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A group of five people wearing matching yellow “It Takes a Society” / « Ça prend une société » shirts pose together

Our strategic plan: Leading the way

2026  - 2031

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  3. Strategic Plan

Watch: It takes a society to take on cancer

[Various images of hospitals and the Canadian Cancer Society’s Centre for Cancer Prevention and Support building]   

(0:00) Words on screen: Cancer is the challenge of a lifetime.

[Various images with a man in hospital, exterior of buildings and streets with people walking by]  

(0:02) Words on screen: About half of Canadians will be diagnosed with more expected as our population grows and ages.  

[Image of person holding yellow daffodil flower]

(0:07) Words on screen: The Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way to a future without cancer.  

[Imagery with researchers in a lab and people writing notes about their vision for the future of Canadian cancer care]

(0:12) Words on screen: Working together, we're saving lives, improving lives and driving collective action to make a positive difference for every person impacted by cancer.

[Imagery of researchers looking at a monitor screen and microscope and a Wheels of Hope car driving and more researchers in a lab]

(0:20) Words on screen: The most critical issues like improving access to care, developing more effective treatments, finding cancer earlier - these are challenges we can face together.

[Imagery of researcher in a lab, Canadian Cancer Society staff advocates walking outside, a CCS employee helping a client and two people holding hands]

(0:29) Words on screen: It takes Canada's brightest science and boldest ideas. Courageous advocates championing better health for all. Caring hearts and helping hands to ensure no one faces cancer alone.

[Visual of CCS staff holding up signs that make a daffodil flower]

(0:39) Words on screen: It takes a society and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way.

[(0:44) Visual of the Canadian Cancer Society logo and the words “It takes a society” appear on screen.]  

Leading the way to a future without cancer

For Canadians, cancer is the leading cause of death. Two in five will be diagnosed and although tremendous progress has been made, the challenge grows as our population ages and expands, and the environment that we live in shapes our health.

We recognize the complexity and scale of the problem, and we are working together to meet it head on. We are here to lead the way to a future without cancer.

Our strategic plan is a commitment to courageous impact.

Together we can save lives, improve lives and drive collective action to make a difference for everyone affected by cancer.

Our plan has been shaped by the voices and experiences of thousands of people—patients, caregivers, experts, supporters and partner organizations. Their valuable insights have guided us, reflecting the greatest opportunities for impact and the real needs and courage of Canadians. 
Read our 2026-2031 strategic plan

Our goals

A research technician works with a pipette inside a laboratory biosafety cabinet.

Increase cancer survival

Across Canada, people have told us their top priority is helping more individuals survive cancer. Thanks to investments in cancer research and early detection, five-year cancer survival rates have increased steadily from 25% in the 1940s to 64% today—but there’s much more to be done. 

We are committed to ensuring that every person diagnosed with cancer has the best chance of surviving and thriving. Our strategy focuses on: 

  • Accelerating research and clinical trials for improved detection and treatment 
  • Ensuring faster access to effective, affordable cancer care detection and treatment 
  • Boosting participation in screening and early detection programs 
A scientist in a lab coat looks through a microscope at a laboratory workstation.

Stop cancer before it starts

The most powerful way to save lives is by preventing cancer before it begins. Biology, behaviours and environment all play a significant role in cancer risk. We know that 40% of cancers are preventable and we are learning more every day. Our prevention strategy includes:

  • Investing in research and clinical trials focused on prevention
  • Advocating for policies that reduce cancer risk and exposure to carcinogens
  • Building public awareness so people can make informed choices to protect their health 
wo adults and two children lie side by side on a wooden dock overlooking a calm lake surrounded by forested hills.

Improve the lives of people affected by cancer

From diagnosis through treatment to life beyond cancer, we ensure no one faces cancer alone—regardless of who they are, what type of cancer they have or where they live. We are dedicated to enhancing the lives of people affected by cancer through comprehensive information and support. We will focus on: 

  • Providing equitable access to affordable support
  • Delivering trusted, reliable cancer information
  • Funding research to improve quality of life and deepen our understanding of survivorship 
Tyler Cook, cancer free
Research funded by the Canadian Cancer Society and preventative surgery saved mine and my sister's life.
Tyler Cook, Cancer survivor

Ways to support

Your participation is vital in achieving the aspirations of our 2026–2031 strategic plan.  

With your support, we can accelerate progress, drive innovation and bring hope to every person affected by cancer in Canada. Together, we can save and improve more lives.  

Ways to get involved

Past strategic plans

2021-2025