At the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), we are proud to share our yearly impact on cancer. This is made possible by our community of donors, volunteers, partners, supporters and researchers.
In our recently released Impact Report 2023/2024, we highlight how we made every dollar count – funding Canada’s best researchers and most promising clinical trials, supporting people affected by cancer and taking a stand on the most urgent cancer issues.
With the support of over 550,000 donors, 22,000 volunteers and 200,000 event participants, we were able to invest $108.9 million in our mission.
It takes a society to change the future of cancer and make a difference in the lives of people affected by this disease. Let’s break down 5 ways your collective impact made a difference in the last year.
1) Saved and improved more lives through cancer research
As the largest national charitable funder of cancer research, CCS brings together a community of people to help advance research progress – researchers, people who have been affected by cancer, healthcare practitioners and funding partners.
Thanks to our donors, we invested $44.7 million in cancer research and innovation.
These investments will help save and improve lives – going toward clinical trials, enhanced treatment to improve quality of life, research into cancer prevention and early diagnosis, and advancements in equitable and timely access to care.
To learn more about our year in cancer research, read our 2023/24 Research Impact Report.
2) Invested in innovation to make a lasting impact
Thanks to your generosity, we were able to support 223 lead researchers, fund active research projects, acquire new research grants and awards across the country, and help thousands of people across Canada access clinical trials.
This year, we involved patients, caregivers and survivors in processes that guide research decisions to ensure we are funding research across cancer types and making advancements in prevention, diagnosis, treatment and beyond. Thanks to your donations, the brightest minds can make a meaningful difference in countless lives.
3) Provided cancer information and support to over 18 million people
On cancer.ca, you can find trustworthy cancer information, supportive services, community stories and connections. In the last year, we provided information and support to 18.4 million visitors on the site. Through chat, email and phone, we were there every step of the way – from prevention to diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
In 2023, we also launched the Cancer Travel and Accommodation Services program (CTAAS), which offers financial grants, accommodations, and air and ground transportation for people receiving treatment.
To find out more about how our support services helped those facing a diagnosis, read our full report.
4) Led major policy changes across Canada
In the last year, we brought people across the country together to push for progress on cancer-related issues, leading to major policy changes across Canada. With your support, we engaged elected officials and policy makers with the help of people affected by cancer, impacting millions with our advocacy efforts.
We created Canada’s first federal all-party cancer caucus, providing MPs with important information from experts and people with lived experience, helping them support cancer care issues at the federal level. Our efforts led to several provinces committing to improvements in screening programs and participating in the federal e-cigarette tax to reduce youth vaping.
These were just a few of our accomplishments in 2023-2024. For more information about how we work with governments to take control of cancer, visit cancer.ca/advocacy.
5) Rallied and united communities across Canada in hope
From fundraising events to our Wheels of Hope drivers, to the dedicated supporters who helped us advocate for progress in cancer-related issues, we saw hundreds of thousands of people come together to change the future of cancer.
Our Wheels of Hope volunteers drove 4.5 million kilometers in 2023-2024, and countless volunteers supported CCS fundraising events, contributing to significant progress in the cause.
Learn how you can get involved as a volunteer at CCS.
We thank the event participants, donors and volunteers who dedicated their time, energy and financial support to the cancer cause.
We can only impact the future of cancer when people across the country work together and believe that any action, big or small, can help make a difference.