Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Canada, predominantly affecting women, with more than 29,000 diagnoses in 2023.
It’s complexity is underscored by more than 50 unique types, making each diagnosis distinct and challenging to treat, according to Kimberly Carson, chief executive officer of Breast Cancer Canada, during a session supported by AstraZeneca Canada at Benefits Canada’s 2024 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum.
This diversity in presentation and progression highlights the critical role of precision oncology, she added. “No two cancers end up being the same. Companion diagnostics can determine the type of breast cancer and most appropriate treatment.”
Read coverage of Benefits Canada‘s 2024 Women’s Health Roundtable.
Genetics is the DNA inherited at birth and genomics is how DNA changes over time, said Carson, noting both hereditary genes and tumour-specific genetic changes can be tested to guide breast cancer treatment.
The financial burden of breast cancer is significant. Women under age 55 who are employed and diagnosed with breast cancer face a 36 per cent risk of bankruptcy, while 40 per cent of caregivers face financial ruin, according to Carson. On a broader scale, she noted the societal cost includes the annual loss of approximately 5,000 women, 20 per cent of whom are under age 65 and in their prime working years. Earlier recovery or survival could help mitigate these impacts, enabling women to return to the workforce and contribute to society.
Gaps in coverage for companion diagnostics limit or delay access to potentially life-saving treatments, she said, noting the integration of these tests into benefits plans can guide appropriate medication use, improve time to treatment and overall recovery, which would allow patients to return to the workforce and daily life sooner.
Read: Workplace cancer strategies can support employee health, reduce benefits costs: webinar
Since current public reimbursements takes too long, Carson proposed private plan could reimburse these drugs and companion diagnostic tests until they’re publicly funded. And while some people may be concerned about the cost of these tests, “they’re not as pricey as a cancer diagnosis.”
“If this change could be made, imagine how many would be back into the workforce faster. The sooner we catch breast cancer, the less it costs, the less invasive the treatment and the longer the lifespan. Patients can go back to work and carry on with their life.”
Providing earlier access to precision medicines can enhance patient health outcomes and survival rates, alleviate financial burdens and contribute to a stronger, more resilient workforce.
Read more coverage of the 2024 Face to Face Drug Plan Management Forum.