Overview
HPP convened a group of experts from a variety of backgrounds to develop actionable policy recommendations that promote equitable care for metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The resources create a powerful platform to raise awareness of the often overlooked needs of people with MBC, and and support policymakers and health system decision-makers to improve diagnosis, treatment and care.
Colleen Foran, MBC patient representative, Canada
The challenge
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Despite major advances in early‑stage treatment, almost 30% of women diagnosed with early breast cancer will eventually develop metastatic disease – a condition that, for the vast majority, is not curable.
Treatments for MBC have evolved considerably, enabling many people to live longer and have fulfilling lives. However, inequities in access to best-practice care prevail, because not all people with MBC care counted and current policies often fail to fully recognise or address the unique challenges faced by people with the disease.
What we achieved
- Alongside comprehensive desk research, we mobilised a group of experts – including patients, clinicians, patient advocates and researchers – to identify the most urgent issues in MBC care and shape practical solutions to address them.
- Over three years, we transformed these insights into an engaging suite of advocacy resources, including five policy briefs and two infographics designed to drive policy attention and change.
- In collaboration with clinical and patient experts, we created powerful video content to amplify the key messages from the policy briefs and bring real-world perspectives to the fore.
- Dissemination of the research and recommendations continues. Experts and organisations that have endorsed the work are sharing the resources through social media, on their websites, and at events and conferences.
Core resources
Project information
Get in touch
If you want to find out more about our work on metastatic breast cancer, contact Jessica Hooper, Senior Consultant
