Canadian Breast Cancer Network - CBCN

09/03/2024

Our Educational Events page features various breast cancer events that may be of interest to you. Learn more about these and other upcoming educational events in September.
https://buff.ly/4ebLYVF

CBCN regularly hosts events including educational forums for both breast cancer patients and their caregivers, patient advocacy training workshops, educational retreats, and online webinars on a variety of topics.

08/31/2024

Certain chemotherapy treatments, like Tamoxifen, can make your skin look and feel older by drying it out. Click to read Fleetstreet's article with beauty and dermatology experts for advice on how to care for your skin, hair and nails post-treatment.

Breast cancer treatment comes with specific concerns, including hair and skincare, but also an appreciation for organic and natural products and ingredients.

08/30/2024

The Sleep, Health, & Wellness Lab at Memorial University is looking for participants to test a new app designed to treat insomnia in cancer patients.

Cutting edge research to help people with cancer sleep well and live better.

08/29/2024

Ce matin, je n’avais aucun espoir. Non. Je n’avais pas encore pris mon déjeuner et mon esprit était complètement accaparé par ce nœud que j’avais à l’estomac : un sentiment persistent d’anxiété et de frustration, et cette certitude que je ne savais vraiment pas ce que je faisais de ma vie ni ce que l’avenir me réservait. Rien de tout cela n’a à voir avec le cancer du sein. La tumeur a été extraite de mon corps, les traitements quotidiens sont derrière moi et j’ai jeté mon dernier flacon de tamoxifène. Je n’ai plus de cancer. Alors, quel est le problème? C’est la question à un million de dollars!

Instead of being flooded with happiness that I continue to be cancer free, I feel stuck. My mind frozen. My body trapped (I blame the Tamoxifen weight).

08/29/2024

I wasn’t feeling the hope. Not this morning. My pre-breakfast state of mind was consumed by a knot in my stomach, a persistent sense of anxiety and frustration, and the crappy reality that I really and truly don’t know what I’m doing with my life or what my future holds. None of this has to do with an immediate trauma around or about dealing with breast cancer. My tumour is gone; cut out of my body. Daily treatment is in the rear-view mirror. My last bottle of Tamoxifen dumped in the garbage. I’m cancer-free. So, what’s my problem?! Isn’t that the million-dollar question.

Instead of being flooded with happiness that I continue to be cancer free, I feel stuck. My mind frozen. My body trapped (I blame the Tamoxifen weight).

08/28/2024

Young Adult Cancer Canada (YACC) is looking to enroll 2000 participants in a long-term study on cancer recovery. The study is open to people living in Canada who are over the age of 18, and were diagnosed with any type of cancer before the age of 40. Click the link for more information.

YACC supports young adults across Canada dealing with cancer. Read about our mission, upcoming events, fundraising efforts, and our incredible survivors and supporters.

08/26/2024

The University of Toronto and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are conducting a study looking at online support group use among 2SLGBTQ+ people diagnosed with breast cancer. The project is queer-led and aims to improve the supports available to members of 2SLGBTQ+ communities with breast cancer in Canada. Click the poster for more information and contact.

08/22/2024

The Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is currently seeking applications for a Patient Representative for the Breast Disease Site Committee. This is a volunteer role for membership on the Breast Disease Site Committee, the Breast Disease Site Executive Committee, and the CCTG Patient Representative Committee. For more information on eligibility and application, click the link.

08/21/2024

The 2024 Nova Scotia Reconnect & Revive Retreat in Debert, NS is open for registration. This in-person event on September 20-22 is open to all patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Guest speakers, accommodations and food are included with the registration fee of $85.
https://buff.ly/46V5ovk

No matter your Breast Cancer diagnosis, no matter your treatment, this retreat is an opportunity to connect with others along their journey

08/20/2024

In December 2016, I was diagnosed with Stage III HER2-positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, two months after my 39th birthday. It was one of the scariest times of my life. It felt unreal at first and everything became a haze instantly. I never imagined I would hear those words and that they would be talking about me. The next thing I remember is the doctor telling me that they know exactly what to do, and that the survival rate was 88% and I should focus on that. To be honest, most of what she said that day sounded to me like jumbled up words. I allowed myself to cry on the day I was diagnosed but very early on, I decided to only focus on what life would be after cancer.

. I searched to find what made me happy deep inside and did my best to do those things.

08/20/2024

En décembre 2016, soit deux mois après mon 39e anniversaire, j’ai appris que j’avais un carcinome canalaire invasif HER2+ de stade III. Cela a été l’un des moments les plus effrayants de ma vie. Je n’arrivais pas à y croire. Tout s’est embrouillé dans ma tête à l’annonce du diagnostic. Je n’avais jamais pensé entendre ces mots-là un jour. Je me rappelle entendre le médecin me dire qu’elle savait exactement ce qu’il fallait faire, que le taux de survie était de 88 % et que je devais penser à ça. En réalité, la plupart de ce qu’elle m’a dit était confus pour moi. Je me suis autorisée à pleurer ce jour-là, mais j’ai très tôt décidé de me concentrer sur ce que ma vie serait après le cancer, sur le fait de voir mes enfants grandir, de vieillir aux côtés de mon mari et d’apprécier la vie.

J’ai cherché à savoir ce qui me rendait heureuse au plus profond de moi et j’ai fait de mon mieux pour faire ces choses.

08/19/2024

Researchers at Nova Scotia Health want to hear from female breast cancer survivors who are experiencing issues with sexual function after completing their cancer treatment. The researchers want to explore whether and how women seek help for these issues and investigate the impact these issues have on their lives. Though these issues are common after breast cancer treatment, many women face barriers when attempting to seek care and support. In order to improve access to care, they need to have a better understanding of the current help-seeking strategies used by breast cancer survivors.

08/16/2024

Meditation may help reduce stress, improve moods, improve quality of sleep, and reduce fatigue. It can also be a method to cope with the stress of a breast cancer diagnosis, along with other types of complementary therapies. Read Fleetstreet magazine's article Self-Care For Mental Health & Breast Cancer: Can Meditation Help? to learn more.

Meditation can be calming and aid with focus. But it can also help with bringing perspective for stressful situations. Find out why experts recommend the practice.

08/16/2024

Join us on September 23, 2024, as we host Dr. Nancy Nixon MD FRCPC, as she discusses the latest advancements in treatment for early-stage breast cancers, as well as recent clinical trial data for all sub-types. Click for more information and registration.

In this patient education webinar, Dr. Nixon talks about the latest advancements in care for early-stage breast cancer.

08/14/2024

We know that facing a breast cancer diagnosis is a daunting thing to experience. But for some, the challenges, fears, and uncertainty can be compounded by a lack of access to culturally competent care and tailored supportive resources that truly understand and address the unique needs of diverse community groups. We’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of resources we know to be helpful and can provide much-needed assurance and support to culturally diverse communities, young women, those with high familial risk and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of resources we know to be helpful and can provide much-needed assurance and support to culturally diverse communities, young women, those with high familial risk and LGBTQ+ individuals.

08/14/2024

Avoir un cancer du sein peut être une expérience intimidante. Pour certaines personnes, les défis à relever, les craintes et l’incertitude peuvent être amplifiés par le manque de services de soins et de ressources de soutien culturellement appropriés capables de répondre aux besoins uniques des différents groupes ethniques et culturels de la population. Nous avons donc compilé une liste de ressources qui peuvent s’avérer utiles et fournir une précieuse aide aux personnes issues des différents groupes ethniques et culturels, aux jeunes femmes, aux personnes présentant un risque génétique élevé de cancer et aux membres des communautés LGBTQ+.

Nous avons donc compilé ci-dessous une liste non exhaustive de ressources qui peuvent s’avérer utiles et fournir une précieuse aide aux personnes issues des différents groupes ethniques et culturels.

08/13/2024

The University of Ottawa and The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre are conducting a study on how chemotherapy affects the memory and brain networks of breast cancer survivors. If you are interested in participating, see the poster for eligibility and contact details.

08/13/2024

Exercise can have many physical benefits, including better energy, fitness, cardiovascular health, and muscular strength and endurance. But did you know that it can help with side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, pain, depression, anxiety and stress? Read Fleetstreet's interview with online coach and wellness advisor, Tasha Star, as she talks about getting fitness motivated after breast cancer treatment.

When you feel like your body “failed you” with cancer, motivation for fitness can be hard – but not impossible. Here’s some qualified advice worth every bead of sweat.

08/09/2024

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network is proud to partner with Kootenay Knit & Apparel for their pink ribbon mittens campaign! For every order of these warm, cozy, knitted pink mittens, Kootenay Knit & Apparel will donate $8 to CBCN. Order today and get 20% off by using promo code 2024CBCN20 at checkout. Kootenay Knit & Apparel is a Canadian, woman-owned company specializing in designing and ethically producing distinctive knitwear, headwear, apparel and accessory products.

As a Canadian, woman-owned company, Kootenay Knit & Apparel has 25 years experience specializing in unique and quality knitwear, headwear, apparel and accessory products. Collections include Canada-made, Eco-Friendly and Artisan products. We offer branding, custom logo and custom label options.

08/08/2024

Did you know CBCN has a podcast? Breast Cancer Connection is an informative, conversation-based podcast designed for patients and caregivers alike. Breast Cancer Connection breaks down complex terms and topics through meaningful discussion with expert voices. It provides helpful information, resources, and authentic stories for those touched by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Connection is an informative, conversation-based podcast designed for patients and caregivers alike. It breaks down complex terms and topics through meaningful discussion with expert voices.

08/07/2024

Il y a 14 ans, j’ai appris que j’avais un cancer aux deux seins. Au bout de neuf mois, les traitements ont pris fin et je suis retournée travailler comme médecin de famille. Mais les choses avaient changé. J’étais plus fragile. J’avais un nouveau corps. Je devais subir une hystérectomie prophylactique ainsi qu’une reconstruction mammaire, et donc prendre des décisions qui auraient des répercussions sur ma famille et moi-même. Les répercussions psychologiques ont été très importantes : j’étais exténuée et mon cerveau n’allait plus jamais être le même. La thérapie par l’art m’a transformée, en ce sens qu’elle m’a permis d’exprimer ma douleur et mon isolement.

Au bout de neuf mois, les traitements ont pris fin et je suis retournée travailler comme médecin de famille. Mais les choses avaient changé.

08/07/2024

Fourteen years ago, I got the news that I had cancer. It was in both breasts. Then, after nine months, my treatment ended, and I went back to work as a family doctor, but things were different. I was fragile. I had a new body. I required a prophylactic hysterectomy and breast reconstruction, making choices that would impact me and my family. The psychological impact was massive. I was changed by art therapy; making art expressed my hurt and isolation. Then, I met artists of another kind when assisting in the operating room. Creativity was our connection. A reconstructive plastic surgeon and a breast surgeon who were magicians with skin but there was something missing: an ar**la.

Then, after nine months, my treatment ended, and I went back to work as a family doctor, but things were different.

08/06/2024

Eating well after your breast cancer treatment ends can be important for improving your quality of life and can help you overcome lingering sides effects, like fatigue. A healthy diet full of nutrients may strengthen your immune system, boost your energy or help you maintain your body weight. Click the link to read an interview in Fleetstreet with Paige Percival, an integrative nutrition, health and transformation coach.

Get down to nutrition facts when it comes to “indulgent eating” – not with sugar and calories, but texture and taste.

08/02/2024

Je n’aurais jamais imaginé être l’une des « une femme sur huit » qui, selon la Société canadienne du cancer, développent un cancer du sein au cours de sa vie. Et pourtant, me voici, la première personne à avoir eu un cancer du sein dans ma famille. J’ai rapidement appris qu’on ne prend pas rendez-vous pour faire une mammographie, qui est un examen de base pour vérifier l’état de ses seins, comme on prendrait rendez-vous pour faire un bilan de santé annuel ou un nettoyage de dents chez le dentiste. Pour que vous soyez mieux préparée et sachiez quoi demander et à quel moment, voici les cinq outils de dépistage du cancer du sein actuellement disponibles.

Je n’aurais jamais imaginé être l’une des « une femme sur huit » qui, selon la Société canadienne du cancer, développent un cancer du sein au cours de sa vie.

08/02/2024

It certainly didn’t occur to me that I could and would become one of the one-in-eight women the Canadian Cancer Society says will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. And yet, here I am—the first breast cancer patient and survivor in my family. I quickly learned that scheduling a mammogram, which is a basic health exam for your b***s, is not like booking an annual check-up and teeth cleaning with your dentist. Here are the five screening tools you need to know about, so that you can access them as needed.

It certainly didn’t occur to me that I could and would become one of the one-in-eight women the Canadian Cancer Society says will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

08/01/2024

Our Educational Events page features various breast cancer events that may be of interest to you. Learn more about these and other upcoming educational events in August.

CBCN regularly hosts events including educational forums for both breast cancer patients and their caregivers, patient advocacy training workshops, educational retreats, and online webinars on a variety of topics.

07/31/2024

Research is critical in helping us better understand breast cancer, and equally important is your awareness of these advancements and opportunities to participate. Our newest e-newsletter, Clinical Trials Connected, aims to connect you with crucial research updates and clinical trials to help you stay informed about the latest advancements in breast cancer care. Click to subscribe to CT Connected now.

CBCN Connected is CBCN’s monthly digital newsletter. It gives updates on CBCN’s activities, educational events, and resources.

07/30/2024

Cancer Action Now is calling on the federal and provincial governments to address the current gaps in cancer care in Canada, including screening, obtaining a diagnosis, and in accessing treatment. CANA is calling for the development of a Pan-Canadian Action Plan to improve cancer care in Canada. Click to learn more.
https://buff.ly/3ygoJdJ

07/29/2024

Alberta Health Services provides a once a week online support and rehabilitation chat group for cancer-related fatigue and brain fog. This group is available to any cancer patients experiencing these side effects. Learn about how cancer impacts energy levels and cognition, as well as coping strategies. To learn more and register, call (780) 432-8798 or toll free at 1 (833) 838-0202.

07/26/2024

Our Voices is a place for breast cancer patients to share their experiences in their own words and to inspire others. The best stories focus on one specific aspect of the cancer journey. For example, you may want to talk about tips for dealing with cognitive difficulties that come from chemotherapy, or organizing a team of friends and family to support you during treatment. The choice of topics is yours. Interested in sharing your story but don’t know how to get started? Use our submission template and we’ll put your story together for you.

If you are using this template, it is because you are interested in sharing your experience, but you don’t know where to start.