For release - February 9, 1998

Vancouver - The BC Cancer Agency and the Canadian Cancer Society (BC and Yukon Division), in co-operation with Health Canada, announced today the release of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Care and Treatment of Breast Cancer. The guidelines are the result of a combination of evidence from scientific studies and the collective wisdom of breast cancer survivors and of those who care for and treat women with breast cancer.

"We know women have wanted, for many years, detailed information about their breast cancer," says Dr. Ivo Olivotto, a breast cancer specialist at the BC Cancer Agency and a member of the National Steering Committee that produced the guidelines. "The guidelines will enable women to discuss, with confidence, their options for treatment. They will also help to improve the consistency of care for women with breast cancer."

Barbara Kaminsky, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society (BC and Yukon Division), says the guidelines will allow women everywhere to be informed when they are talking to their physicians about breast cancer. "This is nothing short of revolutionary," Kaminsky says. "A critical issue for women is to be sure they have access to consistent, high quality care no matter where they live. The national clinical practice guidelines are a terrific step toward this goal."

The guidelines are available in two versions. A version for physicians across Canada will be distributed through the February 10 issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Another less technical format features questions and answers that women often ask when faced with a possible breast cancer diagnosis or treatment. This version will be available to anyone through the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Information Service, at 1-888-939-3333.

"I'm hopeful the Canadian Cancer Society can build on its long-standing commitment to diversity," Kaminsky continues, "by ensuring the guidelines are available in languages other than English and French."

Health Canada formed the National Steering Committee to develop and implement the guidelines, in keeping with recommendations from the 1993 National Forum on Breast Cancer. The committee consisted of women with breast cancer, physicians and representatives from cancer treatment agencies, education and licensing bodies.