Cancer prevention for healthier communities and healthier Canadians

After the successful completion of the  first phase and the subsequent renewal of three CLASP projects already underway across the country, the Canadian Partnership  Against Cancer’s  Coalitions Linking Action and Science for Prevention (CLASP) initiative is looking to support the implementation of new  prevention and early detection projects addressing  common risk factors for cancer and other chronic diseases. Applications for this three- year funding cycle, CLASP2, will be welcomed until March 21, 2013.

CLASP supports pan-Canadian research, practice and policy partnership models that implement evidence-based population health initiatives. Focusing on multi-jurisdictional action (in at least two or more provinces/territories), the program assists prevention and early detection approaches that have been shown to be effective, helping them to expand their scope and deepen the impact of their work, and share their knowledge with partners in other provinces and territories. By maximizing and accelerating adoption of evidence-based cancer and chronic disease prevention projects, including but not limited to population-based screening, CLASP is contributing to healthier lifestyles and healthier communities.

For CLASP2, experience gained through the first funding cycle initiated in 2009 has informed and benefited the development of proposal parameters. “We’re emphasizing the need for projects to consider how to demonstrate and measure impact and sustainability from the outset,” says Deb Keen, Director, Prevention and Research with the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.

Responsive proposals will be adjudicated by an external panel of experts from across Canada and possibly the international community. In addition to evaluating the potential for project impact in reducing the burden of cancer and chronic diseases on Canadians sharing common risk factors, and strategies for sustaining that impact, the panel will evaluate the knowledge transfer and exchange plans to broaden the reach of these efforts. Other factors, such as focusing on communities and populations that experience an excess cancer burden, including those in rural or remote regions, while not mandatory, will also play a role in the evaluation.

For more information on the process for CLASP2 applications and key dates leading up to the March 21, 2013 deadline for submissions, please see the open competitive bids page, under Procurement.