Breast Cancer Canada and REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance Establish National Recommendations for Breast Cancer

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Expert-led consensus aim to close gaps in care and improve equity for patients nationwide

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TORONTO — For the first time in Canada, the country’s leading breast cancer experts have come together to establish national standards for breast cancer. This suite of publications released in Current Oncology today set a new benchmark for equitable, evidence-based care from staging, surgery and through treatment.

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“Until now, Canada has had no unified national standard for breast cancer staging and treatment, resulting in significant differences in care plans and patient outcomes depending on where someone lives,” said Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “That is why we established REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance in 2023, to create comprehensive national consensus recommendations that ensure every patient benefits from the latest research and clinical advancements.”

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A recent national poll by Breast Cancer Canada underscores strong public support for this work: 92% of Canadians say they would trust national treatment guidelines if they were developed by a coalition of Canada’s top breast cancer experts and based on evidence, research, and patient needs. “National recommendations are about more than treatment. It’s about equity,” said Dr. Mita Manna, Chair of REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance, Medical Oncologist at the Saskatchewan Cancer Centre and is the former Saskatchewan Disease Site Group Chair for Breast Malignancies and the Multidisciplinary Tumor Board Chair for Breast Malignancies. “No patient’s outcome should depend on their postal code. Canada’s top oncologists and researchers are setting a national benchmark for breast cancer care that reflects the latest science and the realities patients face every day.”

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Integrating the latest clinical data from Canada and major international conferences including ESMO, ASCO, and the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, this evidence is translated into clear Canadian guidance to ensure patients nationwide benefit from the most effective and innovative treatment options

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“Breast Cancer Canada is committed to providing the right answers for every major breast cancer subtype,” shared Carson. “Research only creates impact when it reaches patients. Through REAL Alliance, we are turning the best global evidence into national solutions, creating clear standards that support better access, improved outcomes, and more equitable care for every Canadian facing breast cancer.”

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The National Consensus Recommendations cover all major breast cancer subtypes and staging, and now include:

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All published recommendations can be accessed by visiting: realalliance.ca/recommendations REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance brings together leading clinical experts from across Canada, spanning medical, radiation, and surgical oncology, as well as oncology pharmacy. Published on Current Oncology and realalliance.ca, all recommendations provide open-access guidance for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers working to improve breast cancer outcomes across Canada.

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About Breast Cancer Canada

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Breast Cancer Canada is a national charity dedicated to saving lives through breast cancer research. With a focus on precision oncology and personalized care, it is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada with a clear mandate to fund research while advancing education and advocacy around new evidence and treatment progress. The organization receives no government funding, and all research is funded through the generosity of donors. For more information, visit breastcancer.ca.

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About REAL Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance

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Established in 2023, the REAL (Research Excellence + Active Leadership) Canadian Breast Cancer Alliance is a national coalition of clinical and academic leaders dedicated to advancing consistent, evidence-based standards in breast cancer care. Under the leadership of Chair Dr. Mita Manna, REAL Alliance brings together top Canadian experts to translate research breakthroughs into equitable, practical care recommendations that improve outcomes for all patients. Clinical consensus recommendations and related publications are voted on by REAL Alliance members and invited sub-committee specialists using a modified Delphi methodology, ensuring a rigorous review process based on the best available evidence and expert opinion.

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About the Survey

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The finding shared is from a survey conducted by Breast Cancer Canada from September 3rd to September 5th, 2025, among a representative sample of 1505 online adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The survey was conducted in English and French. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/-2.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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Contacts

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Media Contact

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Megan Dunscombe

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Communications Manager, Breast Cancer Canada

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800-567-8767 ext. 706

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