Cancer Action Now

23/01/2026

🗓️ Today, January 23rd, is International Integrative Health Day (IIHD) 🗓️

IIHD celebrates a holistic approach to wellness, blending conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies like acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and nutrition. It's all about treating the whole person – mind, body, and spirit – and promoting sustainable health.

Especially for those impacted by cancer, integrative health can be a vital support system. It helps manage side effects, reduce stress, improve quality of life, and foster resilience during treatment and recovery. It’s about adding layers of personalized care to your conventional treatment plan.

Let's encourage global dialogue, education, and collaborative research into patient-centered, holistic healthcare.

21/01/2026

Wednesday, January 21, 2026, is Bell Let's Talk Day.

A cancer diagnosis doesn't just affect physical health; it profoundly impacts mental well-being for patients, survivors, and their loved ones. From managing anxiety about treatment to coping with the fear of recurrence, mental health support is essential.

On this day, let's commit to:

Taking a moment for our own mental health (if you're a patient or caregiver).
Checking in on someone impacted by cancer.
Sharing resources and encouraging open conversations.

Bell is donating another $10 million to Canadian mental health initiatives, which includes crucial support for those facing the mental health challenges associated with illness. Let's make every conversation count. Visit the link in the bio to see how you can support those living with cancer.

16/01/2026

This , we need to talk about lung cancer – a silent killer that disproportionately affects our brave firefighters.

Shockingly, 1 in 5 workers who died from occupational disease between 2011-2020 were firefighters diagnosed with cancer. And lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada overall.

The difference early detection makes is staggering:

Stage IV diagnosis: less than 3% five-year survival rate.
Stage I diagnosis: over 60% five-year survival rate.

Organizations like Right2Survive are tirelessly working to spread awareness and improve access to lung cancer screening programs. Currently, only Ontario, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia offer permanent, organized screening. This isn't enough!

We must encourage governments across the country to prioritize and expand access to screening. Early diagnosis means hope, means survivors. Let's stand up for our firefighters and demand better health outcomes for all. Visit the link in bio.

09/01/2026

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

This month is dedicated to shining a light on prevention and the critical importance of early detection. Cervical cancer is largely preventable, and we have powerful tools at our disposal.

Here’s how you can take control:

Get Vaccinated: The HPV vaccine is a cornerstone of prevention.
Get Screened: Regular Pap tests and HPV tests are vital. They help identify cell changes early, often before cancer develops, offering a much higher chance of successful treatment.

Our goal is to raise awareness about symptoms, encourage regular check-ups, and promote these life-saving actions. By prioritizing vaccination and screening, we can significantly reduce the impact of cervical cancer.

Join us in raising our voices to advocate for the critical resources and improvements essential to saving lives. Discover how you can contribute at the link in our bio.

18/12/2025

Happy Holidays! 🎄✨

As the year draws to a close, we're sending warm wishes for a joyful and peaceful holiday season.

In the spirit of giving and community, we're taking a moment to reflect on a year of important progress in cancer care. We're especially heartened by achievements like the launch of Ontario's AAP/FAST program and the crucial bilateral agreement on rare diseases. We proudly recognize these as major commitments from government, proving that sustained advocacy truly makes a difference in improving care across Canada.

These milestones give us even greater hope for a healthier future. Our commitment to advocating for a stronger, more equitable cancer care system remains steadfast. Thank you for being a part of this journey!

12/12/2025

Canada's cancer care system needs urgent change. Are you a patient or caregiver with a story to share? Your experience can help us urge politicians to take and improve care for all people living in Canada. We're looking for powerful stories to highlight on CANA's social channels and drive real change.

Share your story and help save lives. 🔗 Link in bio.

03/12/2025

When it comes to brain health, the numbers don't lie: from dementia to stroke to depression, women are disproportionately affected. This is especially stark with brain tumors, where women account for a significant 58.7% of all primary diagnoses compared to men's 41.3%.

This isn't just a statistic; it's an urgent call for change.

The Women’s Brain Health Initiative created to ignite this crucial conversation and emphasize the urgent need for s*x and gender-inclusive research. This powerful framework applies to all serious illnesses, including cancer. We must look beyond averages and confront the unique biological, social, and economic realities that define women's health journeys.

Your Brain Health Matters! Here are 6 ways to prioritize it:

1. Move Your Body: Regular exercise boosts brain function.
2. Rest & Recharge: Get plenty of quality sleep.
3. Keep Learning: Stay mentally active, challenge your mind!
4. Quit Smoking: Protect your brain from harmful toxins.
5. Healthy Weight: Maintain a weight that supports overall health.
6. Stay Connected: Engage with others and your community.

Join us in advocating for research that truly understands women's health!

27/11/2025

It's Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and with Movember underway, we're proud to spotlight our alliance member, PROCURE.

PROCURE is a leading prostate cancer charity dedicated to raising awareness, providing vital support and information to those affected by the disease, and promoting and funding world-class research.

The statistics are sobering: every day, 18 men in Quebec and 71 men across Canada are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in men, often presenting without symptoms in its early stages. Men aged 50+, Black men, and those with a family history of prostate cancer or other cancers face the greatest risk.

We are confident that with strong political will and strategic investment, we can accelerate breakthroughs, enhance care, and save countless lives across all cancer types in Canada. Visit the link in our bio to find out how you can support this crucial cause.

21/11/2025

For World Pancreatic Cancer Day, we're spotlighting alliance member Craig's Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society, a national charity dedicated to increasing survival and improving the quality of life for every Canadian diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They achieve this through vital awareness, education, support, and research programs. Notably, Craig's Cause distinguishes itself by committing 100% of all charitable donations directly to these crucial initiatives.

Cancer Action Now continues to advocate for governments and decision-makers across the country to prioritize cancer care, with recent survey results underscoring the urgent need for action. Join us in this critical fight at canceractionnow.ca

18/11/2025

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer remains Canada's most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths. This devastating disease not only challenges the physical well-being of patients but also inflicts significant emotional and financial burdens on them, their care partners, and loved ones.

Lung Cancer Canada is an organization dedicated to supporting the lung cancer community. They promote early detection, advance critical research, work to eliminate stigma, and advocate for the systemic changes needed to conquer this illness.

Join us in raising our voices to advocate for the critical resources and improvements essential to saving lives. Discover how you can contribute at the link in our bio.

14/11/2025

📢 Cancer Action Now Responds to Budget 2025

This year's federal budget included important measures for Canada’s health system and for Canadians living with cancer.

✅ We welcome:

- Funding for the Terry Fox Research Institute to advance precision oncology treatments.

- Investments to attract top international research talent.

- Initiatives to improve healthcare access in northern communities.

- These are meaningful steps toward strengthening cancer care and innovation in Canada.

💡 Opportunities to build on these commitments:

- Accelerate access to life-saving cancer medicines, reducing wait times from years to months.

- Advance a pan-Canadian cancer data strategy to ensure equitable, high-quality care nationwide.

- Invest in domestic research and innovation capacity to retain talent and lead globally.

- Reduce interprovincial barriers so patients can access timely care regardless of where they live.


Cancer Action Now is ready to work in partnership with the federal government to turn these commitments into measurable, life-saving outcomes.

Together, we can ensure Canadians living with cancer have the best possible chance to live longer, better lives.

🔗 Read our full open letter in response to Budget 2025: https://canceractionnow.ca/news/?selected=open-letter-federal-budget

On behalf of Cancer Action Now, a national alliance of patient organizations, health charities, and life sciences partners, we welcome the release of the 2025 Federal Budget and the recognition it gives to cancer research and healthcare innovation as vital to Canada’s future.

27/10/2025

Join us this National Cervical Cancer Awareness Week as we celebrate progress and champion a future free from cervical cancer!

Take control of your health journey: a quick conversation with your physician about regular cervical cancer screening can make all the difference.

This week reminds us that while challenges remain in cancer care, our collective voice is powerful. We are confident that with strong political will and strategic investment, we can accelerate breakthroughs, enhance care, and save countless lives across all cancer types in Canada.