Progress Report on Cancer Control in Canada

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Introduction

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Canada. In 2004, an estimated 145,500 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Canada: 74,800 in males and 70,700 in females. The proportion of all deaths attributable to cancer has increased steadily over the last 80 years, from 7% in 1921 to 29% in 2000. It is estimated that the number of cancer deaths will surpass those from heart disease by 2006.

Why is a Progress Report needed?

This Progress Report summarizes cancer issues and cancer-related policies, programs and strategies across the country to help determine how well Canada is doing in its fight against cancer. Based on the most recent data available from Health Canada’s Population and Public Health Branch, Statistics Canada and other federal and provincial agencies, non-government organizations and cancer researchers, the report identifies trends and patterns in cancer incidence. It also highlights key issues related to progress (or lack thereof) in cancer control and care in Canada, and offers observations and conclusions aimed at improving the overall quality and efficiency of cancer control in all jurisdictions across the country.

Cancer control objectives

Cancer control aims to prevent cancer, cure cancer, reduce the suffering associated with cancer and increase survival and quality of life for those who develop cancer. It does this by converting knowledge gained through research, surveillance and outcome evaluation into strategies and actions. Cancer control initiatives are divided into four key activity areas: prevention, screening, treatment, and supportive/palliative care.

What’s in this report?

The Progress Report on Cancer Control in Canada is divided into six chapters: an overview of Cancer Control in Canada; Prevention; Screening; Treatment; Palliative Care; and Conclusions and Future Directions.

Cancer Control in Canada

This chapter offers a brief history of cancer control programs in Canada, a description of recent developments toward a population health approach to cancer prevention and a description of current efforts toward greater integration of cancer control activities across the country.

It provides information on trends in cancer incidence and mortality in Canada and compares Canada’s efforts in cancer control with those of other countries. This chapter’s key message is that Canada has made some initial steps towards systematic progress in cancer control with the development of the comprehensive and highly collaborative Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (CSCC).

Cancer Prevention

The information in this chapter deals with behaviours that cause or prevent cancer, with a primary focus on government efforts in tobacco control. Its key observation is that significant numbers of cancer cases and deaths could be prevented through healthier lifestyles, including healthier diets and regular exercise.

Cancer Screening

This chapter focuses on the use of screening to detect cancers early, when the probability of successful treatment is increased. It highlights the widespread use of both recommended screening tests (Pap tests and mammography for cervical and breast cancer) and screening tests for which there is inadequate evidence (PSA screening for prostate cancer).

Cancer Treatment

This chapter offers insight into current treatment patterns as well as survival and treatment costs. While it emphasizes that cancer treatment and outcomes are improving, it highlights significant shortages in many of the professional and technical disciplines that provide cancer care in Canada and the need to develop more comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for cancer professionals across the country.

Palliative Care

This chapter describes palliative care programs in Canada, as well as information on medical training in palliative care. It underscores the growing importance of palliative care as Canada’s population ages.

Conclusions and Future Directions

This chapter highlights the progress to date, and outlines the future needs of cancer control activities in Canada.

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