BRCAinBC is a knowledge mobilization organization closing the information and support gap for individuals at high risk of hereditary cancer in British Columbia, with a focus on the BRCA gene mutations. We aim to drive positive change in healthcare systems impacting BRCA carriers and their loved ones through community capacity building and leveraging highly engaged, multi-sectoral partnerships.

Our vision is to reduce deaths from BRCA-driven cancers by 50% in the next 25 years.

This will impact an estimated 47,500 British Columbians who carry a gene mutation but do not yet know it (Manchanda et al., Narod, Cancer Care Ontario). In accomplishing this goal, we will establish British Columbia as a national frontrunner in hereditary cancer care.

We accomplish this mission by addressing barriers to the diagnosis through:

• Increasing public awareness of the BRCA genes and their associated risks,

• Identifying high-risk and underserved populations in need of targeted education,

• Addressing social, legal, and practical barriers to testing, such as genetic discrimination, and

• Advocating for equitable and expanded public access to genetic testing in BC.

We also aim to improve healthcare experiences and address gaps in care for BRCA+ patients by:

• Advocating for improved access to and reduced wait times for essential preventive surgeries, screenings, and treatments,

• Empowering patients with the knowledge to advocate for their health,

• Supporting patients in participating in cutting-edge, Canada-relevant research opportunities, and

• Increasing access to fertility options for carriers, such as pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT).

We will also ensure that patients and families know they are never alone by providing a supportive community and responsive resources throughout their lifelong BRCA journeys. Through these efforts, we believe we will be able to reduce the burden of BRCA-driven cancers for all British Columbians in this generation and the next.