St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador Oct 20, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - The Heather Cutler Foundation has officially submitted petition e-5186 to the House of Commons, addressing critical gaps in Canada’s pancreatic cancer treatment and care. The petition, which is now pending authorization by Health Minister Mark Holland, seeks to improve survival rates for one of Canada’s deadliest cancers by calling for streamlined access to treatments, better clinical trial availability, and the establishment of national guidelines for somatic testing.
Pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of just 10% in Canada, a figure that has stagnated for two decades. The Heather Cutler Foundation’s petition highlights interprovincial disparities in access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, and urges the federal government to address these gaps. A key task is the implementation of a unified national framework which includes both genetic and somatic testing, which could dramatically improve patient outcomes by matching patients with targeted therapies and clinical trials based on their tumor’s molecular profile.
“Despite advances that are happening in precision medicine, many Canadians are facing the reality that they’re living in a country where their outcomes are dictated by their postal code. That’s why it’s so important for the Canadian government to commit to supporting initiatives like the CRAFT framework, and Health Canada's clinical trial modernization to support long-term change--but also in the meantime to develop strategies for those that need solutions, now,” said Christopher Cutler, Founder of The Heather Cutler Foundation. “Our petition seeks to change that by pushing for timely approval of treatments and greater equity in cancer care across the country.”
The petition also addresses the delay in funding for critical drugs such as Onivyde, a chemotherapy treatment that has been approved in other countries but remains inaccessible to many Canadians due to prolonged negotiations by the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA).
Video: Bethany Cutler speaks to participants of Kicking PancreAS
Call to Action
The Heather Cutler Foundation urges all Canadians to support the petition by sharing it on Change.org. Once the petition is authorized and published, citizens will be able to sign it directly through the House of Commons e-petitions platform. The foundation remains dedicated to advocating for policies that ensure better access to pancreatic cancer treatment and improved survival rates across the country.
For more information on the petition, please visit https://change.org/TeamHeather
About The Heather Cutler Foundation
The Heather Cutler Foundation was established in May 2024, following the passing of Heather Cutler, a dedicated nurse who devoted over 35 years to her community in Newfoundland. Known for her compassionate care, Heather faced a tragic battle with pancreatic cancer, a disease often diagnosed late and notoriously difficult to treat. Throughout her journey, she and her family encountered significant barriers in accessing essential somatic testing and clinical trials, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change in cancer care, particularly in underserved regions.
In her final wishes, Heather requested that donations be made to Craig’s Cause in lieu of flowers, reflecting her commitment to improving cancer awareness and treatment options for others. Following her passing, her son, Christopher Cutler, founded The Heather Cutler Foundation to honor her legacy and advocate for better care for pancreatic cancer patients. The foundation was officially incorporated on October 11, 2024.
Just days after its incorporation, the foundation filed petition e-5186, which is currently pending authorization at the House of Commons. This formal petition complements a related Change.org petition, which has garnered nearly 500 signatures in support of its goals. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about the disparities in pancreatic cancer treatment and advocate for policy reforms that ensure better access to care.
The foundation actively engages in fundraising and awareness initiatives as "Team Heather", including the Kicking PancreAS event, which has raised a total of $14,000 over its two years, including nearly $10,000 in its most recent year. This effort resulted in a research grant awarded in Heather’s name, reinforcing the foundation’s mission to address inequities in pancreatic cancer care.
With survival rates stagnating at just 10% in Canada, The Heather Cutler Foundation is dedicated to driving national change through advocacy and education. Its core mission includes calling for the establishment of national guidelines for genetic and somatic testing, equitable access to clinical trials, and financial support for patients facing economic and geographical barriers.
Through its commitment to storytelling and community empowerment, The Heather Cutler Foundation honors Heather’s legacy by striving to transform the landscape of pancreatic cancer care. By fostering a supportive network, the foundation ensures that no one has to navigate this difficult journey alone, aiming for meaningful change that benefits future patients across Canada.
Media Contact
The Heather Cutler Foundation media@heathercutler.ca (844) 665-5137 7 Osmond Pl https://heathercutler.ca/
