#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.

KNOW THE SYSTEM- THE LANDSCAPE

who’s doing what in precision oncology.

the organizations, programs and labs shaping precision oncology in canada, and which biomarker tests are publicly funded where. built from public sources and updated each year.

by province

explore the map

test access tracker

EXPLORE THE MAP

organizations and programs involved in testing access.

Explore the organizations and programs involved in assessing, funding and delivering cancer biomarker testing in each province and territory. Select national for organizations working across Canada

national

regulate & authorize

health canada

Health Canada regulates commercially supplied diagnostic devices, including companion diagnostic kits. Laboratory-developed tests created and used within an individual laboratory fall outside this federal device licensing pathway; laboratory oversight is primarily provincial and territorial.

assess & guideance

canada's drug agency (CDA-AMC)

Develops a coordinated assessment framework for molecular, genetic and genomic biomarkers used in cancer care, intended to inform adoption and funding decisions across jurisdictions. Also assesses companion-diagnostic testing requirements within relevant drug reimbursement reviews

research & clinical integration

genome canada

Funds genomics research and implementation partnerships, including projects to bring genomic testing into cancer care. Cancer related investments include testing approaches intended to improve diagnosis and guide treatment selection, not routine provincial testing reimbursement.

research & clinical integration

marathon of hope cancer centres network

Connects cancer centres to share genomic and clinical data, build research infrastructure and advance precision oncology. Its implementation projects examine how genomic discoveries can inform treatment and help bring precision oncology into clinical care.

clinical trials

canadian clinical trils group (CCTG)

Coordinates cancer clinical trials across participating centres, including studies of biomarker-directed treatments. Evaluates how molecular characteristics can guide treatment selection and improve outcomes.

coalition

beat cancer coalition

Brings patient advocates, clinicians, academic centres and industry together to advance timely, equitable access to advanced molecular testing. Its policy recommendations call for comprehensive genomic profiling to help guide appropriate cancer treatment. Run by Colorectal Cancer Canada

patient group

colorectal cancer resource & action network (CCRAN)

Convenes the Pan Tumour Biomarkers Conference to advance equitable access to biomarker testing and comprehensive genomic profiling.

advocacy

the cancer collaborative (colab)

Works to shape and influence precision-oncology policy, with a focus on diagnostic access and system change. Runs Precision Oncology Awareness Month, #KNOWvember, and brings patients, clinicians, policymakers and industry together to co-design solutions to testing and treatment access barriers.

one country, different pathways

KNOW THE SYSTEM. PROVINCE BY PROVINCE

Across Canada, provinces take different approaches to reviewing, funding and delivering biomarker testing. Cancer agencies, hospitals and laboratories also play a role in these decisions, shaping which tests are available and how patients access them.

what is circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA)

WHY IT MATTERS

ctDNA (circulating tumour DNA) testing looks for tiny fragments of DNA released by cancer cells into the bloodstream. This type of liquid biopsy can help identify genetic changes that guide treatment choices, particularly when a tissue sample is difficult to obtain. Researchers are also studying how it can track treatment response and detect signs of cancer remaining or returning after treatment. Not all cancers release enough ctDNA to be detected, so it does not always replace tissue testing.

where is ctDNA publicly funded.

TEST ACCESS TRACKER

help us fill the gaps

Help us build a clearer picture of precision oncology across Canada. If your lab, cancer agency, clinical team or patient organization is missing, or a listing needs updating, we’d welcome your input. Share who’s doing what in your province and a public source we can use to verify the information.

send an update

This map was built using publicly available information and may not yet reflect the full picture of precision oncology across Canada. We will continue to add to and update it as we learn more.

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.