October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in Canada. It is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the same population.
Breast cancer diagnoses are projected to represent around a quarter of all new cancer cases in women in 2026 – a total of around 32,400 women. An estimated one in eight women in Canada will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. It is likely that you, or someone you know, has been impacted in some way by this disease.
Breast cancer research helps us understand both the impacts of the disease and its underlying causes, leading to more accurate screening and diagnosis. With regular screening, many cases of breast cancer can be caught early enough to effectively treat. More research will ultimately help save more lives.
In honour of this awareness month, we’ve compiled resources and links to help you learn more about breast cancer, how research is supporting better diagnosis and care for this disease, and steps that you and your loved ones can take to
UBC Breast Reconstruction Research Lab, where a team of research staff in collaboration with 8 skilled surgeons seek advancements in patient-centered care.
With a focus on improving the entire patient journey from diagnosis to recovery, the lab conducts research on the delivery of care, safety outcomes and various other topics. Through analysis and innovative methodologies, the team strives to enhance surgical techniques for breast reconstruction post-mastectomy, minimizing discomfort and optimizing patient outcomes. Beyond surgical innovation, the research team delves into the broader aspects of patient care, exploring ways to improve support services, streamline treatment pathways, and address psychosocial needs.
Every study conducted in the lab is driven by a commitment to improving the patient experience, ensuring that the findings translate into tangible benefits for those battling breast cancer or undergoing risk reducing surgery. The lab strives to be a place where expertise meets empathy, and where research transforms into meaningful change for patients and survivors alike.
Led by WHRI scientific advisory board member Dr. Kristin Campbell, the Cancer Exercise and physiotherapy lab conducts research examining the impacts of physical activity and movement on cancer prognosis and post-treatment healing.
Learn how to measure your arm to manage swelling after breast cancer surgery.
The Tomosynthesis Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial (TMIST) is a long-term a study that seeks to determine whether tomosynthesis mammography is more, less, or equally as effective as the current recommended screening option, digital mammography, for detecting breast cancer. TMIST is a multi-site study sponsored by ECOG-ACRIN cancer research group in the United States, and coordinated by the Canadian Cancer Trials Group across five Canadian sites, including BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre. WHRI member Dr. Paula Gordon is a principle investigator on the study.
In 2025, the study announced that it had met its recruitment goal with 108,508 people across Canada, the United States, and Argentina. Primary results are expected as early as 2028.
What You Should Know About Breast Density by Dr. Paula Gordon
A popular article on our website by Dr. Paula Gordon delves into breast density and how it can impact cancer risk and screening options for women and gender-diverse people.