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FAQ's
What is Rethink Breast Cancer
In legal terms, Rethink Breast Cancer is a registered charity (89217 6116RR0001). What sets us apart is our dedication to thinking differently about how to beat breast cancer. Rethink Breast Cancer exists to fund an innovative breast cancer research program, while working to transform attitudes and reach those who feel unaffected by the cause by communicating about breast cancer through creative and unconventional means.
How is Rethink different from other breast cancer charities?
Rethink Breast Cancer fills a unique niche in the world of breast cancer organizations in Canada by hosting dynamic fashion, music and fitness events to attract the attention of people under 40, spreading the important messages of breast cancer to a new audience. In addition to spearheading a unique breast health awareness movement, Rethink has brought together some of Canada’s leading scientists to develop a unique and much-needed research program—one focused on cultivating the talent of bright, new breast cancer researchers. Only by bringing new minds into the fight and providing for the training of new investigators can we ensure Canada has the human resources required to fight the disease. Rethink’s Training Awards allow researchers early in their careers to receive vital training in breast cancer research. Innovations of Rethink’s program include funding for a longer period of time (2-4 years vs standard 1-2) as well as funds for consumables. As a result, the trainee sees a project through from start to finish and gets practical experience planning and executing longer-term research goals, managing budgets etc. Rethink’s program also strives to increase the number of MDs (Clinician Scientists) engaging in breast cancer research in Canada. There is practically no funding in Canada for MDs coming out of residencies in oncology, radiation, surgery etc. who are interested in pursing breast cancer research. MDs have an intimate awareness of patient issues and therefore bring a unique perspective to breast cancer research, asking questions that have more relevance to breast cancer patients.
Why are there so many different breast cancer charities in Canada?
There are many facets to fighting breast cancer — research, awareness, education, treatment and support for women with breast cancer, advocacy. Naturally there are many organizations that emphasize their support toward one or several of these facets. The number of charities devoted to fighting breast cancer both at a national and local level clearly reflects the huge public concern about the disease. Rethink is interested in fostering partnerships between breast cancer organizations both in Canada and worldwide to share resources and information. Rethink promotes an open, collaborative approach and welcomes input from other interested organizations and individuals that share our vision.
What are Rethink’s fundraising goals?
Rethink has set a realistic but aggressive goal of raising 1.5 million dollars in 2008.
How does Rethink raise its funds?
Rethink raises funds through our own special events, corporate sponsorship, donations (including on-line giving) and third-party fundraising events. Our fundraising mix does not include government grants or any government funding. Rethink maintains the highest respect for its donors and members and makes decisions with this in mind. Fundraising activities are organized with the highest ethical standards in the field of fundraising by people dedicated to the cause. Funds are not raised through event planners, promoters or fundraising firms (telemarketing etc.) looking for percentage-based compensation. Rethink is a volunteer-driven organization. Rethink volunteers play a vital role in raising funds for our research and building awareness of breast cancer in their local area.
Where does the money needed go?
The funds will go to cutting edge peer-reviewed Canadian breast cancer research. Rethink’s priority research issues are: - Increasing the number of breast cancer researchers in Canada by facilitating the transition from Post-Doctoral Fellow (PDF) to an independent research scientist;
- Increasing the number of Physician Scientists engaging in breast cancer research in Canada;
- Promoting translational research (directly linking results of laboratory research to the patient) in breast cancer in Canada.
In addition to funding research, we’ve been able to grow our Support Programs for Young Women who have breast cancer.
1. Support Saturdays - a flexible family support program that allows breast cancer patients who have babies and small children to share their concerns about breast cancer in a confidential manner with peers and an experienced professional facilitator. 2. ‘Peer to Peer Navigation’ program, a collaborative phone based support system for young women diagnosed with breast cancer. 3. BreastCancerNowWhat.ca website - an online information and support website helping young breast cancer patients across the country. 4. In November 2007 Rethink Breast Cancer was proud to co-present the National Conference for Young Women Living with Breast Cancer held in Toronto along with the Canadian Breast Cancer Network. Rethink Breast Cancer takes very seriously it’s responsibility to our donors and sponsors. To ensure high standards for performance and provide a tool for measuring operational effectiveness, Rethink measures the percentage of annual expenditures directed to the cause. This is one of the most common methods of evaluating the work of non-profit organizations, and it is called the good works index. According to charity watchdogs, non-profit organizations should strive for a good works index of at least 60 per cent. Rethink's good works index in 2007 was 65% and we are constantly looking for ways to increase that. Rethink actively monitors its administrative expenditure on a quarterly basis to ensure they are kept to a minimum. Administrative expenses were 8% of revenue generated in 2007, the Charity Navigator rating systems rates administration expenditure of 0-15% at the highest level for operational efficiency.
So how much of my donation stays in my community?
Some of the proceeds will assist Rethink in promoting breast health in your area or supporting young women in your community who have breast cancer. Your donation will also help fund important research into the disease and will ultimately aid those afflicted in your area with breast cancer.
Who is eligible for funding by Rethink?
Training Awards are available for individuals pursing graduate studies or postdoctoral research training with a designated mentor in a field of breast cancer research. The Award is also available for individuals pursing medical degrees or residencies that wish to incorporate research training in breast cancer as part of their overall program of study. In the case of a postdoctoral fellow, the candidate must hold, or be completing, a PhD and/or a MD. The proposed fellowship project must be distinct from the work of the mentor and the application must be prepared by the prospective fellow.
How do you select what research to fund?
The grant program will be advertised annually through research offices of universities and research institutes across Canada. We will send all the research offices announcements advertising the call for applications and directing researchers to the Rethink Breast Cancer website where they can download guidelines and apply on-line. Rethink’s peer-review committee comprised of leading breast cancer specialists and research scientists will review all requests for research funding to ensure the relevancy and practicality of the project and evaluate them for scientific excellence. After a rigorous evaluation of scientific merit and relevance, the peer-review committee identifies (ranks) applications that have the highest probability of eradicating breast cancer, sustaining health and improving the quality of life for those with breast cancer and makes recommendations to Rethink’s Board of Directors. Based on the committee recommendation, a final decision regarding the awarding of any grants is made by Rethink’s National Board of Directors.
How is Rethink accountable for the funds it allocates to researchers?
Rethink will be fully accountable for the funds it transfers to individual researchers and will only provide grants to researchers that our medical peer-review committee has ranked for scientific merit and relevance. Researchers who are funded by Rethink will be sent a Utilization Form, which they must complete at the end of the grant period. This form will require that the researcher report back on how the money was spent and what the findings of their project were. In doing so, they must provide a list of publications (medical journals) and abstracts (presentations at meetings) that arose from the funding Rethink provided to them and what individuals, such as graduate students, (if any) received training as a result of Rethink’s funding. They must also explain how they expect to use their findings to build upon and further their research program and obtain further grants.
Will the charity exclusively fund research?
Raising funds for breast cancer research is one of our three key charitable objectives. We are also funding pioneering awareness/education projects, particularly those that reach out to women that have been overlooked or underserved. In addition, Rethink funds much needed supportive care programs for young women battling breast cancer.
What is Rethink’s position on Breast Self-Exams?
Research has shown that BSE plays a small role in detecting breast cancer compared with self-awareness. The key is that women make sure they are familiar with the landscape of their breasts so that they notice any changes and report any breast changes to their health professional right away. Rethink encourages women to get familiar with what their breasts look and feel like normally in whatever way makes them feel most comfortable. For some women, this may be simply by looking and feeling when they are in the bath, shower, when dressing etc. Other women may find that examining their breasts in a more formal, structured way on a regular schedule such as through a monthly breast self-exam is a good way to know how their breasts normally feel and to notice any changes. As well as being breast aware, Rethink encourages women to take advantage of the services available to help catch the disease early. Rethink recommends women examine their own breasts in conjunction with annual clinical breast exams from their doctor and mammography (when age and risk appropriate).
Is mammography safe and effective?
Although decidedly not ideal, mammography is safe and is currently the best tool widely available to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages. Rethink recommends regular mammograms as a prudent course of action for any woman aged 50 and above. Women with a family history, other risk factors or reasons for concern should consult a trained medical professional about when to have a mammogram.
As a funder of breast cancer research, Rethink’s hopes to help develop more effective techniques for earlier detection of breast cancer. While x-ray mammography reveals structural abnormalities, it cannot tell a doctor whether that abnormality is cancerous. Recent advancements such as digital mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computer-aided detection (or CAD) and ultrasound provide options to examine breast structural abnormalities in new ways and bring doctors a step closer to detecting cancer without biopsy. These advances are exciting but much work needs to be done before they can be safely offered for widespread public use.
Are we close to finding a cure for breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a complex disease and it will not be defeated over night. However, we have seen incredible progress over the past 15 years and we must not lose momentum now. The speed of results in scientific research is always difficult to predict so it is hard to say when exactly we will see a real difference for those affected by breast cancer. Through advances in communication technology, it is easier for today’s researchers and experts to work together and share results and information, which should help speed up the process and make real improvements possible.
How can I get more information about how to help Rethink Breast Cancer?
You can reach us by calling us at 416-920-0980 or 1-866-Rethink or by e-mailing hello@rethinkbreastcancer.com. In addition, you can write us at Rethink Breast Cancer, 215 Spadina Ave, Studio 570, Toronto, ON, M5T 2C7.
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