Break Through the Bullsh*t
People living with breast cancer have so much BS to deal with, especially when it comes to drug access. We’re advocating to change that!
BACKGROUND
In October 2023, the breast cancer community came together and shared all the BS they’ve had to deal with since being diagnosed with breast cancer.
From delayed diagnosis to not feeling like an active partner in your care, to issues with psychosocial support, to poor reconstruction results, what’s clear is that people with breast cancer have far too much BS to deal with.
The time came in November 2023 for us to focus on barriers to drug access. Because you know what’s REALLY bullsh*t? When new cancer treatments can’t be effective because it takes too much time for the people who need then to get them.
There are just too many barriers. Too many delays. Too much red tape and paperwork. Too much of yet another burden on people with cancer. TOO MUCH.
WHAT ARE WE ASKING FOR?
We need decision makers and elected representatives to help champion:
1) The development of a clear process to prioritize breakthrough drugs beyond Health Canada
2) Expediting the professionalization of the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA)
WAYS TO ADVOCATE
There are a few things you can do to help Break Through the Bullsh*t wherever you are across Canada:
1) Send your federal or provincial elected representative a letter for support using our template (here) that can be personalized. Feel free to include your own story.
2) Amplify Rethink’s #BreakThroughtheBS posts on social media (Instagram, Facebook, X)
3) Share your own BS on social media tagging @rethinkbreastcancer and #BreakThroughtheBS — the more people talk about the realities of navigating cancer, the more we can amplify and show decision makers why change needs to happen.
PAST EVENT
Brunch with your Breasties on World Cancer Day! What better way to spend World Cancer Day than engaging in real, tangible advocacy while spending time in community?
On Sunday, February 4th, 2024 from 11am-2pm EST in Toronto, Ontario, Rethink hosted a small brunch to spend time together and write letters to our elected officials to ask them to champion our ask (above).
READ MORE ON THIS CAMPAIGN
MJ DeCoteau, Rethink’s Founder and Executive Director, reflects on World Cancer Day 2024, diving into the issues when it comes to Canada’s drug approval process and what Rethink is doing to advocate for change. Read it here!
MJ reflects on 2023, sharing the background of how the Break Through the Bullsh*t advocacy campaign came to be and Rethink’s plans for it in 2024. Read it here!
RETHINK’S ONTARIO ADVOCACY DAY IN NOVEMBER 2023
We know it takes many people standing together for the same cause to create real change. So, we called on you to help us make some noise. And you did. On November 16th, 2023, Rethink was at Queen’s Park with the Ontario Legislature to advocate for improved access to cancer drugs. Over 30 patient advocates joined us. It was another example of impact happening in numbers. We had bold and fun activities and the most delicious food from Toronto’s beloved Food Dudes.
In 2024, we are resuming our conversations, focussing on key decision makers in other areas of the country, including Federal Bureaucratic bodies, Federal MPs, and MLAs in other Provinces (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan).