Why Canadian Cancer Charities and Researchers are Joining Forces

February 3, 2017, marks a significant day for the future of cancer research in Canada.

Today, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF), two major national community-driven charities, have officially merged together as a result of the rapid decline in donations.

This merger will allow the two charities to spread donor dollars further, which will benefit vital support services and cancer research. It will also provide better outreach for people who are living with cancer or are affected by the disease.

“Together, we are committed to doing things more efficiently, and our merger will redefine the cancer charity sector in Canada,” says the CCS’ chair of the board of directors, Robert Lawrie. “In order to continue our work towards our vision of a world where no Canadian fears cancer, consolidation is the most responsible option. It will allow us to eliminate expensive duplication of efforts and to focus our donors’ funding on cancer research, information, advocacy and support programs.”

The announcement of this major collaboration comes on the eve of World Cancer Day, which is dedicated to raising international public awareness of cancer.

According to the World Cancer Day organization, 3.7 million lives can be saved each year by implementing resource appropriate strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Now that CCS and CBCF are working together, the merger hopes to do just that.

New National Pilot Project Hopes to Share Cancer Research

However, the CCF and CBCF aren’t the only organizations in the cancer charity sector that are joining forces.

Today, The Terry Fox Research Institute, Princess Margret Cancer Foundation, and BC Cancer Agency have also launched a pilot project called the Terry Fox Designated Canadian Comprehensive Cancer Centres Network.

This network will be a national program that allows cancer research centres, hospitals, universities and their clinical laboratory programs across Canada to share data and clinical research with one another.

Initially, the network will specifically focus on colorectal, ovarian and prostate cancers. The overall goal of the new network is to improve Canadian’s health outcomes through treatment by precision medicine.

Why Cancer Rates in Canada are Expected to Rise

The advancement of cancer research in Canada is particularly important because research estimates that Canadians will have a 40 percent surge in cancer cases by 2030.

Currently, 1 out of 4 Canadians is expected to develop cancer during their lifetime, while 2 out of 5 Canadians will die from the disease, according to statistics from the CCS.

Want to join the fight against cancer? Visit www.worldcancerday.org to learn how you can help.