Message from the Minister of Health – Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated 42 percent of people in Canada will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and 22% will die from the disease. In 2026 alone, an estimated 254,100 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 87,900 are expected to die from it.

September 1, 2026 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated 42 percent of people in Canada will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and 22% will die from the disease. In 2026 alone, an estimated 254,100 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 87,900 are expected to die from it. In 2025, the economic impact of cancer in Canada was estimated to be over $39 billion. Many of us have been touched by cancer, whether through our own experiences or by supporting a loved one, and understand the profound impact it can have on our lives.

While cancer continues to affect the health of many individuals, there have been improvements in cancer prevention, screening, early diagnosis and care that are leading to better health outcomes. Due to these advancements, there have been significant decreases in the incidence and mortality rates of lung and colorectal cancer, as well as mortality from bladder cancer, in recent years.

This year, Canada reaffirmed our commitment to accelerate the fight against cancer, alongside G7 partners. As part of these efforts, the government is accelerating international data access for certain cancers, intensifying our fight against cancers with poor prognosis, and strengthening access to quality cancer care for all.

The Government of Canada invests in cutting-edge health research to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life for people living with cancer. Earlier this year, we announced the largest investment in cancer prevention research to date, along with partners, committing over $41 million to advance cancer prevention and early detection. Through this investment by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, researchers will explore a variety innovative ideas with the potential to reshape how we prevent cancer, including testing whether common diabetes and weight-loss drugs can lower risk certain cancers, investigating how early stomach lesions turn cancerous, and advancing the science of cancer vaccines. This work helps accelerate a future where prevention is more proactive, more personalized, and more accessible.

Budget 2025 also provides $80 million over four years, starting this fiscal year, to support the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network. Through this investment, the network will expand their database and collaboration to the territories and support the use of precision medicine in real time to inform cancer treatment.

There are many things you can do to prevent cancer, including not smoking or avoiding second-hand smoke, eating healthy, being physically active, and protecting yourself from the sun. Being aware of your risk of developing cancer, including your family history, and participating in cancer screening, are also important steps in protecting your health. The earlier cancer is found, the earlier it can be treated which can lead to better health outcomes.

Together with organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and the Terry Fox Research Institute, we are advancing our understanding of cancer, leading to better outcomes for Canadians.

Please join me this Cancer Awareness Month, to check in on your health, remember those we have lost, and continue to support a healthier future.

The Honourable Marjorie Michel, P.C., M.P.

Contacts

Alexandre Bergeron
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Health
Alexandre.Bergeron@hc-sc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Health Canada
613-957-2983
media@hc-sc.gc.ca