May 1, 2014: Hon. Hedy Fry introduces Bill acknowledging Metastatic Breast Cancer Day 

OTTAWA - The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre and Federal Liberal Health Critic, introduced Bill C-594, An Act Respecting a National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day. She was joined by Ms. Niya Chari, Government Relations Manager with the Canadian Breast Cancer Network and Ms. Laurie Kingston, a representative of the metastatic breast cancer community.

"It is my hope that this Bill, marking October 13th of each year as National Metastatic Breast Cancer day in Canada, will bring much needed awareness surrounding this disease," said Fry. "Twenty four thousand Canadians will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year and approximately five thousand will die from the disease. Ten percent of those will have an initial diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer and thirty percent of those diagnosed with earlier stages of breast cancer will go on to develop metastatic breast cancer. We need to ensure there is greater access to information and supports about this disease to both patients and their families."

"Those of us living with metastatic breast cancer do not see our issues reflected in Breast Cancer Awareness month, yet metastatic breast cancer is what ends women's lives. We're asking for just one day every year to talk about our issues and to focus on finally finding a cure", states Laurie Kingston.

"This initiative is a bold, first-step towards combating the circle of silence that surrounds the issue of metastatic breast cancer," said Cathy Ammendolea, Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. "We hope that this Bill will provide a timely opportunity for government officials, healthcare providers and the general public to gain valuable insights into the challenges facing Canadians living with metastatic breast cancer."

October 13th is recognized in other countries around the world as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. By marking such a day in Canada we recognize the complexities of breast cancer and the need to support patients and families with the information they need.

The Hon. Hedy Fry proposed this Bill in the House of Commons on April 30, 2014 stating, "Mr. Speaker, I rise to propose and introduce an act respecting a national metastatic breast cancer day to be designed on October 13. This particular date is recognized by many countries in the world as metastatic breast cancer day. I want to thank the Canadian Breast Cancer Network for its support and encouragement for bringing in this bill."

View the bill online HERE.

Contact:

Office of Hon. Hedy Fry, P.C., M.P.
Ryan Cotter
Legislative Assistant
613-220-0275
Hedy.fry.a1@parl.gc.ca  

The Canadian Breast Cancer Network
Niya Chari
Government Relations Manager
613-230-3044
NChari@cbcn.ca  

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