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we are not here to fit in
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systems change
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.
KNOWVEMBER
a month to know more,
and to be heard
understanding starts here but it doesn’t end in november.
#KNOWvember puts clear information about biomarkers and biomarker testing within reach, starting with people living with cancer and those supporting them.
whether you’re hearing about testing for the first time or looking for a clearer explanation, find information to help you understand what testing is, when it may be relevant, and how it can inform care.
this is more than a month long campaign. it’s a place to return to- for explanations, practical resources, different perspectives and information about access across canada. a resource for people with cancer, caregivers, advocates, healthcare teams and anyone who wants to understand more.
know the science
plain language explainers to make the science of precision oncology and biomarker testing more accessible
know the stories
real stories, real questions, real experiences from people living with cancer to those delivering the care
know the system
when you know how the system works, you can see what needs to change. here’s where to start
TAKE PART
be part of the change
share your experience in whatever way feels right to you, and be part of #KNOWvember, a campaign to bring precision oncology closer to everyone.
ask a question
plain language explainers to make the science of precision oncology and biomarker testing more accessible
finish the sentence
real stories, real questions, real experiences from people living with cancer to those delivering the care
share your story
when you know how the system works, you can see what needs to change. here’s where to start
not ready to share?
spread the word. download a #KNOWvember card and post it. advocate.
toolkit
one thing i wish more people understood
KNOW THE STORIES
this space. for you.
this space is empty on purpose. add your thoughts, experiences, reflections, desires, needs or anything else you want to share. as you share the space will fill up. help us create a collective space of what matters for you, whomever you may be. don't leave it blank !
YOU ASKED
your questions answered, in plain language
bring us your questions. let’s build a space to share and understand, together.
is biomarker testing the same as genetic testing?
not usually. biomarker testing looks at changes in the tumour. genetic testing for inherited risk looks at changes you were born with. sometimes a tumour test hints at an inherited change, and your care team may suggest a follow-up test.
read the full explainer →
what’s the difference between a tissue test and a blood test?
a tissue test looks at a piece of the tumour from a biopsy or surgery. a blood test, or liquid biopsy, looks for tumour DNA in the blood. it can help when tissue is hard to get, but it doesn’t always find everything.
read the full explainer →
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
NOVEMBER !2 BIOMARKER AWARENESS DAY
one day. one blank.
small card.
big statement.
on biomarker awareness day, we’re asking everyone, patients, caregivers, clinicians, labs and decision makers, to post the same card with their own words in the blank.
download the card, fill the blank, tag @cancercolab and #KNOWvember and #POAM26
everything you need to spread the word
SHARE KIT
FOR DECISION MAKERS
the blank we need filled:
a national strategy for precision oncology
precision oncology is already part of cancer care in canada, but there’s no shared plan for delivering it. testing is organized, staffed and funded differently across every province and territory, and it’s too often treated as a cost, not as the thing that makes the right treatment possible.
a national framework for assessing biomarker tests is a welcome step. but assessment alone won’t get testing to patients. this november, we’re asking decision makers for:
1
a national strategy for implementing precision oncology, built with the provinces and territories
2
the capacity to deliver it: labs, workforce, bioinformatics and data, so testing is timely wherever care happens
3
decisions based on value, not just cost: counting what testing makes possible, like better matched treatment, avoided harm and less waste
find your role this
#KNOWvember
help more people understand biomarker testing—and help make appropriate testing more equitably accessible across canada. bring your expertise, your community or your experience to the campaign and the work beyond november.
people living with cancer & caregivers
start with what matters to you.
find clear explanations about biomarker testing and questions you can bring to your care team. if you choose, share an experience or perspective to help others understand what needs to improve.
advocates & patient groups
bring people’s experiences into the access conversation.
help your community understand testing, share the questions and barriers people encounter, and bring patient priorities to the decisions that shape access.
for advocates & patient groups
providers
connect understanding with care. find patient facing resources, contribute your expertise, and help identify practical improvements to testing pathways, communication and coordination.
for providers
industry
help close the gap between innovation and access. support independent education, bring technical and implementation expertise, and collaborate on sustainable approaches to equitable testing access—during #KNOWvember and beyond.
for industry
health system leaders & decision makers
turn awareness into implementation.
explore the evidence and documented access barriers. connect with patients, clinicians and other partners to identify changes in policy, funding and delivery that support equitable access.
for health system leaders
#KNOWvember kits
why precision oncology awareness month (#POAM) #KNOWvember
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.
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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for industry