Mandate

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer is an independent organization funded by the federal government to accelerate action on cancer control for all Canadians.

The Partnership was founded in 2007 as the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy). Ten years of shared effort has yielded results and key learnings related to effecting systemic change through unique modes of collaboration and improving the experience for Canadians with cancer and their families. Our goal is to translate what we have learned about the successes and barriers to change, into pervasive and impactful front-line policy and practice across Canada for the benefit of all cancer patients or those at risk of cancer.

Our efforts are collectively focused on the long-term objectives of reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the likelihood of dying from cancer and improving the quality of life of those affected by cancer. Our work spans the continuum of cancer control – from prevention and screening through diagnosis and clinical care to palliative care and survivorship – and cuts across that continuum with initiatives to monitor and improve cancer system performance and mobilize evidence to drive policy and practice improvements.

Central to this effort is influencing health system administrative structures and policies to meaningfully create systemic clinician behaviour change that measurably supports patient and family needs. Our goal is to ensure the system actively takes a person-centred perspective in quality program delivery. Additionally, our work will continue to focus with partners to understand the barriers and then implement practice and policy to address the unique needs of underserved populations who have not yet benefited equitably from the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. Our data tells us the health inequities are greatest for those living in rural, northern and remote Canadian communities. We also remain committed to working across all jurisdictions to assist them in implementing a culturally responsive action plan for cancer control with and for First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities – a key priority for the Partnership.