/R E P E A T -- Media Alert - Canada Requires a National Action Plan to
Address the Information, Support and Treatment Needs of Women with Metastatic
Breast Cancer/

~ Ottawa Will Become First Canadian City to Proclaim Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day ~

OTTAWA, Oct 1 /CNW/ - To launch Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) will be at Parliament Hill on October 5 to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer and the unique needs of women with metastatic disease from those in the broader breast cancer community.  Metastatic breast cancer, an advanced breast cancer that appears in other parts of the body, is developed by an estimated 30 per cent of women (globally) who are first diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer.

To educate and advocate for specific needs such as psychological support and access to treatments, CBCN will host an event where Canadian women will share their personal and compelling stories with metastatic disease.  The Network will also urge Parliament to recognize October 13, 2010 as the first national Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.  Note: Ottawa will become the first city in Canada to proclaim October 13, 2010 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day at an event on October 6, 2010.

Media are invited to attend the Parliament Hill breakfast event, or to arrange interviews with the presenters.   Additional metastatic breast cancer survivors are available for interviews in Burnaby, Edmonton, Bolton, Mississauga and Dartmouth. 

Speakers Include:

• Cathy Ammendolea, President, Canadian Breast Cancer Network
• Carolyn Stewart Olsen, Senator
• Dianne Hartling, 7-year metastatic breast cancer survivor
• Alice McClymont, 2-year metastatic breast cancer survivor
• Daria Maluta, 2-year metastatic breast cancer survivor

When:	Tuesday, October 5, 2010    7:45 am to 9:00 am
Where:	Room 256-S Centre Block (Parliament Hill)

About Metastatic Breast Cancer and the CBCN

• Metastatic breast cancer, stage IV, or advanced breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells travel from the original site of the cancer to other parts of the body.  When breast cancer cells leave the breast, they often migrate to the bones, lungs, the liver, or to the brain;
• Women with metastatic breast cancer often report feelings of isolation from the broader breast cancer community, whose public focus and advocacy efforts are largely directed toward early stage disease;
• The Canadian Breast Cancer Network is the national survivor-driven and survivor-focused organization that exists to voice the views and opinions of breast cancer survivors and to promote the improvement of services as a strong advocate for access to optimal care for breast cancer patients.

For further information:

Melissa Milk, Communications
Canadian Breast Cancer Network
[phone] ext. 227
[email protected]