Pan-Canadian Cancer Research Strategy
April 2012 marks the beginning of the Partnership’s second five-year mandate and the next phase of implementing Canada’s national cancer strategy. The priorities and initiatives for the next five years are outlined in our 2012-2017 strategic plan, Sustaining Action Toward a Shared Vision. Our website will soon be updated to reflect the activities supporting the strategic plan. The information below reflects the priorities and accomplishments of our work between 2007 and 2012.
Planning and co-ordinating cancer research efforts for maximum impact
Many questions about cancer remain unanswered, but there are more ideas for addressing those questions than there are dollars to support the research . Understanding the cancer research landscape, as well as gaps and opportunities, is critical to optimizing research investments and using limited funds most effectively.
The Pan-Canadian Cancer Research Strategy was developed by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance(CCRA), a co-ordinated pan-Canadian voice for cancer research. It was published in June 2010 and represents the collaboration of 31 major cancer research organizations. For the first time, Canada’s cancer research funders are planning how elements of their work will fit within the context of a broader national strategy, taking into consideration shared priorities and leveraging the strengths of each organization to maximize available funds. This commitment to a co-ordinated plan by the cancer research community marks an important shift in culture. The landmark research strategy recommends 24 key action items across numerous areas of focus, including prevention, biological and translational research and treatment, as well as survivorship. As the strategy is implemented, existing partnerships will continue to strengthen and new collaborations will form to integrate valuable knowledge and optimize cancer research across the country.
Progress to date
- Through two of its 31 members – the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and Prostate Cancer Canada – the CCRA facilitated the launch of a prostate cancer project that is part of Canada’s contribution to international efforts to sequence cancer genomes.
- The inaugural Canadian Cancer Research Conference is planned for November 2011 in Toronto. The conference will bring together leading experts from all areas of cancer research from across Canada to exchange knowledge and share ideas.
- Annual publication of national cancer research investment reports to date includes:
- Pan-Canadian Cancer Research Strategy: A Plan for Collaborative Action by Canada’s Cancer Research Funders
- Investment in Cancer Risk & Prevention Research, 2005–2007: A Special Report from the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance’s Survey of Government and Voluntary Sector Investment in Cancer Research
- Investment in Research on Childhood and Adolescent Cancers, 2005–2007: A Special Report from the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance’s Survey of Government and Voluntary Sector Investment in Cancer Research
- Cancer Research Investment in Canada, 2007: The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance’s Survey of Government and Voluntary Sector Investment in Cancer Research in 2007
