Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 2025

BRCA Awareness and Education Society (“BRCAinBC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a nonprofit society based in British Columbia, Canada. We are committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who engage with our educational programs, community initiatives, and website. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) of British Columbia, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) of Canada, and other applicable privacy laws.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that is relevant to our nonprofit mission of education, awareness, and support around hereditary cancer risk. The information we collect may include:

  • Personal identifiers: such as your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when you subscribe to our newsletter, register for an event, or contact us directly.
  • Program participation information: such as attendance at educational sessions, event registration, or participation in peer support activities.
  • Demographic information: such as age range, gender identity, ethnicity, ancestry, or geographic location when voluntarily provided through surveys or evaluations to help us understand who we are reaching and to improve inclusivity.
  • Health-related information: such as whether you have undergone BRCA genetic testing, test outcomes, or family health history details, if you choose to share them through our follow-up surveys or program evaluations. Providing this information is entirely voluntary and is collected only with your explicit consent.
  • Technical information: such as IP address, browser type, device information, and general usage statistics collected automatically through website analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics) to help us improve accessibility and content relevance.
  • Donation information: if you make a donation, limited payment details are collected and processed securely through our third-party processor (e.g., Zeffy). BRCAinBC does not store or access full credit card information.

Whenever possible, we anonymize or aggregate sensitive data for reporting or research purposes so that individuals cannot be identified.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information for purposes directly connected to our nonprofit activities, including:

  • Delivering information and resources about hereditary cancer risk, BRCA genetic testing, and related health education.
  • Coordinating participation in our programs, workshops, peer support, and community events.
  • Conducting surveys and program evaluations to assess the reach, accessibility, and impact of our initiatives.
  • Analyzing anonymized or aggregated demographic and health information to identify gaps in awareness or access and to improve program delivery.
  • Communicating with you regarding updates, newsletters, or upcoming opportunities if you have opted in to receive them.
  • Complying with legal and regulatory obligations under PIPA, PIPEDA, and other applicable laws governing nonprofit organizations in Canada.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties for any commercial purpose.

3. Sensitive Information and Consent

Health-related or demographic information is treated as sensitive personal information. We collect it only with your informed consent, and participation in any survey or data collection activity is voluntary. You may choose to skip questions or withdraw your consent at any time without affecting your access to our programs or support services.

4. When and With Whom We Share Personal Information

We may share limited personal information only when necessary to carry out our mission and comply with legal obligations:

  • With service providers: who assist with event registration, communications, website hosting, or donation processing. These providers are bound by confidentiality and data protection agreements consistent with PIPA and PIPEDA.
  • With partner organizations: such as BC Cancer or Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, when collaboration is required to deliver educational programming or issue charitable tax receipts. Any health-related data shared with partners is de-identified unless specific consent is obtained.
  • When required by law: to comply with a subpoena, court order, or other legal process.

We do not disclose your information for marketing, advertising, or unrelated commercial use.

5. Cross-Border Data Transfers

Some of our technology service providers may process or store information outside of Canada. In such cases, we ensure that comparable levels of protection are applied to your personal information, consistent with PIPEDA’s accountability principles. By using our website or participating in our programs, you consent to this limited transfer of information for the purposes described in this Policy.

6. Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to understand how visitors interact with our content and to improve usability. Cookies may collect anonymous traffic data such as your IP address and browsing behavior. You can disable cookies through your browser settings; however, some site features may not function properly without them.

7. How We Protect Your Information

We maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Only staff, contractors, or volunteers who require access for legitimate program or administrative purposes are permitted to handle personal data. We comply with the data security expectations of both PIPA and PIPEDA.

8. Retention of Personal Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Policy or as required by law. When information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.

9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you.
  • Request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Withdraw your consent to the collection or use of your information, subject to legal or contractual limitations.
  • Opt out of newsletters or communications at any time by using the unsubscribe link provided or by contacting us directly.

If you are located outside of British Columbia or Canada, you may have additional rights under your local privacy laws. We will make reasonable efforts to honor such requests consistent with PIPEDA’s accountability and openness principles.

10. Links to Other Websites

Our website may include links to external or partner sites (such as BC Cancer or other community organizations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites and encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

11. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy periodically to reflect new practices, legal requirements, or organizational changes. The “last updated” date at the top of this page indicates when the Policy was most recently revised.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our handling of personal information, please contact us at:

BRCA Awareness and Education Society (BRCAinBC)
Email: info@brcainbc.ca
Website: www.brcainbc.ca
Mailing Address: 7375 Angus Drive, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 604-732-0850

We are committed to responding to all inquiries regarding privacy and personal information in a timely and transparent manner.