2015 edition of Canadian Cancer Statistics predicts surge in age-related cancers

Publication features modeling of lung, colorectal and cervical cancer screening generated by the Partnership's Cancer Risk Management Model

The 2015 edition of Canadian Cancer Statistics, recently released by the Canadian Cancer Society, provides updated estimates of the state of cancer in Canada, with a special focus on future predictions to 2030. The number of new cancer cases in Canada is expected to rise about 40% in the next 15 years, which is largely attributable to Canada’s aging population, as well as predicted population growth. The age-standardized incidence rate for cancer – an indicator of individual risk – will not change substantially. In 2030, an estimated 277,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer, up from about 200,000 this year, and 155,000 a decade ago.

The 2015 statistics publication also highlights estimates of potential future impacts of screening for lung cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer generated by the Partnership’s Cancer Risk Management Model, a web-based tool that draws on multiple Canadian data sources to undertake advanced microsimulation to assess the costs and benefits of various cancer control interventions.

Modeling found that health care savings of more than $30 million could be realized each year if population-based cervical screening programs begin tailoring testing to take into account a woman’s HPV vaccination status. Findings from the CRMM also points to greater results from lung cancer screening programs when coupled with smoking cessation.

Read Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015.