Bill C-594

2nd Session, 41st Parliament,

62-63 Elizabeth II, 2013-2014

house of commons of canada

BILL C-594

An Act respecting a National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day

Whereas, in 2013, the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that approximately 24,000 women and men would be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5,100 would likely die from the disease;

Whereas, according to a report by the Canadian Breast Cancer Network and Rethink Breast Cancer dated June 25, 2013, of the estimated 23,800 Canadian women who would be diagnosed with breast cancer that year, approximately 10% would have an initial diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer and approximately 30% of women diagnosed ini­tially with earlier stages of breast cancer would go on to develop metastatic breast cancer;

Whereas Canada has a health care system and a social safety net to prevent illness and serve citizens;

Whereas Canadian families affected by metastatic breast cancer require greater access to information and support services across the country;

Whereas greater awareness and understanding of the distinct challenges affecting metastatic breast cancer survivors is required to engage more Canadians in helping their fellow citizens;

Whereas October 13th, a day recognized by the United Kingdom and the United States as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, is an appropriate day to designate as a day to express recognition of the complexities associated with the spreading of breast cancer and the impact that the disease can have on a patient’s prognosis and quality of life;

And whereas it is desirable that Canada have a national day of awareness to draw the attention of Canadians to the plight of metastatic breast cancer patients, and that of caregivers and families affected by metastatic breast cancer;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day Act.

NATIONAL METASTATIC BREAST CANCER DAY

2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 13th day of October is to be known as “National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day”.

3. For greater certainty, National Metastatic Breast Cancer Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.