Cancer Prevention Research Network (CPRN)

The Canadian Cancer Society leads the Cancer Prevention Research Network (CPRN), a pan-Canadian initiative that brings together researchers, healthcare practitioners, community members, policy specialists and those with living cancer experience to advance research that helps shape the way we prevent cancer and catch it early. We work together to turn evidence into action — through knowledge sharing, capacity building and collaboration.

Join our network

220+ members from 100 organizations across Canada

460+ attendees at our in-person and hybrid activities

83% of members said CPRN has informed their work and/or daily life

40% of members improved their understanding of prevention research

Healthy behaviours

Focuses on modifiable lifestyle factors—such as tobacco, alcohol, physical activity, diet, and HPV prevention—that reduce cancer risk. Emphasizes evidence-based approaches to support behaviour change and prevention.

Supportive communities

Addresses the social, economic, and environmental determinants of cancer risk, with an explicit focus on health equity and reducing disparities. Includes income and racial inequities, food security, occupational risks, and exposures such as sun and UV, air pollution, and radon, alongside efforts to create healthier and more equitable environments.

Early detection

Aims to increase participation in and equitable access to screening and early detection by advancing research, technology, and system improvements. Focuses on improving uptake, reducing barriers, and enabling earlier diagnosis, particularly for underserved populations.

Cancer biology & risk

Explores the genetic and biological mechanisms that influence cancer risk within the body, including mutations, genetics, microbiome, inflammation, and infections such as HPV. Informs approaches to identifying and supporting individuals at higher risk.

Co-designing solutions with diverse voices
Sharing knowledge in clear, actionable ways
Turning research into real-world impact in primary care, community, policy, and provincial health initiatives
Encouraging collaboration across disciplines
Embedding equity, accessibility, and inclusion
Measuring our progress
Build strong partnerships

Working with existing networks
Increasing pan-Canadian collaboration
Expanding partnerships globally

My CPRN membership has positively influenced my day-to-day work by keeping me connected to professional standards, ongoing learning, and a broader community of colleagues. Access to educational resources, updates, and shared best practices has helped me stay informed and confident in my role. Beyond practical knowledge, being part of CPRN provides a sense of professional support and accountability, which strengthens both my performance at work and my long-term career development.

CPRN Member

Activities

CPRN hosts dynamic, inclusive activities that connect people and ideas across cancer prevention. These events focus on co-designing practical solutions, mobilizing knowledge, and aligning research with actionable priorities in primary care, community settings, policy, and cancer agencies. We encourage collaboration across disciplines to ensure our work is innovative, impactful and meaningful.

Through these activities, we strengthen partnerships across Canada, working together to share ideas and move cancer prevention research from the lab to life faster—so more people benefit sooner. Each activity reflects our shared vision: to turning evidence into action to help prevent cancer and improve outcomes for all Canadians.

Sign up today

Healthcare professionals meeting at a table, reviewing documents and discussing care.

Sandy Dudych, patient partner and CPRN member

As a Patient Partner in the Canadian Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Research Network, I see tremendous value in including the patient voice in its purpose. Providing the patient's perspective is something I believe all cancer prevention programming should include. Our lived experience helps to inform the work as I believe it should be "with us" and not "without us" as we provide insights that are needed at the table that those who have not had cancer cannot provide.

Sandra Dudych, patient partner & CPRN & Advisory Committee Member

Engage with the network

There are many ways to engage with CPRN beyond presenting at a meeting. Whether you have a new resource, publication, project update, or collaboration opportunity, we’d love to help amplify it across the network.

Attend CPRN activities: Join our network activities like webinars and knowledge exchange sessions to learn from co-members and experts in cancer prevention.
Submit to our newsletter: Share announcements, new resources, publications, upcoming events, or brief project updates.
Participate as a speaker or contributor: Share your expertise, perspective, or project insights through one of our network activities.

As a member, you’ll gain access to our private LinkedIn group for networking, peer connections, and resource sharing.

To submit an item or start a conversation, email us: cprn@cancer.ca . While we appreciate all submissions, please note that not every item can be featured.

To access past activities and receive network updates, join CPRN.

Advisory committee

Each member of our advisory committee plays a key role in shaping CPRN’s direction by offering strategic guidance on prevention priorities and supporting key decisions for network activities. Members also identify new opportunities and emerging challenges in cancer prevention research and share their expertise to strengthen the network’s impact.

*Implementation Team Member

Erin Bussin (Chair)*
Annemarie Edwards
Robert Howlett*
Sara Schneiderman*
Michaela de Jonge*
Jennifer Gillis
Karen Kuzmich
Alexandra LaLonde
Judy Bray
Brandon Purcell
Sandra Dudych
Dr Trevor Dummer
Dr Cheryl Peters
Dr Lisa Gauvin
Dr Darren Brenner
Dr Robin Urquhart
Dr Naomi Pliamm

Help fund world-leading cancer research

With almost half of all Canadians expected to face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the urgency for funding is at an all-time high. Research holds the key to transforming the future of cancer.

If everyone reading this joins our monthly donor community today, we can keep up the momentum for life-changing discoveries to better detect, diagnose and treat all types of cancer.

Please donate today because every contribution counts.