BC / Yukon Prairies / NWT Ontario Atlantic Central Office1090 West Pender Street, Suite 300Vancouver, BC V6E 2N7Tel: (604) 683-2873Fax: (604) 683-2860Toll-Free: 1-800-561-6111Web: cbcf.org/bcyukon

10665 Jasper Avenue, Suite 700Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9Tel: (780) 452-1166Fax: (780) 451-6554Toll-Free: 1-866-302-2223Web: cbcf.org/prairiesnwt

20 Victoria Street, 6th FloorToronto, ON M5C 2N8Tel: (416) 815-1313Fax: (416) 815-1766Toll-Free: 1-866-373-6313Web: cbcf.org/ontario

5251 Duke Street, Suite 417Halifax, NS B3J 1P3Tel: (902) 422-5520Fax: (902) 422-5523Toll-Free: 1-866-273-2223Web: cbcf.org/atlantic

375 University Avenue, Suite 301Toronto, ON M5G 2J5Tel: (416) 596-6773Fax: (416) 596-7857Toll-Free: 1-800-387-9816Web: cbcf.org

Donor Update Page 1Fall 2012Donor Update Page 4Fall 2012

Inside this issue:Page 2

The Pink Tour a success in Ontario

Breast Health 101: Mammograms… they’re not that bad

Golfers “Get Active” in support of Breast Health

Page 3

National Grants

Donor Profile: Margaret Tutecky

Page 4

Team Shan inspires young women to learn about breast cancer risk

CIBC Run for the Cure sets new record

Dragon boat ambassadors are an inspirationA growing group of British Columbia women are paddling toward a future without breast cancer.

Through the popular sport of dragon boating, breast cancer survivors are energizing their recovery and their team spirit, while inspiring those around them – and getting the word out about breast health.

The women have become a powerful force both on the water and as ambassadors for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as part of the program started by Abreast In a Boat over 15 years ago.

“When you get out on the water and see how much you can accomplish, it’s amazing,” says Lisa Webb, a 35-year-old survivor from Langley. “I am stronger than I was before breast cancer. It has also given me so much confidence that I can do so much more than I ever thought I would be able to.”

The program was the inspiration of Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia. He used dragon boating to test the myth that repetitive upper-body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encouraged lymphedema (swelling of the arm following surgery). Dr. McKenzie believed that by following

a special exercise and training program, women could avoid lymphedema and enjoy active, full lives. Following a 1996 study, Dr. McKenzie’s theory was proven correct. No new cases of lymphedema occurred and none of the existing cases became worse.

From that one boat, Abreast In a Boat has now grown to include six crews based in Vancouver and has inspired the formation of 22 teams throughout BC and more than 150 teams worldwide.

In fact, the program has proven so successful that it has spawned its own outreach efforts through Breast Health on the Go.

“Breast Health on the Go is a tool kit designed to get CBCF’s breast health promotion materials into the hands of as many people as possible with the help of our dragon boat teams reaching out to their communities,” says Amanda McNally, Community Relations Co-ordinator for the CBCF’s BC/Yukon region.

“I am honoured to be able to go out on the water with my team, all of us with our pink lifejackets,” says Webb. “With each stroke we are letting people know that there is hope. That is the greatest thing that someone who is facing cancer needs to know.”

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure a successOn September 30th, in communities from coast to coast, 170,000 Canadians raised over $30 million in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Funds raised allow the

Foundation to continue investing in groundbreaking breast cancer research while supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community.

Team Shan inspires young women to learn about breast cancer risk

You may not know Shan Larsen, but if you’re a university student in Canada, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her face – and heard her message.

Shan loved life – arts, sports, music and time with friends and family. Shan also enjoyed working with children, coaching figure skating, and teaching swimming.

In 2005, after graduating with a visual arts degree, she was preparing to go into education when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shan passed away four months later, at age 24, but her spirit

lives on in a unique project that may save the lives of other young women.

Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women (Team Shan) was started by Shan’s mom, Lorna Larsen, a former health promotion specialist who was shocked when her daughter was diagnosed with the disease at such a young age. Team Shan is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness in young women through educational campaigns about the disease, including risk factors, symptoms, and self-help strategies.

“I wondered why the issue of breast cancer in young women had not come across my desk,” says Lorna. “I had heard that cancer in young adults is aggressive, but little more than that.”

In the fall of 2011, at the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Saskatchewan, Shan’s smiling face appeared on billboards across campus. Materials adorned with Sunflowers inspired by Shan’s original artwork were distributed. The campaign theme was: Breast Cancer…not just a disease of older women.

The campaign feedback was very positive.

“The vast majority of those who responded now understand their breast cancer risk,” says Lorna. “We’ve been asked to ‘continue doing this wonderful work,’ and this fall, Team Shan will be back on campuses across the prairies.”

Shan was shy, so Lorna thinks she would be pretty surprised to see her face on billboards and buses. But she was also a caring, kind-hearted person who would be proud to see that her mom and Team Shan are making a difference.

“Young women felt it was important to know that Shan was a real person,” says Lorna. Through the campaigns, Team Shan is spreading her message: Love what you do, take care of yourself, and go for your dreams. Shan’s spirit continues to speak.”

The campaigns wouldn’t be possible without key campus partners and the community grants Team Shan received from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region, which is leading the way as the first Region of the Foundation with a Youth Advisory Council, a staff position dedicated to the Council, and registered student groups at universities.

“ The sooner we become aware of the presence of a tumor, the sooner we can respond with appropriate treatment.”

– Deborah Dubenofsky National Board Chair

The Pink Tour a success in Ontario

The Ontario Region launched The Pink Tour in late May to encourage and support eligible women in Ontario to learn about breast health and participate in breast cancer screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). Only 46 per cent of eligible women were getting screened through the Ontario Breast Screening Program in 2010.

Our original goal was to have 30,000 visitors during the 22 weeks. However, we hit our goal just 16 weeks into the program!

After 19 weeks of the 22-week program, we’ve already visited 104 communities and invited tens of thousands of people to get on board the big pink bus for breast health. Communities across Ontario joined the tour to learn about breast health and breast cancer screening though an interactive learning experience. Eligible women signed up for mammograms with the OBSP right from the bus. From big cities to small towns the message came back again and again: “Thank you for coming to our community!”

Donor Update Page 3Donor Update Page 2 Fall 2012Fall 2012

Breast Health 101: Mammograms… they’re not that badAlthough mammograms aren’t the most comfortable diagnostic test, they are vital to the early detection of breast cancer, and save thousands of lives every year. Your generosity has helped the Foundation fund critical breast health awareness programs across Atlantic Canada. Breast Health 101 is an exciting one-hour educational opportunity delivered to small groups in any location – wherever there is a need.

The sessions are interactive and fun, and give participants a chance to talk about breast health and mammograms in a comfortable setting. Throughout

the presentation, common myths are dispelled and participants are encouraged to take action themselves. The Atlantic Region recently collaborated with Shelter Nova Scotia to deliver breast health information to women who are experiencing homelessness, and to those who are transitioning from prison living to community living. Shelter Nova Scotia employees will be trained to educate the women they serve about breast health. The project will engage women who are often disconnected from their health awareness and will, ultimately, build their self-awareness and self‑confidence.

National GrantsEight innovative new projects aimed at earlier detection of breast cancer received over $3.2 million in funding from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The funding is an example of how the passion and participation of Canadians translates into research aimed at helping the Foundation realize its vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

Breast cancer affects one in nine Canadian women during their lifetime, earlier detection is key to reducing its impact. The Foundation’s inaugural National Grants Competition focused on proposals aimed at advancing new technologies to find cancer at its earliest stages; discovering or validating markers; and understanding the psychosocial ramifications of earlier breast cancer detection.

“Early detection gives patients and doctors better options for dealing with malignancies,” said Deborah Dubenofsky, National Board Chair, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. “The sooner we become aware of the presence of a tumor, the sooner we can respond with appropriate treatment.”

Two panels of experts, co-chaired by Dr. Brian Wilson and Dr. Samuel Aparicio, reviewed 41 proposals submitted by

research teams from across Canada. Of these, eight were selected based on their scientific excellence and potential impact on breast cancer. In addition, over $1.3 million in funding from partner organizations was obtained.

The eight recipients are:

• A team led by François Bénard (BC Cancer Centre) is focusing research on targeting molecules, present in almost all breast cancers, holding promise for significantly improving early detection.

• Dr. Scott King’s team (National Research Council, Winnipeg) is using cutting-edge technology to boost diagnostic accuracy, reduce time and cost while also improving access to screenings.

• Dr. Leonard Luyt’s team (Western University) is developing approaches for non-invasive detection of breast cancer at an earlier stage.

• The Team led by Dr. Anne Martel (Sunnybrook Research Institute) is building computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) tools using information from previous patient visits and a large screening database to create an atlas of likely cancer sites. This information will improve accuracy of screenings and reduce patient stress.

• Dr. Stephen Pistorius (University of Manitoba/Cancer Care Manitoba) is creating technology expected to make screenings more comfortable, safe, simple, portable, and accessible.

• Dr. Peter Rogan (Western University) is leading research to identify harmful mutations that have not been recognized before.

• Dr. Eric Turcotte’s (Université de Sherbrooke) team proposes a phase II clinical trial to test a probe as a more sensitive tool to assess breast cancer, check for its spread, and predict the benefit of hormonal therapy.

• Dr. Martin Yaffe’s (Sunnybrook Research Institute) research will explore whether 3D digital tomosynthesis provides a more accurate image than current 2D digital mammography, thereby improving the accuracy of earlier screening and reducing the number of missed tumors.

Golfers “Get Active” in support of Breast HealthSince 2006, golfers across Atlantic Canada have been teeing up in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region through the Foundation’s golf programs: Play Fore Hope, Play a Round and Host a Hole. “It’s important for us to support third party events that reinforce our messaging of risk reduction,” says Elizabeth Smith, Senior Director, Development, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region.

The Foundation attributes the success of the golf programs to the golf courses that host the tournaments, the hundreds of volunteers who organize the events, and the more than 10,000 participants who show up in support of our vision of creating a future without breast cancer. Thanks to these efforts, golf programs in Atlantic Canada have raised over $1.8 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region.

Donor Profile: Margaret TuteckyTo say Margaret Tutecky is a survivor is an understatement. She is a four-time survivor who has had 19 surgeries, including a double mastectomy. “I am a lucky girl with a terrific life,” says Margaret, a monthly donor who recently celebrated her 64th birthday. “And I believe we are close to zeroing in on a cure. Early detection has come so far. It failed in my era, but we are so close to slowing it down, which is why I give.”

Margaret has been through a lot, but says her caregivers and her story have inspired those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “My story is extreme and when people hear it, it gives them real hope,” she says. “It is possible to fight the odds and keep going. Fundraising is turning the corner on the disease. If we think about the places we put our money, I would rather not have a new outfit or a few dinners out to give families a chance. I see so many young

families affected by the disease. I think the Foundation is putting a wonderful focus on early detection.”

Margaret says that while she can’t participate physically in the CIBC Run for the Cure, she still wants to make a difference, so she donates, and has increased her donations every year.

Margaret says she also likes the idea of leaving money in her will as a way of showing her support.

“ Before today, I only thought you had a risk of breast cancer if it was in your family. I didn’t know you were at risk by just being a woman and aging.”

– Female, Huntsville

The Pink Tour a success in Ontario

The Ontario Region launched The Pink Tour in late May to encourage and support eligible women in Ontario to learn about breast health and participate in breast cancer screening through the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). Only 46 per cent of eligible women were getting screened through the Ontario Breast Screening Program in 2010.

Our original goal was to have 30,000 visitors during the 22 weeks. However, we hit our goal just 16 weeks into the program!

After 19 weeks of the 22-week program, we’ve already visited 104 communities and invited tens of thousands of people to get on board the big pink bus for breast health. Communities across Ontario joined the tour to learn about breast health and breast cancer screening though an interactive learning experience. Eligible women signed up for mammograms with the OBSP right from the bus. From big cities to small towns the message came back again and again: “Thank you for coming to our community!”

Donor Update Page 3Donor Update Page 2 Fall 2012Fall 2012

Breast Health 101: Mammograms… they’re not that badAlthough mammograms aren’t the most comfortable diagnostic test, they are vital to the early detection of breast cancer, and save thousands of lives every year. Your generosity has helped the Foundation fund critical breast health awareness programs across Atlantic Canada. Breast Health 101 is an exciting one-hour educational opportunity delivered to small groups in any location – wherever there is a need.

The sessions are interactive and fun, and give participants a chance to talk about breast health and mammograms in a comfortable setting. Throughout

the presentation, common myths are dispelled and participants are encouraged to take action themselves. The Atlantic Region recently collaborated with Shelter Nova Scotia to deliver breast health information to women who are experiencing homelessness, and to those who are transitioning from prison living to community living. Shelter Nova Scotia employees will be trained to educate the women they serve about breast health. The project will engage women who are often disconnected from their health awareness and will, ultimately, build their self-awareness and self‑confidence.

National GrantsEight innovative new projects aimed at earlier detection of breast cancer received over $3.2 million in funding from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

The funding is an example of how the passion and participation of Canadians translates into research aimed at helping the Foundation realize its vision of creating a future without breast cancer.

Breast cancer affects one in nine Canadian women during their lifetime, earlier detection is key to reducing its impact. The Foundation’s inaugural National Grants Competition focused on proposals aimed at advancing new technologies to find cancer at its earliest stages; discovering or validating markers; and understanding the psychosocial ramifications of earlier breast cancer detection.

“Early detection gives patients and doctors better options for dealing with malignancies,” said Deborah Dubenofsky, National Board Chair, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. “The sooner we become aware of the presence of a tumor, the sooner we can respond with appropriate treatment.”

Two panels of experts, co-chaired by Dr. Brian Wilson and Dr. Samuel Aparicio, reviewed 41 proposals submitted by

research teams from across Canada. Of these, eight were selected based on their scientific excellence and potential impact on breast cancer. In addition, over $1.3 million in funding from partner organizations was obtained.

The eight recipients are:

• A team led by François Bénard (BC Cancer Centre) is focusing research on targeting molecules, present in almost all breast cancers, holding promise for significantly improving early detection.

• Dr. Scott King’s team (National Research Council, Winnipeg) is using cutting-edge technology to boost diagnostic accuracy, reduce time and cost while also improving access to screenings.

• Dr. Leonard Luyt’s team (Western University) is developing approaches for non-invasive detection of breast cancer at an earlier stage.

• The Team led by Dr. Anne Martel (Sunnybrook Research Institute) is building computer-aided diagnostic (CAD) tools using information from previous patient visits and a large screening database to create an atlas of likely cancer sites. This information will improve accuracy of screenings and reduce patient stress.

• Dr. Stephen Pistorius (University of Manitoba/Cancer Care Manitoba) is creating technology expected to make screenings more comfortable, safe, simple, portable, and accessible.

• Dr. Peter Rogan (Western University) is leading research to identify harmful mutations that have not been recognized before.

• Dr. Eric Turcotte’s (Université de Sherbrooke) team proposes a phase II clinical trial to test a probe as a more sensitive tool to assess breast cancer, check for its spread, and predict the benefit of hormonal therapy.

• Dr. Martin Yaffe’s (Sunnybrook Research Institute) research will explore whether 3D digital tomosynthesis provides a more accurate image than current 2D digital mammography, thereby improving the accuracy of earlier screening and reducing the number of missed tumors.

Golfers “Get Active” in support of Breast HealthSince 2006, golfers across Atlantic Canada have been teeing up in support of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region through the Foundation’s golf programs: Play Fore Hope, Play a Round and Host a Hole. “It’s important for us to support third party events that reinforce our messaging of risk reduction,” says Elizabeth Smith, Senior Director, Development, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region.

The Foundation attributes the success of the golf programs to the golf courses that host the tournaments, the hundreds of volunteers who organize the events, and the more than 10,000 participants who show up in support of our vision of creating a future without breast cancer. Thanks to these efforts, golf programs in Atlantic Canada have raised over $1.8 million for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region.

Donor Profile: Margaret TuteckyTo say Margaret Tutecky is a survivor is an understatement. She is a four-time survivor who has had 19 surgeries, including a double mastectomy. “I am a lucky girl with a terrific life,” says Margaret, a monthly donor who recently celebrated her 64th birthday. “And I believe we are close to zeroing in on a cure. Early detection has come so far. It failed in my era, but we are so close to slowing it down, which is why I give.”

Margaret has been through a lot, but says her caregivers and her story have inspired those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “My story is extreme and when people hear it, it gives them real hope,” she says. “It is possible to fight the odds and keep going. Fundraising is turning the corner on the disease. If we think about the places we put our money, I would rather not have a new outfit or a few dinners out to give families a chance. I see so many young

families affected by the disease. I think the Foundation is putting a wonderful focus on early detection.”

Margaret says that while she can’t participate physically in the CIBC Run for the Cure, she still wants to make a difference, so she donates, and has increased her donations every year.

Margaret says she also likes the idea of leaving money in her will as a way of showing her support.

“ Before today, I only thought you had a risk of breast cancer if it was in your family. I didn’t know you were at risk by just being a woman and aging.”

– Female, Huntsville

BC / Yukon Prairies / NWT Ontario Atlantic Central Office1090 West Pender Street, Suite 300Vancouver, BC V6E 2N7Tel: (604) 683-2873Fax: (604) 683-2860Toll-Free: 1-800-561-6111Web: cbcf.org/bcyukon

10665 Jasper Avenue, Suite 700Edmonton, AB T5J 3S9Tel: (780) 452-1166Fax: (780) 451-6554Toll-Free: 1-866-302-2223Web: cbcf.org/prairiesnwt

20 Victoria Street, 6th FloorToronto, ON M5C 2N8Tel: (416) 815-1313Fax: (416) 815-1766Toll-Free: 1-866-373-6313Web: cbcf.org/ontario

5251 Duke Street, Suite 417Halifax, NS B3J 1P3Tel: (902) 422-5520Fax: (902) 422-5523Toll-Free: 1-866-273-2223Web: cbcf.org/atlantic

375 University Avenue, Suite 301Toronto, ON M5G 2J5Tel: (416) 596-6773Fax: (416) 596-7857Toll-Free: 1-800-387-9816Web: cbcf.org

Donor Update Page 1Fall 2012Donor Update Page 4Fall 2012

Inside this issue:Page 2

The Pink Tour a success in Ontario

Breast Health 101: Mammograms… they’re not that bad

Golfers “Get Active” in support of Breast Health

Page 3

National Grants

Donor Profile: Margaret Tutecky

Page 4

Team Shan inspires young women to learn about breast cancer risk

CIBC Run for the Cure sets new record

Dragon boat ambassadors are an inspirationA growing group of British Columbia women are paddling toward a future without breast cancer.

Through the popular sport of dragon boating, breast cancer survivors are energizing their recovery and their team spirit, while inspiring those around them – and getting the word out about breast health.

The women have become a powerful force both on the water and as ambassadors for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation as part of the program started by Abreast In a Boat over 15 years ago.

“When you get out on the water and see how much you can accomplish, it’s amazing,” says Lisa Webb, a 35-year-old survivor from Langley. “I am stronger than I was before breast cancer. It has also given me so much confidence that I can do so much more than I ever thought I would be able to.”

The program was the inspiration of Dr. Don McKenzie, a sports medicine physician at the University of British Columbia. He used dragon boating to test the myth that repetitive upper-body exercise in women treated for breast cancer encouraged lymphedema (swelling of the arm following surgery). Dr. McKenzie believed that by following

a special exercise and training program, women could avoid lymphedema and enjoy active, full lives. Following a 1996 study, Dr. McKenzie’s theory was proven correct. No new cases of lymphedema occurred and none of the existing cases became worse.

From that one boat, Abreast In a Boat has now grown to include six crews based in Vancouver and has inspired the formation of 22 teams throughout BC and more than 150 teams worldwide.

In fact, the program has proven so successful that it has spawned its own outreach efforts through Breast Health on the Go.

“Breast Health on the Go is a tool kit designed to get CBCF’s breast health promotion materials into the hands of as many people as possible with the help of our dragon boat teams reaching out to their communities,” says Amanda McNally, Community Relations Co-ordinator for the CBCF’s BC/Yukon region.

“I am honoured to be able to go out on the water with my team, all of us with our pink lifejackets,” says Webb. “With each stroke we are letting people know that there is hope. That is the greatest thing that someone who is facing cancer needs to know.”

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure a successOn September 30th, in communities from coast to coast, 170,000 Canadians raised over $30 million in the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure. Funds raised allow the

Foundation to continue investing in groundbreaking breast cancer research while supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community.

Team Shan inspires young women to learn about breast cancer risk

You may not know Shan Larsen, but if you’re a university student in Canada, there’s a good chance you’ve seen her face – and heard her message.

Shan loved life – arts, sports, music and time with friends and family. Shan also enjoyed working with children, coaching figure skating, and teaching swimming.

In 2005, after graduating with a visual arts degree, she was preparing to go into education when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Shan passed away four months later, at age 24, but her spirit

lives on in a unique project that may save the lives of other young women.

Team Shan Breast Cancer Awareness for Young Women (Team Shan) was started by Shan’s mom, Lorna Larsen, a former health promotion specialist who was shocked when her daughter was diagnosed with the disease at such a young age. Team Shan is dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness in young women through educational campaigns about the disease, including risk factors, symptoms, and self-help strategies.

“I wondered why the issue of breast cancer in young women had not come across my desk,” says Lorna. “I had heard that cancer in young adults is aggressive, but little more than that.”

In the fall of 2011, at the University of Calgary, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Saskatchewan, Shan’s smiling face appeared on billboards across campus. Materials adorned with Sunflowers inspired by Shan’s original artwork were distributed. The campaign theme was: Breast Cancer…not just a disease of older women.

The campaign feedback was very positive.

“The vast majority of those who responded now understand their breast cancer risk,” says Lorna. “We’ve been asked to ‘continue doing this wonderful work,’ and this fall, Team Shan will be back on campuses across the prairies.”

Shan was shy, so Lorna thinks she would be pretty surprised to see her face on billboards and buses. But she was also a caring, kind-hearted person who would be proud to see that her mom and Team Shan are making a difference.

“Young women felt it was important to know that Shan was a real person,” says Lorna. Through the campaigns, Team Shan is spreading her message: Love what you do, take care of yourself, and go for your dreams. Shan’s spirit continues to speak.”

The campaigns wouldn’t be possible without key campus partners and the community grants Team Shan received from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Prairies/NWT Region, which is leading the way as the first Region of the Foundation with a Youth Advisory Council, a staff position dedicated to the Council, and registered student groups at universities.

“ The sooner we become aware of the presence of a tumor, the sooner we can respond with appropriate treatment.”

– Deborah Dubenofsky National Board Chair