Ontario Takes Bold Step Forward in Breast Cancer Care with Launch of FAST Program
Breast Cancer Canada is applauding the Ontario government for its continued leadership in transforming breast cancer care across the province—and potentially the nation—through the recent launch of the Fast Access to Specialized Therapies (FAST) program. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to dramatically reduce the time it takes for patients to access newly approved, life-saving cancer treatments, ensuring that breakthrough therapies reach those who need them without the delays that have long plagued Canada’s healthcare system.
Each year, more than 30,000 Canadians receive a breast cancer diagnosis—nearly half of whom live in Ontario. While medical advancements have significantly improved survival rates and quality of life for many, a persistent and troubling gap remains: the time between a drug’s regulatory approval and its availability through public healthcare programs. Nationally, this window often stretches beyond 12 months, a delay that can be devastating for patients whose conditions are rapidly progressing or who are at high risk of recurrence.
“For someone facing breast cancer, waiting is not an option,” says Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada. “Every day matters. The FAST program represents a pivotal moment in our collective effort to ensure that patients can access the most advanced, evidence-based treatments as soon as they become available. Ontario has already demonstrated its commitment to proactive care—last October, the province lowered the recommended age for routine breast cancer screening from 50 to 40, a move grounded in the latest research and a recognition that early detection saves lives. Now, with FAST, Ontario is tackling another critical barrier: timely access to cutting-edge therapies.”
The urgency of this issue is underscored by compelling data from Breast Cancer Canada’s national survey, which reveals overwhelming public support for systemic improvements in cancer care:
- 97% of Canadians believe that breast cancer patients should have timely access to the same new treatments available in other developed countries.
- 87% agree that where you live in Canada significantly impacts the quality and speed of your breast cancer care.
- 97% feel that there is still substantial progress to be made in how breast cancer is treated and supported across the country.
These statistics reflect a widespread understanding that the current system is fragmented and inequitable. Access to innovative therapies often depends on a patient’s province of residence, their ability to navigate complex healthcare pathways, or whether they have private insurance—a reality that contradicts the foundational principles of Canada’s publicly funded healthcare model.
Natalie Wilson, a three-time breast cancer survivor and passionate advocate, speaks from deeply personal experience. “It’s impossible not to think about recurrence,” she shares. “After everything I’ve been through, I know that every single day counts. Delays in accessing the latest, most effective treatments can alter the entire trajectory of someone’s illness—impacting not just survival, but also quality of life, available treatment options, and the emotional toll on patients and their families.”
Wilson emphasizes that equitable access must be non-negotiable. “No Canadian should face barriers to care based on their postal code or cultural background,” she says. “Every person diagnosed with breast cancer—regardless of where they live, their income level, or their insurance status—deserves access to the best possible treatments available. That’s not just a healthcare issue; it’s a matter of human dignity.”
The FAST program is a significant stride toward closing these gaps. By streamlining approval processes, enhancing coordination between regulatory bodies and healthcare providers, and prioritizing patient-centered timelines, Ontario is creating a model that other provinces may soon follow. The program focuses on expediting access to therapies that have already been deemed safe and effective by Health Canada, eliminating bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically slowed implementation at the provincial level.
However, Breast Cancer Canada stresses that while FAST is a crucial advancement, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. True equity in breast cancer care requires a coordinated, national strategy that ensures consistent access to diagnostics, treatments, and supportive services from coast to coast. Currently, disparities persist not only in drug access but also in screening availability, genetic testing, mental health support, and clinical trial participation.
Carson notes that Ontario’s leadership offers a powerful example of what’s possible when governments prioritize patient outcomes over process. “By acting decisively on both early detection and timely treatment, Ontario is driving systemic change that could redefine the standard of care nationwide,” she says. “But we cannot stop here. We must build on this momentum to create a truly national framework that guarantees every Canadian—whether in St. John’s, Yellowknife, or Victoria—receives the same high standard of breast cancer care.”
Breast Cancer Canada continues to call on federal and provincial leaders to collaborate on a pan-Canadian cancer strategy that includes:
- Harmonized drug approval and funding timelines across all provinces and territories.
- Universal access to genetic testing and personalized medicine for high-risk patients.
- Expanded screening programs that reflect the latest evidence, including earlier screening for those at elevated risk.
- Investment in rural and remote healthcare infrastructure to reduce geographic disparities.
- Culturally competent care models that address the unique needs of Indigenous, newcomer, and marginalized communities.
The launch of the FAST program is more than a policy announcement—it’s a promise to patients that their lives matter more than red tape. It acknowledges that innovation in medicine is meaningless if it doesn’t reach the people who need it in time. As Breast Cancer Canada looks ahead, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that no Canadian faces breast cancer alone—and that no one is denied the best possible chance at survival due to systemic delays or inequities.
In the words of Natalie Wilson: “Every diagnosis deserves the very best. Not just for some—but for all.” With Ontario leading the charge, there is renewed hope that Canada can build a future where timely, equitable, and compassionate breast cancer care is not the exception, but the standard.
