BC's union of health science professionals donates $25,000 for breast cancer research

Health Sciences Association (HSA) President Cindy Stewart presented the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation this week with a $25,000 donation in the lead-up to the annual Run for the Cure, taking place across the province September 30.

The donation marks the fifth year in a row HSA has been a regional sponsor of the BC-Yukon Chapter of the foundation. HSA members play an integral role in the diagnosis and care of people with breast cancer, and the majority of HSA members are women.

"Five years ago, our union joined in this significant way the fight against breast cancer. In addition to the $25,000 donation, union members across the province are participating in the run and will add to the unions donation with donations they raise in their own communities," Stewart said.

Breast cancer is the leading killer of Canadian women between the ages of 35 and 54. One in nine women will develop the disease in her lifetime. Early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of breast cancer ... screening mammography and breast self-examinations are the most effective tools in early diagnosis.

"By sponsoring the Run for the Cure, HSA broadens awareness about breast cancer within our union and the labour movement at large, while advancing breast cancer research, treatment, and public awareness in BC," Stewart said.

The Run for the Cure takes place Sunday, September 30 in Abbotsford, Kamloops, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Prince George, Victoria and Vancouver. This year, Stewart will join the HSA team in the run in Victoria.

For more information, contact:
Miriam Sobrino, Director of Communications
(604)439-0994 or (604) 328-2886