thecancercollaborative
lecollaboratoirecancer
MAKING CANCER A POLITICAL PRIORITY
Making cancer a political priority is a crucial step toward improving the lives of people living with cancer and their families. By raising awareness, engaging with policymakers, and advocating for change, you can play a pivotal role in ensuring that cancer receives the attention and resources it deserves.
Join us in this vital movement to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer Together, we can elevate cancer to the top of the political agenda and work towards a world where cancer is no longer the devastating force it is today. Join us in making cancer a political priority!
CANCER ON US AND EU AGENDAS
Historically, cancer has received alarmingly little political attention, with limited visibility on national and international agendas. Since 2016, politicians in the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) have strengthened their responses to the growing burden of cancer, investing and prioritizing research, prevention, and treatment initiatives to improve outcomes for patients and reduce the incidence of cancer in their populations.
For over a decade, cancer has been the leading cause of death in Canada and yet unlike other jurisdictions, there is no national cancer strategy in place to reduce the burden of cancer on health systems and Canadians. We acknowledge the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC), and its contribution to cancer control efforts since its inception. However, CPAC lacks the comprehensive approach and funding as well as the necessary political authority to implement policy changes. Falling short in comparison to other national strategies (EU Beat Cancer, US Cancer Moonshot Initiative).
WHY advocate
HIGHER INCIDENCE AND IMPACT
Cancer is a prevalent and pressing health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. The impact of cancer on individuals, families, and communities is profound, making it a significant societal concern.
LIFESAVING POTENTIAL
Ensuring that life saving treatments and innovations continue to reach those in need involves policy decisions aimed at improving access to these therapies for all Canadians. Including updating regulatory and reimbursement policies to expedite their availability and affordability.
ECONOMIC IMPACT
The cost of doing nothing has far greater consequences than the cost of any technological or clinical intervention. The focus has been on how much it costs to provide healthcare, rather than on the benefits that investment in an individual’s healthcare can provide in terms of quality of life and economic growth for both the individual and society.
PREVENTION AND EARLY DETECTION
Proven prevention and early detection strategies could alleviate the burden of cancer in Canada, for both individuals and scoeity. Preventing and in some cases detecting cancer at its earliest most curable state requires coordinated strategies, screening programs and policies.
REDUCING HEALTH DISPARITIES
Disparities, often rooted in socioeconomic factors, geography, and cultural differences, can lead to unequal access to preventive measures, early detection, and state-of-the-art treatments. Promoting health equity enhances the overall well-being of Canadians, reduces the burden of cancer on individuals, families, and the healthcare system, giving every Canadian, regardless of their circumstances, a fair chance.
COLLABORATION
Cancer knows no borders and a coordinated response amongst decision makers, policy makers, regulatory, HTA, reimbursement, clinicians, patient advocates and the pharmaceutical industry is needed to address this global challenge.