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the cancer collaborative is a catalyst for change, where disruptive ideas and creative strategy come together to challenge systems, influence policy, and drive real impact for people affected by cancer.
#KNOWVEMBER
IS PRECISION ONCOLOGY AWARENESS MONTH
this month is about understanding the science that’s already changing the future of cancer care and the work we do all year to make it accessible to everyone.
why it matters
Precision Oncology Awareness Month (POAM) brings science, stories, and systems together to show how precision oncology is transforming cancer care. Throughout #KNOWvember, we’re sharing insights, real experiences, and tools to help every Canadian understand, and access, the power of genomic testing. Because knowing your genome isn’t just science — it’s a step toward better care for everyone.
KNOW THE SCIENCE
how biomarker testing works
from test to treatment to decision
ordering a test
1
Your care team orders biomarker testing to identify features of the cancer that may help guide treatment decisions
taking a sample
2
Testing uses tumour tissue collected during a biopsy or surgery, or a blood sample for a liquid biopsy
analyzing the sample
3
A specialist laboratory examines the sample for specific biomarkers, such as proteins or changes in genes
understanding the results
4
Your care team reviews the report to understand which biomarkers were found and what they could mean for treatment
discussing treatment options
5
The results may point to targeted treatments or clinical trials—or identify treatments unlikely to help. Your care team discusses the findings with you and explains how they could inform the next steps
what biomarker testing can reveal
Biomarker tests examine specific features of the cancer that may help guide treatment. Different tests can look for proteins in tumour tissue or changes in DNA, including tumour DNA found in the blood
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Proteins in tumour tissue
Some cancers produce high levels of certain proteins. A test called immunohistochemistry (IHC) examines tumour tissue for proteins (such as HER2 or PD-L1)
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Changes in genes
Tests can examine a single gene or many genes at once using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) uses this technology to look across hundreds of genes for changes and patterns that may help guide treatment
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Tumour DNA in the blood
Tumours can release fragments of DNA into the bloodstream, called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). A liquid biopsy analyses this DNA for changes that may help guide treatment, including through comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP)
Understand the testing, the terminology and the questions you can bring to your care team.
exploring the science
what is
precision
oncology?
How the biology of the cancer can help guide treatment, not just where it started.
which test does what?
Understand the differences between IHC, single-gene testing, NGS, CGP and liquid biopsy.
questions to ask
Eight questions to help you discuss testing, understand the results and ask what they could mean for treatment
the glossary
Genes, mutations, biomarkers and molecular profiles—clear explanations of the terms you may encounter
the people behind the testing
KNOW THE STORIES
People with cancer, caregivers, clinicians, researchers, patient organizations and industry share their experiences and perspectives—from what testing means for an individual to the work of making it accessible
'I didn’t need to find a cure for cancer. I needed to find a treatment for my cancer.'
gordon
'I have been able to experience firsthand the power of genomics'
catalina
'Never would I have believed it at the initial point of diagnosis that I would be talking to you right now two years later, feeling great'
yuan
KNOW THE SYSTEM
knowing the science is only part of the picture
Biomarker testing can help guide treatment—but people also need access to it. Across Canada, the way tests are assessed, funded and introduced into care varies between health systems.
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Understanding those differences is part of understanding what needs to change.
Bringing people, evidence and ideas together is how we help create change
Biomarker testing can help people with cancer and their care teams understand which treatments may be an option. Making it part of everyday care takes more than a test: it takes clinical knowledge, laboratory capacity, clear testing practices and funding that connects testing with treatment.
THE SYSTEM
need more specialized
information ?
for industry
Policy and advocacy resources, collaboration opportunities and ways to support accessible testing
for health system leaders
decision makers
Provincial comparisons, policy evidence and perspectives from people delivering and receiving care. Inform decisions with a fuller picture of implementation and its impact
why precision oncology awareness month (#POAM)
nearly every cancer drug in development now comes with a diagnostic test. the science is ready; understanding and access have not kept pace.since 2018, the cancer collaborative has worked to close that gap. this resource is independent, bilingual, free to reuse, and refreshed every year.
looking for support for a specific cancer?
our partners lead disease specific information and support
colab | #KNOWvember
independent, non promotional information on precision oncology and biomarker testing in canada, from the cancer collaborative | le collaboratoire cancer. reviewed and refreshed every year.
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