chapter on health promotion and education issues,
and on matters relating to the community health
promotion grant program.
Lorna Dobi
Martha Jack (committee chair)
Carolyn Jackson
Bonnie Lindberg
Patricia Smith
Carol Timmings
How does research make a difference?
Here’s just one example!
Dr. Steven Narod
CBCF - Ontario Chapter Chair in Breast Cancer Research
The position of Chair in Breast Cancer Research for
CBCF - Ontario Chapter was established in 1995 and
since that time has been held by Dr. Steven Narod at the
Centre for Research in Women’s Health, an academic
research centre formed through a partnership between
Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences
Centre and the University of Toronto. One of the top
researchers in the world working on familial breast
cancer, Dr. Narod was part of the original team that
discovered that mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2
genes are associated with an increased risk of breast and
ovarian cancer for the women who carry the mutations.
As Chair in Breast Cancer Research, Dr. Narod and his
team have focused on ways of decreasing this risk. Since
becoming Chair, Dr. Narod has published over 130
papers in some of the world’s most respected medical
journals detailing cancer prevention and treatment
strategies for these high-risk women. His research
continues in Canada and with collaborative partnerships
around the world. The remarkable progress that has
been made since this position was established nearly
ten years ago is proof that investments in research make
a difference in people’s lives. CBCF - Ontario Chapter
is proud of the significant contributions Dr. Narod has
made during his tenure and of its role in establishing
this position.
DR. STEVEN
NAROD
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Projects We Funded: 2003-04
This chart lists the recipients of CBCF - Ontario Chapter funding during 2003-04 and is organized by funding stream.
Major Research Initiatives
Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance
Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative
$1,300,000
$378,359
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
Research Projects
Dr. Albert Yee, Sunnybrook and Women’s College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto
$300,000
Dr. Jean Philippe Pignol, Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$283,858
Dr. Steven Narod, Centre for Research in Women’s Health, Toronto
$197,100
Anna M. Chiarelli, Ph.D., Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto
$142,247
Dr. Frances Wright, Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$113,096
Kelly Metcalfe, Ph.D., Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto
$183,168
Julia Knight, Ph.D., Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
$177,919
Dr. Mark Clemons, Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto*
$90,376
Gordon Glendon, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto
$53,565
Irene Andrulis, Ph.D., Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Toronto
$184,652
Fellowships
14
Karen Fergus, Ph.D., Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$90,000
Erin Giles, Ph.D. candidate, Juravinski Cancer Centre, Hamilton
$70,000
Pamela Grassau, Ph.D. candidate, Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative, Toronto
$70,000
Angela Stewart, Ph.D. candidate, University of Ottawa, Ottawa
$70,000
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Community Projects
Ontario Breast Screening Program - South and Southwest Region, Windsor*
$19,510
Sherbourne Health Centre, Toronto
$161,298
Huron County Health Unit, Clinton
$11,430
Lanark Health and Community Services, Beachburg
$43,153
Country Roads Community Health Centre, Portland
$9,500
Jane Mattinas Health Centre, Calstock
$8,389
Scarborough Hospital - Family Wellness Centre, Toronto
$96,474
Rexdale Women’s Centre, Toronto
$29,425
South Asian Women’s Centre, Toronto
$71,086
Korean Canadian Women's Association, Toronto
$6,780
Opportunity Fund
University of Toronto Symposium, Toronto
$5,000
Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative, Toronto
$5,000
James Brophy, Ph.D., University of Windsor, Windsor
$20,000
Service Agreement
Canadian Breast Cancer Network, Ottawa
$100,000
Adjustments for grants rescinded, unspent or returned
($5,541)
Total Funds Awarded 2003-04
$4,285,844
*Subsequent to year-end, funding agreements increased. Impact of this will be reflected in fiscal 2005 financial information. (Dr. Mark Clemons’ grant increased by $592,
and the Ontario Breast Screening Program - South and Southwest Region received an additional $9,289 in funding.)
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Themes of CBCF - Ontario Chapter Funding
CBCF - Ontario Chapter is committed to funding breast
cancer research and community projects based on the
highest standards of merit. We identify priority areas
for our funding that are based on emerging needs, gaps
in service and the scope of work being done by the overall
Canadian cancer and breast cancer communities.
Thanks to our strong base of donors and volunteers,
CBCF - Ontario Chapter is able to fund projects that
address breast cancer in all of its stages – from how
to prevent and detect it, to improving treatments so
there are fewer side effects, to helping women with
breast cancer lead healthy lives after treatment ends.
In all, we have identified five broad themes into which
all our funded projects fall. The pie chart below shows
our investment in each area, and the following pages
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
summarize each project.
Primary prevention
and risk factors
41%
(including CBCRA contribution 30%)
16
Breast cancer biology
Clinical detection
and diagnosis
6%
3%
Clinical treatment,
supportive care and
survivor quality of life
37%
Community education
and health promotion
13%
Stopping breast cancer before it starts:
Primary prevention and risk factors
While the causes of breast cancer are unknown,
scientists have identified some known risk factors
that are suspected of increasing the chance of
developing breast cancer: for example, the food
we eat, our level of physical activity, our hormones,
and our environment. This research studies these
known risk factors to learn how we might be able
to stop breast cancer before it starts.
Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance
Primary Prevention Initiative*
The Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance
(CBCRA) combines the resources of private, public
and non-profit organizations to fund breast cancer
research projects. In March 2001, CBCF - Ontario
Chapter made a commitment to funding $6.3 million
of a $10 million fund to support research focused
specifically on the primary prevention of breast
cancer. This is in addition to the research funding
that is part of the Chapter’s own grant programs.
In 2003-04, CBCF - Ontario Chapter contributed $1.3
million towards its CBCRA pledge. Here are just a few of
the questions being answered by CBCRA-funded projects:
*Major research funding that falls outside of the Chapter’s four grant programs
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What factors in early life affect breast density?
Dr. Norman Boyd, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto
Extensive dense breast tissue, common before the age of
30, is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Dr. Norman
Boyd and his team will use magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) to measure the amount of dense breast tissue in
young women and relate those results to lifestyle factors,
family history and hormone levels. If the theory that factors
in early life affect a woman’s breast density – and therefore
her breast cancer risk – proves to be correct, Dr. Boyd’s
research may suggest ways women can act early to
reduce their risk of breast cancer.
Can adult women make changes
to reduce their risk of breast cancer?
Dr. Norman Boyd, Ontario Cancer Institute, Toronto
One of the factors that increase a woman’s risk of
developing breast cancer is the amount of dense tissue
in her breasts. By studying women aged 35 to 65 who
have dense tissue in more than half the breast, and
tracking their various genetic and lifestyle factors over
ten years, Dr. Norman Boyd and his team hope to
determine which factors relate to different levels of
breast density and whether breast cancer develops.
Their results may show that reducing dense tissue
reduces breast cancer risk, and help to identify ways
this could be achieved through lifestyle choices.
Primary
prevention
and risk
factors
41%
Is the amount of vitamin D women are exposed
to over their lives associated with a decreased
risk of breast cancer?
Julia Knight, Ph.D., Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
Previous research has suggested that low vitamin D
levels, common in northern countries like Canada, may
contribute to breast cancer risk. To see if certain levels
of lifetime exposure to vitamin D – whether through
sunlight, diet and/or supplements – are associated
with reduced breast cancer risk, Julia Knight is
conducting a study comparing the intake of vitamin D
in 1,000 women with breast cancer and 1,000 women
without it. Changing women’s vitamin D intake could
prove to be a simple way to help prevent breast cancer.
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What is your personal risk for breast cancer if you
have a family history but don’t personally carry the
known gene mutation BRCA1/BRCA2?
Dr. Steven Narod
Centre for Research in Women’s Health, Toronto
$197,100 over 3 years
While counselling women with a family history of breast
cancer, Dr. Steven Narod has been concerned that there
is an increased risk of breast cancer among women with
a family history, even if they tested negative for the
BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations. However, the extent
of this increase in risk is not well studied. Dr. Narod
and his team will review previous patient histories and
conduct follow-up interviews with women who have
received a negative genetic test result in various breast
cancer centres across Ontario to determine how the
family history contributes to their risk. They will then
construct a computer program that would enable
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
genetic counsellors to generate an accurate risk
assessment. Better information about risk profile
will assist decision-making about preventative
measures people can take to reduce their
chances of developing the disease. R
18
Do higher levels of vitamin D and melatonin in
young women help prevent breast cancer?
Julia Knight, Ph.D., Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto
$177,919 over 3 years
Women's breasts continue to develop into adulthood,
and many researchers think that some things that happen
in women’s earlier years could affect women's breast
cancer risk. Some literature suggests that melatonin and
vitamin D may help to prevent breast cancer, but what
role these may play earlier in life is unknown. Julia
Knight will measure young women's vitamin D and
melatonin levels, as well as levels of three hormones
that are important in breast development but can also
be associated with breast cancer risk if they are present
in higher levels. The results of this work could eventually
lead to recommending vitamin D supplementation
or altering melatonin by changing the light levels for
young women to help prevent breast cancer as they
grow older. R
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Do specific events or exposures that occur
in a young girl’s life affect her breast cancer
risk later in life?
Are there work-related substances that
increase women’s risk of breast cancer?
Gordon Glendon, Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto
$53,565 over 1 year
James Brophy, Ph.D., Occupational Health Clinic
for Ontario Workers, Sarnia
$20,000 over 1 year
Current research suggests that events or exposures in
James Brophy is conducting a three-year study
girls before the age of 18 – such as diet, exercise, and a
of women with and without cancer to see if he can
girl’s age at her first period – may possibly contribute
determine which environmental factors or chemicals
to breast cancer risk as an adult. Gordon Glendon will
might be responsible for the development of breast
conduct a pilot study with Ontario families from the
cancer in the women who have been diagnosed, or
U.S. funded National Institute of Health/National
whether their breast cancer might be a result of their
Cancer Institute Cancer Family Registries – an
mothers having been exposed to substances before they
international database of families with a history of
were born. The findings could lead to recommendations
breast cancer. His goal is to learn how to do research
for limiting exposure of specific substances known to
with the daughters in a way that would be agreeable
be risk factors for breast cancer, or for eliminating
to everyone and not cause anxiety for the girls or their
them completely. Brophy has previously received
families. Knowing what modifiable aspects in a young
funding from CBCF - Ontario Chapter for this work
girl’s life affect her breast cancer risk could lead to
and received this additional funding to further support
lifestyle recommendations that could reduce her risk
this project. O
of getting breast cancer in the future. R
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Breast cancer biology
breast
cancer
biology
6%
These projects deal with the basic biology of breast
cancer: how it manifests itself in the body and how
we might be able to change its natural course of action.
What other genes could be
involved in breast cancer?
Irene Andrulis, Ph.D.
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Toronto
$184,652
There are some genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that,
when mutated, make people more susceptible to breast
cancer, and it is suspected that there may be others. By
studying a group of women who had breast cancer that
may have a hereditary component, we might be able to
identify some of those genes. Irene Andrulis will use a
new technology called DNA Microarrays which can look
at tumours and see all of our genes at once – tens of
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
thousands – instead of one at a time. Andrulis and her
team believe they might find gene mutations that put
people at greater risk of cancer or cause cancer to
spread. Identifying other possible gene mutations
could help geneticists and counsellors identify a
woman's risk of breast cancer, offer her preventative
measures based on that risk, and guide researchers
to develop possible new therapies. R
20
How can we slow or prevent the growth of breast
cancer tumours in bones?
Erin Giles, Ph.D. candidate, Juravinski Cancer Centre
(formerly the Hamilton Regional Cancer Centre), Hamilton
$70,000 over 2 years
Why does breast cancer frequently spread to patients'
bones? This is a question that Erin Giles, a young
investigator, is attempting to answer through this
fellowship funding. One unique property of bones is
that they contain cells that slowly degrade and rebuild
the bone in an ongoing process. The breakdown and
rebuilding of bone are normally kept in a fine balance,
but when breast cancer reaches the bones the cancer
cells degrade the bones faster than they can be rebuilt.
Giles and her colleagues believe that once breast cancer
has spread to the bone, it begins to respond to signals
that are meant to increase bone growth, and this allows
breast cancer to grow rapidly and multiply. By studying
the response of breast cancer cells to individual "bone
factors," she hopes to identify the individual steps
that lead to increased cancer cell growth under these
circumstances. Understanding these steps could help
identify ways to slow or prevent the growth of breast
cancer in the bone. The supervisor for this project is
Dr. Gurmit Singh, Director of Research at the
Juravinski Cancer Centre. F
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detection and
diagnosis
3%
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Finding breast cancer effectively:
Clinical detection and diagnosis
Success story
Making MRIs more effective and convenient
In many cases, breast cancer can be treated more
Donald Plewes, Ph.D.
Sunnybrook & Women’s College
Health Sciences Centre, Toronto
Funded by CBCF - Ontario Chapter in 2001-02
effectively when it is identified in its earliest stages.
Projects that focus on clinical detection and diagnosis
help to improve the way we screen for breast cancer,
so people can be diagnosed early and have better
options for treatment.
Do education and clinical breast exams in the Ontario
Breast Screening Program lead to breast cancers
being detected at earlier, more treatable stages?
Anna M. Chiarelli, Ph.D.
Cancer Care Ontario, Toronto
$142,247 over 3 years
THE ONTARIO
BREAST
SCREENING
PROGRAM OFFERS
MAMMOGRAMS TO
WOMEN ACROSS
THE PROVINCE
All centres within the Ontario Breast Screening
Program (OBSP) offer mammograms and some
also provide education and clinical breast exams
with nurses. Anna Chiarelli will study whether this
involvement of nurses is making a difference by
comparing breast cancer detection rates, women's
knowledge about breast cancer screening, and
whether women return to the OBSP. The results
will lead to recommendations about how to strengthen
OBSP programming. R
Donald Plewes, Director of Imaging Research at
Sunnybrook and Women’s Research Institute, knew
from a project he started with medical oncologist
Dr. Ellen Warner that MRIs can be more effective
than mammography in identifying breast cancer in
younger pre-menopausal women. However, current
MRI procedures make it difficult to tell whether changes
in breast tissue were cancerous or not. A second MRI
is needed to be scheduled for this purpose. This usually
means at least a two-week wait for the patient, which
creates anxiety and uses up valuable time on the MRI
machines, which are expensive and in great demand.
Plewes and his team developed a new way to program
the MRI system so that only one procedure would be
required, eliminating the inconvenience and cost for
return visits. The results of this project were presented
in Kyoto, Japan at the most recent meeting of the
International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
with co-authors Elizabeth Ramsay, Ph.D., research
physicist; Dr. Petrina Causer, radiologist; and Caron
Murray and Joanne Muldoon, both MR technologists.
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A return to health: Clinical treatment,
supportive care and survivor quality of life
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
Clinical
treatment,
supportive
care and
survivor
quality
of life
37%
These projects aim to improve treatments for those
diagnosed with breast cancer, enhance the care they
receive, and help them achieve a better quality of life
after treatment ends.
What are women’s social, psychological, emotional
and spiritual experiences with breast cancer?*
Can we prevent paralysis and reduce pain in women
whose breast cancer has spread to the spine?
Dr. Albert Yee
Sunnybrook & Women's College
Health Sciences Centre, Toronto
$300,000 over 3 years
With innovative treatments, patients with metastatic
The Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research
breast cancer can potentially live five to 10 years – but
Initiative is a partnership of CBCF - Ontario Chapter,
sometimes breast cancer spreads to the vertebrae. This
the Psychosocial and Behavioural Research Unit at
may result in paralysis, leaving women as paraplegics or
Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, and the
quadriplegics. Conventional surgery and radiation have
Centre for Research in Women's Health, Sunnybrook
been the mainstay in treating cancer in the vertebrae, but
and Women’s Health Sciences Centre. While based in
both treatments have limitations and risks. Dr. Albert Yee
Toronto, this group works with women across the
is exploring a method of treatment called photodynamic
province to explore, understand and improve their
therapy, which has been used in other areas such as
social, psychological, emotional and spiritual experiences
treating local breast cancer recurrences on the chest
with breast cancer by examining a range of issues,
wall. Patients are given a drug which is absorbed by
including those related to age, geography, sexuality
certain cells in the body - including those that are
and culture. The $378,359 allocated to OBCCRI for
cancerous. A small incision is then made and doctors
the 2004 fiscal year is part of CBCF - Ontario Chapter’s
guide optic fibers to where the tumour is and shine light
five-year, $1.7 million commitment to this unique
of a specific wavelength, to destroy the cells that have
research partnership.
absorbed the drug. This study will evaluate if this
therapy may work in breast cancer tumours in the
vertebrae, to hopefully prevent paralysis and improve
*Major research funding that falls outside of the Chapter’s four grant programs.
22
the quality of life for these breast cancer patients. R
THIS PHOTO
DEMONSTRATES
THE LIGHT
TRANSMISSION
POSSIBLE USING
THE OPTICAL
FIBRES ON
TUMOUR TISSUE
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Can we eliminate the need for three to seven weeks
of daily radiation treatment for some women and
get rid of painful side effects at the same time?
Dr. Jean-Philippe Pignol
Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$283,858 over 3 years
DR. JEANPHILIPPE PIGNOL
DEMONSTRATES A
NEW TREATMENT
FOR BREAST
CANCER
Many women are advised to undergo three to seven
weeks of daily radiation to the whole breast after
surgery, to destroy any remaining cancer cells and
hopefully prevent a recurrence. But up to 30 per cent of
women decline breast conserving treatment – treatment
tool to place the seed in the right location. They will test
the accuracy of this tool and monitor the effectiveness
of the seed on patients with early-stage breast cancer.
This treatment could enable more women to receive
radiation treatment with fewer side effects, and in a
single one-hour visit. R
Can women with locally advanced breast cancer
safely have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy
if we treat them with chemotherapy before surgery
– instead of after?
radiation – possibly due to the side effects like fatigue,
Dr. Frances Wright
Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$113,096 over 3 years
pain and potential permanent scarring; the distance
Fifteen per cent of women diagnosed with breast
to the treatment centre; or the time commitment.
cancer present with a locally advanced stage – that is,
Dr. Jean-Philippe Pignol wondered whether he could
their tumours are quite large, may have spread to the
adapt a technique successfully used in treating some
skin or chest wall muscle, and likely involve lymph
prostate cancers for some early stage breast cancer
nodes. Statistically, women with this stage of breast
patients. The technique involves permanently implanting
cancer have a poorer outcome. A mastectomy (removal
a tiny radioactive seed that slowly releases the required
of the breast) has been a treatment often used to
radiation over a set amount of time, eliminating the
remove the cancer and prevent recurrences, but many
need for daily visits and virtually eradicating side
women would prefer to keep their breast and have a
effects. Dr. Pignol and his team have done much
lumpectomy – which removes just the tumour – if they
research on radioactive seeds, and developed a special
were assured that their chances of survival would not
that removes only part of the breast and includes
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be decreased. Dr. Frances Wright and her team will
study which method is best – clinical breast exam,
mammography or MRI – for seeing how much of a
determine whether a lumpectomy is a safe option
Dr. Mark Clemons
Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$90,376 over 1 year
for some women. It could also show doctors whether a
Bisphosphonates are a class of drug that many healthy
patient’s tumour is responding to a specific chemotherapy
women take for the treatment and prevention of
and, if not, the treatment plan can be changed. R
osteoporosis. In recent years it has also become
How can we help women make breast reconstruction
decisions they will be the happiest with?
evident that these drugs can also be used to help
Kelly Metcalfe, Ph.D.
Faculty of Nursing, University of Toronto, Toronto
$183,168 over 3 years
bones. In these women, bisphosphonates can help
tumour remains after chemotherapy. This will help
For women who have a mastectomy, the decision of
whether or not to have breast reconstruction surgery
may be difficult. Some women choose reconstruction,
some delay reconstruction, and others opt for no
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
reconstruction – but all have different reactions to
their decisions. Some adjust well and others struggle
with anxiety, depression and body image. Kelly
Metcalfe will interview women about their decisions
and follow up with them to determine which choices
seem to result in the best psychological outcomes.
This information will then be used to improve
counseling for women in the future. R
24
Can a newer and more potent form of
bisphosphonate (BSP) reduce complications in
women whose breast cancer has spread to the bone?
women with breast cancer that has spread to their
reduce the complications of this spreading, called
metastasis – such as pain, broken bones, spinal cord
compression and the need for radiotherapy. These
women also had a reduced incidence of high blood
calcium as a result of bone metastasis, which used to
result in the death of many patients. As BSPs have this
positive effect in about one third of cases there is a
great need for newer strategies that may help more
patients. Dr. Mark Clemons will study a newer, more
potent BSP to learn how it affects the bone and if more
women can be helped by this innovative therapy. R
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Why do some couples' relationships strengthen
after a breast cancer diagnosis while others
experience more challenges?
How does having a mother with breast cancer affect
teenage girls and the mother/daughter relationship?
Karen Fergus, Ph.D.
Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre, Toronto
$90,000 over 2 years
Pamela Grassau, Ph.D. candidate
Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative,
Toronto
$70,000 over 2 years
Breast cancer not only affects the woman diagnosed, but
While working as a research assistant in 2002 with
also the people around her, including her male partner.
Judy Gould, Ph.D., on a Canadian Breast Cancer
In her work, Karen Fergus, a young investigator, will
Network/Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research
learn about factors that foster relationship resiliency as
Initiative (OBCCRI) study focusing on young women
well as challenge heterosexual couples when faced with
with breast cancer, young investigator Pamela Grassau
breast cancer. She will be studying how breast cancer
learned from mothers how their breast cancer diagnosis
affects couple communication, intimacy, and lifestyle
had affected their teenage daughters. Even several years
among women of various ages so that psycho-educational
later, daughters would express concerns including fear
tools can be developed. These tools would help partners
of abandonment, fears about their mothers dying and
be better prepared and support each other during diagnosis
concerns that they too would get breast cancer. Grassau
and treatment. The supervisor for this project is Ross Gray,
has made this relatively unstudied area the topic of her
Ph.D., co-director of the psychosocial and behavioural
doctoral thesis. The aim of this work is to better
research unit at the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional
understand how mothers and their daughters are
Cancer Centre and senior investigator at the Ontario
affected when a mother is diagnosed with breast
Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative. F
cancer. This could lead to the development of resources
and strategies that would help mothers and their
daughters cope. This project is being supervised by
Judy Gould of the Sunnybrook24 and Women’s College
Health Sciences Centre and the OBCCRI, and by
Adrienne Chambon, Ph.D., of the Faculty of Social
Work at the University of Toronto. F
R Research C Community
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WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
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Do chemotherapy drugs cause temporary or
permanent cognitive changes in some women?
I have breast cancer? What does that mean?
Can you tell me now?
Angela Stewart, Ph.D. candidate
University of Ottawa, Ottawa
$70,000 over 2 years
Ontario Breast Screening Program
- South and Southwest Regions, Windsor
$19,510 over 1 year
There seems to be increasing evidence that chemotherapy
Imagine hearing the words "you have breast cancer"
affects cognitive abilities such as short-term memory and
– and then the stress of not being able to know more
concentration in some women, but so far the research
until your next appointment! Ms. Lynn Chappell,
has focused on the period immediately following
who works with the Ontario Breast Screening Program
chemotherapy. Working under the supervision of
(OBSP) and is herself a breast cancer survivor, has seen
Catherine Bielajew, Ph.D., of the University of Ottawa,
women's fear and frustration firsthand. Realizing this is
young investigator Angela Stewart will use an array
an anxiety-filled time, service providers, breast cancer
of standard neuropsychological tests with post-menopausal
survivors and volunteers in the South and Southwest
women ages 50 to 65, half of whom will receive
Regions of the OBSP will work together to develop a
chemotherapy plus tamoxifen, and half who will receive
comprehensive package that can be given to women
chemotherapy only. The women will be tested before
when they first hear of their breast cancer diagnosis,
treatment begins, right after treatment, and one year
so they have information about the disease as they
later. Knowing if any of these drugs are associated
wait for their first appointment at the cancer centre.
with cognitive changes could mean offering patients
To ensure the package meets women's needs, focus
different treatment choices that may not have these
groups will be conducted with other breast cancer
unwanted effects and/or prepare women to make the
survivors and consultations will take place with health
appropriate lifestyle changes. This funding further
care providers to determine what they would like and
elaborates the research project led by Barbara Collins
need. If successful, the package can be adapted by
that was funded during 2002-03. F
other regions across Ontario. C
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Sharing the knowledge: Translating research
into improved diagnosis and treatments
When treatment ends: Is dragon boating a beneficial
activity for women with breast cancer?
University of Toronto Symposium, Toronto
$5,000
Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative,
Toronto
$5,000 over 1 year
Bringing medical professionals together to review
the latest research and trends, and how they are
Dragon boating is a form of activity greatly enjoyed
put to use in clinical practice, is a vital spoke in
by women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
the wheel of continually improving care. This
The Ontario Breast Cancer Community Research Initiative
symposium attended by 70 medical professionals
has already been conducting research into how dragon
including oncologists, radiologists and nurses held
boating might offer a positive, community-based way to
in June 2003 reviewed how research at the molecular
promote physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual
and imaging levels is being converted into treatments
wellness. This addition to previous research funding is to
for breast cancer. Physicians reviewed several drugs –
support the dissemination of research findings. O
both those in current use and in clinical trial – for the
treatment and prevention of breast cancer; the use of
drugs to diminish blood supply to cancerous tumours;
and early trials of experimental agents to treat hormone
negative breast cancers. The sharing of leading edge
research and knowledge with some of Canada’s top
cancer doctors helps them keep informed of new
developments that will help to ensure women receive
the best treatment possible. O
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Information and services for communities in need:
Community education and health promotion
Community
education
and health
promotion
13%
When it comes to supporting women with the best
information and strategies to address a health care system
breast health and breast cancer services, communities
that has often been painfully insensitive. A diverse group
across Ontario require initiatives that are tailored to
of peer leaders will be recruited to organize breast health
their specific needs. For example, some new immigrants
events that will appeal to lesbian and bisexual women
may not be used to a healthcare system that is focused
from various age, ability and ethno-racial groups. The
on preventative health measures like breast screening,
project will also develop specialized volunteer and staff
and in some cases screening services might not be
training as well as support groups which will be piloted
culturally appropriate. A project that would address
in existing cancer support organizations. Materials
this need might involve the development of culturally-
developed will form part of a "tool kit," which will
sensitive resources or the formation of partnerships
be distributed in print and electronic formats. C
with breast screening programs to better ensure
women’s needs are met.
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
How can we help to ensure that all women benefit
from breast cancer programs and services?
Bisexual and lesbian women
Sherbourne Health Centre, Toronto
$161,298 over 2 years
An earlier research project funded by CBCF - Ontario
Chapter and led by Christina Sinding, Ph.D., highlighted
the need to address the distinct needs of lesbians who
have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This project
builds on recommendations documented in Sinding’s
study. Women from the lesbian and bisexual communities
will be invited to develop resources featuring relevant
28
Rural Women
Huron County Health Unit, Clinton
$11,430 over 1 year
Good news travels fast! When Ms. Anne Haley read
about the success of a Kingston, Ontario project, she
was determined to bring it to Huron County. In this
predominantly rural community, transportation is
a real issue, women feel isolated. and comprehensive
information is not widely available. This grant will
fund the purchase of books and videos for 13 libraries,
allowing them to run a community education and
“board the bus” event, where women can be driven
to an Ontario Breast Screening site. C
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Rural Women
Rural Teens
Country Roads Community Health Centre, Portland
$9,500 over 1 year
Lanark Health & Community Services, Beachburg
$43,153 over 2 years
During a focus group in Sharbot Lake near Perth,
Many studies have highlighted the benefits of regular
Ontario, it became clear that up-to-date and credible
exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight and good
breast health information was needed. As is the case
nutrition in reducing the risk of breast cancer. Lanark
in many rural communities, women in this area do not
Health & Community Services arranged focus groups
have access to large bookstores for information, and
with rural students – who often don’t have good access
have no way of knowing which books at their local library
to general health care because of long distances and
are deemed credible from the medical community’s
a shortage of family practitioners – to learn how these
perspective. This grant will allow the Country Roads
elements of a healthy lifestyle can be incorporated into
Community Health Centre to work in conjunction with
their lives in an appealing way. This project will develop
other community groups to purchase a list of approved
and implement a lunchtime fitness program that the
books for 33 libraries. Bookplates will be placed in the
students requested, with a focus on activities that will
front cover of each book so women and the librarians
appeal to those who don’t participate in competitive
will know that they have been reviewed and approved.
sports. Nutrition counseling and breast health workshops
Finally, the group will create a resource pamphlet that
will be offered, and materials will be provided to the
will list the books available, as well as recommended
school library. C
websites and phone numbers for resources. C
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Success story: Using the Internet to help women
learn about breast self-exams
Thunder Bay Breast Health Coalition
Funded by CBCF - Ontario Chapter in 2001-02
To better understand the breast health needs of
the community, the Jane Mattinas Health Centre
breast self-exam pamphlet entitled “How to check
will conduct focus groups led by a trusted Aboriginal
your own breasts for health,” lauded by women for
facilitator with women 50+ and local nurses, to help
its clear language and easy-to-understand photos,
understand the reasons so many women do not
the Thunder Bay Breast Health Coalition expanded its
engage in breast cancer screening practices, and
breast health education to separate English and French
how to increase participation. Findings will inform
websites. “It’s like having a doctor or nurse right here
work with community partners to design appropriate
teaching me,” was the response of one woman who
materials and implement programs. C
easy to navigate and clear. “It helped me learn more than
any other resource I’ve ever seen,” said another. The
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
Jane Mattinas Health Centre, Calstock
$8,389 over 1 year
After developing an effective, widely-distributed
attended a focus group to ensure the website was both
30
Aboriginal women
Low-income and Immigrant Women:
Armenian, Chinese, English, Greek, Somali, Tamil
websites use photographs, video clips and interactive
The Scarborough Hospital – Family Wellness Centre, Toronto
$96,474 over 2 years
learning components, and also feature a copy of the
After seeing the success of a cervical cancer screening
original breast self-exam pamphlet. The sites have been
program in reaching immigrant and low income women,
made available on CD-ROM to libraries and are available
the Scarborough Hospital – Family Wellness Centre was
for use for group presentations, one-on-one teaching
inspired to bring a breast cancer program to its population,
and as a resource for health professionals. The English
in conjunction with other community-based partners. The
site, www.breastselfexam.ca, was launched in late 2003
project team will work with family doctors to encourage
and is already receiving about 1,200 hits per month;
referral of patients to this project, train peer leaders,
and the French site, www.examendusein.ca, launched
provide transportation to breast screening sites and offer
in early 2004 and is receiving about 700 hits per
social support. This program will be advertised in ethnic
month, with visits growing each month.
newspapers, on the radio, and at local grocery stores. C
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Senior women’s groups 55+, new Canadians
and those of Afghani, former Yugoslavian,
Ghanaian, Italian, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish,
Tamil, Urdu, and West Indian backgrounds
previous projects, the centre will coordinate the
Rexdale Women’s Centre, Toronto
$29,425 over 1 year
interpreters to accompany women to breast cancer
The Rexdale Women’s Centre is a non-profit
campaigns will be developed and promoted in
community-based organization serving women and
the community through health fairs and ethnic
their dependents in northern Etobicoke. The primary
media – mainly radio, television and print. C
goal is to empower women so they can become self-
Korean Women
sufficient and acquire day-to-day functioning skills.
training of peer educators to conduct breast health
education workshops, and the training of language
screening appointments. Creative health promotion
This goal is achieved by strengthening existing abilities
Korean Canadian Women’s Association (KCWA), Toronto
$6,780 over 1 year
and by assisting them to learn new skills through the
As many new immigrant Korean women are unaware
provision of programs and services. The Centre will
of some of the breast cancer detection and screening
train volunteers to promote breast health throughout
methods available to them, the KCWA has been creating
the project, and will have information booths at local
breast cancer resource materials and programs that
shopping malls, conduct informational workshops,
are culturally-appropriate, meaningful and helpful
and encourage women to go for mammograms. C
to the Korean community. A public health nurse has
Gujarati and Bengali Women
been holding information sessions, and a book of the
South Asian Women’s Centre, Toronto
$71,086 over 2 years
personal breast cancer stories of Korean women and
After successfully completing breast health programs
second installment of a project that began in 2002-03. C
their families is being published. This funding is the
in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, and Tamil, The South Asian
Women’s Centre will now offer programs in Gujarati
and Bengali. Building on lessons learned through
R Research C Community
F Fellowship O Opportunity Fund
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How might Ontario’s breast care and breast
cancer programs and services be improved?
Service agreement with Canadian Breast Cancer Network
$100,000 over 1 year
WHERE YOUR MONEY GOES ‘04
CBCF - Ontario Chapter is working with the
Success story: Saving Aboriginal
women’s lives by increasing breast
cancer screening and education
Anishnawbe Mushkiki
Funded by CBCF - Ontario Chapter in 2001-02
Canadian Breast Cancer Network to create a
When the Anishnawbe Mushkiki (“Indian medicine”)
web-based clearinghouse that will focus on profiling
Community Health Clinic proudly launched its much-
and promoting the activities and findings of the “Breast
needed breast cancer screening clinic in 2000, something
Care in Ontario (BCO): Meeting the Need” initiative so
unexpected happened: not many people showed up!
it is accessible to any woman in Ontario, in both English
This was of great concern because previous research
and French. BCO, which began in 2003 and will continue
indicated that Aboriginal women’s breast cancer tended
until 2006, will explore ways to enhance communication,
to be found at later stages. Subsequent studies and
coordination and continuity across breast health and
discussions with the community uncovered many issues
breast cancer care in Ontario. It involves a multi-step
and misconceptions, such as the beliefs that screening
research process to learn about breast health and cancer
caused breast cancer or that Aboriginal women don’t
services in Ontario. From this knowledge, action-based
get breast cancer. In consultation with the community,
strategies will be developed to potentially improve
the Anishnawbe Mushkiki produced four educational
breast health and cancer care across the province. BCO
binders targeted at different age groups, containing
is being led by CBCF - Ontario Chapter in partnership
a wealth of information and tools for agencies and
with the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN), the
Aboriginal nurses to use for delivering awareness
Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, and Willow
sessions. The result? More women are coming out
Breast Cancer Support and Resource Services.
to breast screening programs, and the program has
referred women for medical care when lumps have
been unexpectedly found. The binders turned out to
be so useful that they are still being requested today,
even out-of-province! www.anishnawbe-mushkiki.org
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THE LOGO
FOR THE
ABORIGINAL
WOMEN’S
BREAST HEALTH
CARE PROJECT
IS A SYMBOL
OF TRADITIONAL
AND MODERN
ABORIGINAL
CULTURE AND
IT REPRESENTS
EMPOWERMENT
FOR ALL
ABORIGINAL
WOMEN TO
BE MORE
INDEPENDENT
WITH BREAST
HEALTH CARE
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The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation Story
The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario
Chapter was founded in 1986 by a group of women
who wanted to raise money exclusively in support of
breast cancer research and programs. Originally known
as the Canadian Women’s Breast Cancer Foundation,
the organization’s reliance on volunteer leadership has
existed since the very beginning. As CBCF’s Chair wrote
in 1990, “No matter how big we get, we must never lose
sight of our volunteer-directed path. Volunteers are the
heart, soul and breath of the organization.”
Since its beginnings, CBCF - Ontario Chapter has
expanded its volunteer base to more than 2,000 and
has awarded millions of dollars in grants supporting
breast cancer research, education, diagnosis, and
treatment. Along the way, the Foundation has
achieved the following milestones:
■ In 1990, successful lobbying efforts from numerous
breast cancer organizations resulted in the creation
of the Ontario Breast Screening Program. CBCF was
a contributor to the founding of this network of
standardized breast screening clinics that can now
be found throughout Ontario.
■ CBCF’s signature fundraising event, the Run for the
Cure, first appeared in 1992. Now called the Canadian
Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure in
recognition of its title sponsor, this annual fall event
included 160,000 participants and raised more than
$16.6 million in 2003.
■ In 1993, CBCF was one of the major supporters
of the National Forum on Breast Cancer, which resulted
in the creation of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research
Alliance (CBCRA). Today, CBCF - Ontario Chapter
supports the work of CBCRA with a commitment of
$6.3 million over five years. This is in addition to
annual sustaining funding provided by CBCF as a
whole, as one of seven partners of CBCRA.
■ CBCF helped establish the first Chair in breast
cancer research at the Women’s College Hospital,
Toronto, now Sunnybrook and Women’s College
Health Sciences Centre, affiliated with the University
of Toronto. Since that time, CBCF has been integral in
establishing similar roles in other areas of the country.
Today, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
has a national office and five Chapters: BC/Yukon,
Alberta/NWT, Manitoba, Ontario, and Atlantic.
Regional representation and leadership are provided
to CBCF - Ontario Chapter through five volunteer-led
regional councils.
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