colab
we are not here to fit in
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designed for
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.
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12
november
biomarker
awareness
day
in canada & the united states
understanding biomarkers is part of understanding cancer care. biomarker testing can help guide treatment based on a tumour’s biology—but people need clear information about what testing is, when it may be relevant and what the results could mean.
on november 12, we’re raising awareness, making the science more understandable and advocating for equitable access to appropriate testing across canada.
more people informed. more questions answered. better access
four ways to take part
1
learn something. pass it on
discover what biomarkers are and how testing can inform cancer care. then share an explanation with someone who could use it—understanding shouldn’t stop with you.
2
what’s one thing you’ve learned about biomarkers or testing? post it, send it to someone or bring it into a conversation. start with: 'one thing i learned about biomarker testing is…
tell someone what you now KNOW.
3
add your words
what do you want to understand? what do you wish others knew? add a question, experience or reflection to our shared space. a few words are enough.
4
help the conversation reach further
use our ready-to-share campaign materials, or explore the “what you can do” guide for people with cancer and caregivers. choose a way to take part that works for you.
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
ask
finish the sentence
real stories, real questions, real experiences from people living with cancer to those delivering the care
finish
share your story
when you know how the system works, you can see what needs to change. here’s where to start
share
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 !
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
biomarkers through a global lens.
in the lead up to biomarker awareness day on november 12, the cancer collaborative partnered with the cancer precision medicine commons (USA) to present three explore three short, patient focused webinars. each conversation brings together an expert panel to explore what testing involves, what results can tell you, and where to find information and support. watch at your own pace and share a session with someone who wants to understand more.
biomarker testing basics
what biomarker testing is, why it matters, when it is typically done, and how patients can understand their results.
understanding test results
common patient questions, interpreting biomarker results, and next steps in care.
patient advocacy resources
Support networks, tools, and guidance for navigating biomarker testing and treatment options.
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.
for people & caregivers
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.
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
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.
explore
for industry