By Adriana Ermter
In our monthly column, senior writer and editor Adriana Ermter shares her personal experiences with breast cancer.
I don’t need to tell you this, because IYKYK and you do, but I’m going to write it anyways. Having a breast cancer diagnosis is mindboggling. That’s because your body is now a medical free for all to be poked, prodded, scanned, injected, tattooed, fried, sliced and stitched. Every doctor’s appointment feels like an invasion of privacy, while understanding your type of breast cancer complete with its surgical and treatment options is seemingly comparable to undertaking a master’s degree in oncology, but in mere weeks. And yet nobody, not even your oncologist, will ever truly know what you’re going through unless they go through it too.
This is why I believe in advocacy. Your breast cancer experience in all its horrible, exhausting, overwhelming, frightening, painful and nauseating fullness can be used for good.
People like you and me bring something irreplaceable to advocacy—real, lived experience. We know what it’s like to wait for test results, navigate treatment options and deal with the emotional stress. We’re the perfect people to speak up, act and work toward positive change by raising awareness, supporting others, pushing for policy changes, fundraising for research and simply sharing our own experiences with others.
You don’t have to be super public about it or make a lot of noise either. You can advocate to create positive change for yourself, for other women and for the future of breast cancer care in ways that are comfortable for you. Taking action can be anything you want it to be. And the best part: when you do decide to take action, it provides a sense of control, which for me has been a rare and welcome feeling with this disease. Other perks: advocacy connects you to a community of like-minded individuals who truly understand you. It empowers you to drive change for outdated breast cancer policies and for financially funding for those dealing with a diagnosis, and it lets you give back in ways that are meaningful to you. Here are a few approaches you can take.
1. Join an Advocacy or Support Organization
Groups like the Canadian Breast Cancer Network (CBCN) and Rethink Breast Cancer work on behalf of patients to improve care, influence policy and offer support. You can join the community, share your story or get involved in their advocacy campaigns.
- Who Can Advocate? Anyone affected by breast cancer—patients, survivors, caregivers.
- Time Commitment: Flexible, from occasional meetings to leading initiatives.
- Contact:
- CBCN: cbcn.ca | 1-800-685-8820
- Rethink Breast Cancer: rethinkbreastcancer.com
2. Participate in Fundraising Events
Events like the CIBC Run for the Cure raise funds for breast cancer research and support programs. Whether you participate in the run, start a fundraising team or donate, you’re helping push research forward.
- Who Can Advocate? Anyone—individuals or teams.
- Time Commitment: October 5, 2025, a one-day event with optional times for fundraising.
- Contact:
- Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca | 1-888-939-3333
3. Offer Peer Support
Honestly, in my opinion, the best help comes from someone who’s been there. Peer support programs connect survivors with newly diagnosed patients to offer encouragement and guidance.
- Who Can Advocate? Survivors or those in recovery willing to share their experience.
- Time Commitment: Flexible—calls, meetings or online chats as needed.
- Contact:
- Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca | 1-888-939-3333
4. Advocate for Better Policies
Breast cancer screening guidelines, treatment accessibility and patient rights don’t change on their own—we have to push for those changes. Organizations like Dense Breasts Canada work to improve screening policies and early detection.
- Who Can Advocate? Anyone passionate about change—no experience needed.
- Time Commitment: Signing petitions, attending meetings, or speaking to policymakers (varies).
- Contact:
- Dense Breasts Canada: densebreastscanada.ca
5. Share Your Story
Your experience matters. It really does. Whether through blogs, social media or speaking to a friend’s friend who has been newly diagnosed, sharing your journey can educate, inspire and remind others they’re not alone.
- Who Can Advocate? Anyone willing to share their story.
- Time Commitment: As little or as much as you want.
- Contact:
- CBCN: www.cbcn.ca/en/tellus
- Canadian Cancer Society: cancer.ca | 1-888-939-3333
Learn more about how to use your story as a form of advocacy by consulting CBCN’s Digital Advocacy and Storytelling Toolkit: https://cbcn.ca/en/dast
Adriana Ermter is a multi award-winning writer and editor. Her work can be read in IN Magazine, Living Luxe, 29Secrets.com, RethinkBreastCancer.ca and AmongMen.com. The former Beauty Director for FASHION and Editor-in-Chief for Salon and Childview magazines lives in Toronto with her two very spoiled rescue cats, Murphy and Olive. You can follow Adriana on Instagram @AdrianaErmter
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