Cancer Remains a Major Health Concern
Cancer affects a large share of Canada's population over the course of a lifetime.
Federal health officials estimate that 42% of people in Canada will face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime, while 22% are expected to die from the disease.
The government says the economic impact of cancer in Canada was estimated at more than $39 billion in 2025.
Improvements Are Being Seen in Some Cancers
The latest federal statement also points to progress in several areas of cancer care.
Advances in prevention, screening, early diagnosis and treatment have contributed to better outcomes in recent years.
The government says significant decreases have been seen in the incidence and mortality rates of lung and colorectal cancers. Mortality from bladder cancer has also declined.
The statement attributes those changes to improvements in prevention and medical care over time.
Cancer Prevention Remains a Priority
The federal government is encouraging Canadians to pay attention to factors that can influence cancer risk.
Not smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke, maintaining a healthy diet, staying physically active and protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure are among the measures highlighted by health officials.
Family history can also be important when considering individual cancer risk.
Participation in cancer screening is another step highlighted by health officials. Finding cancer earlier can allow treatment to begin sooner and may lead to better health outcomes.
Canada Expands Cancer Prevention Research
The federal government is continuing to support research aimed at preventing cancer and detecting the disease earlier.
Earlier this year, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and its partners committed more than $41 million to cancer prevention and early-detection research.
The research includes several areas that could influence future cancer prevention. Researchers will explore whether commonly used diabetes and weight-loss medications can lower the risk of certain cancers.
Other projects will investigate how early stomach lesions become cancerous and advance the science of cancer vaccines.
Precision Medicine Gets New Investment
Canada is also putting more resources into precision medicine.
Budget 2025 provides $80 million over four years, starting in the current fiscal year, to support the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network.
The investment will help expand the network's database and collaboration to the territories and support the use of precision medicine in real time to inform cancer treatment.
Canada Continues International Cancer Cooperation
Canada is also working with international partners on cancer-related initiatives.
The country has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerate efforts against cancer alongside its G7 partners.
The federal government says these efforts include improving international data access for certain cancers, increasing attention on cancers with poor prognoses and strengthening access to quality cancer care.
Working With Canadian Cancer Organizations
The federal government is working with organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and the Terry Fox Research Institute.
The federal statement says this work is advancing understanding of cancer and contributing to better outcomes for Canadians.
What Canadians Can Do
Cancer Awareness Month also provides an opportunity for Canadians to review their own health habits and stay informed about recommended screening.
Avoiding tobacco exposure, maintaining physical activity, eating a healthy diet and protecting the skin from excessive sunlight can all contribute to reducing certain cancer risks.
People can also discuss their family history and individual risk factors with healthcare professionals and make sure they are aware of screening programs appropriate for them.
Looking Ahead
Cancer remains a major challenge for Canada's healthcare system, but improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment are changing outcomes for many patients.
Research into prevention and cancer vaccines could further reshape approaches to cancer prevention, according to the federal statement.
At the same time, continued access to screening and quality care will remain important as Canada works to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals, families and communities.
Bottom Line
Cancer Awareness Month is bringing renewed attention to the disease's impact across Canada while federal health officials highlight progress in prevention, screening and treatment.
Canada is also increasing investment in cancer prevention research and precision medicine as researchers and healthcare organizations continue looking for better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.
