Canadian Breast Cancer Network Launches Living Legacy Campaign

Did you know that more than three Canadian women receive their first breast cancer diagnosis of locally advanced or metastatic disease every day and that approximately 30% of those initially diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer later develop recurrent and/or metastatic disease?

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) has just announced the launch of the Living Legacy campaign to raise awareness of metastatic breast cancer, which occurs when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body – most commonly, the bones, liver, lungs and brain. Metastatic breast cancer is currently considered an incurable disease that may be controlled through treatment, though survival rates remain low.

According to recent reports, individuals who have metastatic breast cancer often feel isolated from the greater breast cancer community, and often feel that the breast cancer information currently available to them does not address their unique needs. A group of Canadian women living with this disease have shared their Living Legacies through a powerful video which you can watch below. These inspirational women hope to replace feelings of isolation and fear with connection and hope.

“No matter where people are located in Canada, it is important for them to feel supported and connected to a network of people who are facing similar challenges when it comes to understanding their metastatic breast cancer and accessing treatment options,” said Cathy Ammendolea, chair of CBCN. “The Living Legacy campaign recognizes that there is so much more to each and every one of these women’s legacies than the devastating reality of the disease, helping them to replace the feelings of isolation and fear with hope, connection and optimism.”

Visit www.cbcn.ca for more information and to become part of the Living Legacy. Share your story by emailing cbcn@cbcn.ca and watch for it here.