Rethink’s MBC Fund
This fund is an ongoing and targeted initiative to fund support, advocacy and research in metastatic breast cancer (MBC).
Why we need an MBC specific fund
MBC is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, resulting when cancer cells that originated in the breast grow in other parts of the body. Metastasis is most commonly found in the bones, lung, liver and brain, but can occur in any tissue or organ of the body. Metastasis can occur right away or many years after the initial diagnosis. Patients with MBC can be as varied as the general population, affecting people of all ages, races, genders and abilities.
In the vast majority of cases, there is currently no cure. While clinical outcomes for MBC have improved in the past decade, there is still so much more needed. It is estimated that 5,000 women in Canada die from MBC every year.
People with MBC have unique needs and concerns that too often aren’t represented, understood or acknowledged. Rethink’s MBC Fund will address the gaps and specific needs of those with MBC through support and research programs. The MBC Fund will be generated through contributions from individuals, corporate donors and fundraising activities.
How we allocate funds
Donations to the MBC Fund are allocated to projects, campaigns and initiatives that support people living with MBC and align with the priorities outlined by Rethink’s MBC Advisory Board, which is comprised of young women living with metastatic breast cancer and caregivers. Rethink staff make recommendations to allocate the funds available and seek feedback from the MBC Advisory Board and Rethink’s Scientific Advisory Committee. Rethink’s Board of Director approves all financial allocations.
Highlights of MBC-Focused Projects to Date
MBC Research
In 2021, Rethink partnered with Pfizer Canada to launch a joint research program to fund pioneering research in metastatic breast cancer that has the potential to advance care and improve outcomes for people living with metastatic breast cancer.
Talking to Kids about Metastatic Breast Cancer
A digital and hard copy resource developed with Morgan Livingstone
The Sh*t List
A digital and hard copy resource developed by MBC Board Member Tasha Westerman
Advancing Global Visibility For Metastatic Breast Cancer
A pledge from Breast Cancer Network Australia, Breast Cancer Now (UK), and Rethink Breast Cancer (Canada) to continue advocating for people living with metastatic breast cancer to be counted and cared for.
#MakeMeCount
Calling out the need for improved reporting on metastatic recurrence data, race-based data, and social determinants of health data within the breast cancer space.
Grateful for Supporting Fundraisers
We are grateful to those who have supported the MBC Fund and all that it does to support people living with MBC. Learn more about some of the fundraising efforts that have contributed to the MBC fund:
- Turning The Page on Cancer Fundraiser (ongoing)
- Performance Property Management Charity Golf Tournament (ongoing)
- Be Tracy’s Ally, a Chalk Circle and Friends Concert (2020)
Help us #MakeMBCCount, Become an MBC Ally
The number of women expected to get breast cancer in her lifetime: 1 in 8
The number of women expected to be diagnosed with MBC in her lifetime: Unknown
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in for women globally, yet we don’t know how many people receive a stage 4, metastatic diagnosis each year. Why? Simply because the data is not being collected.
Most cancer registries around the world collect information about initial cancer diagnosis and mortality but do not document recurrences, which represent the majority of Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) cases.
Without this data, we cannot understand MBC. Who are these women? How long do they live? How many are under the age of 50? What is their experience?
It’s not okay. We all deserve more accurate and inclusive data about MBC.
Be an MBC Ally. Learn more and sign the Ally Pledge to let those with MBC know they count, here.