Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2025
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to recognize the progress made in treatment and the hope that now exists for patients. Today, breast cancer is often highly treatable, and even in high-risk or complex cases, outcomes continue to improve.1 Advances in research and innovation have led to new options such as KISQALI®, Enhertu, and Itovebi, which are helping more patients live longer, fuller lives.2
Access to these treatments, however, is not equal across Canada. Since drug funding decisions are made provincially, some patients face out-of-pocket costs of up to $6,000 per month, while others receive full coverage. In underfunded regions, up to 20% fewer patients can access these treatments.3
As well, unlike other G7 countries, Canada does not have a national list of essential medicines – a tool often used to negotiate lower drug prices. As a result, we face some of the highest medication costs globally, with much of the financial burden falling on patients.
While advocacy groups push for faster approvals and consistent coverage, Critical Illness insurance can help bridge the gap. At Sutton, we understand how a cancer diagnosis affects every part of life. Our Group Critical Illness insurance provides a tax-free lump sum benefit, affording patients the flexibility to focus on what matters most—healing and recovery.
Get in touch with us to learn more.
Insurance Protection Options
Group Critical Illness Insurance
Critical Illness (CI) insurance pays a lump-sum benefit when the insured person is diagnosed with one of the covered conditions. Coverage is available for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
2 Health Canada approves Novartis' KISQALI® for HR+/HER2- early breast cancer patients at high risk of recurrence (2025), Novartis
3 Cancer is hard - accessing treatment shouldn't be (2025), Canadian Cancer Society