With an estimated 1 in 2 Canadians developing cancer in their lifetime, and 1 and 4 Canadians expected to die because of the disease, there is still a battle to be won over cancer. Today, 50 percent of new cancer patients will be diagnosed with lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers and according to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer patients have a 60 percent chance of living for another five years after the disease is detected.
As February 4th marks World Cancer Day, here are 10 Canadian cancer charities taking up the fight to end cancer and support cancer patients and their families.
1. Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society is a national charity funding research for all types of cancer and providing support to Canadians affected by the disease. Sharing information about cancer, risk reduction, and treatment, the Canadian Cancer Society also helps fund over 300 research projects across Canada every year.
2. Save Your Skin Foundation
The Save Your Skin Foundation is on a mission to end melanoma. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, they work to support melanoma research and those diagnosed with the disease by providing emotional and financial support. Their team also educates Canadians on prevention strategies to protect their skin from the disease.
3. HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre
HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre based in Waterloo, Ontario provides wellness programs to individuals living with cancer which include nutrition programs and expressive arts programs among others they offer. Providing hope to those in need, HopeSpring Cancer Support Centre helps patients cope with the emotional side of living with cancer and provide services free of charge.
4. The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
On a mission to end cancer in our lifetime, The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation is known as one of the top five cancer centres in the world because of their groundbreaking research and contribution to cancer research.
5. Kids with Cancer Society of Northern Alberta
Serving children in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories, the Kids with Cancer Society of Northern Alberta provides programs and services to support families with children living with cancer and in remission. Their team also bereaved families who have lost children to the disease.
6. NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group
Working to increase awareness and provide information, services, and support to Canadians living with breast cancer, the NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group provides workshop kits for health workers, an annual retreat for breast cancer survivors, and a cancer support peer group, among other programs.
7. Movember Canada
More than just growing mustaches, Movember Canada is part of a global movement to support men’s health. Millions of men grow mustaches each year to support the cause and raise funds from their family and friends to support prostate and testicular cancer research.
8. Art Saving Life Foundation
Based in L’lle Bizard, Quebec, the Art Saving Life Foundation provides breast cancer survivors with art therapy to help them during their cancer healing process. Through their network of women who have lived through breast cancer, their team supports survivors through the use of art.
9. Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society
Supporting cancer patients in Northern Vancouver, the Volunteer Cancer Drivers Society eliminates the burden of driving to and from chemotherapy, radiation, and doctors appointments. Their team of volunteers provides dependable and free rides to 13 cancer centres, covering most of Lower Mainland British Columbia.
10. Young Adult Cancer Canada
Based in St. John’s Newfoundland, the Young Adult Cancer Canada provides support to cancer patients between the ages of 15 and 39. Offering activity-based groups both in-person and online, retreats, survivor conferences, and trained professionals providing individual support, Young Adult Cancer Canada has the back of young people living with and overcoming cancer.
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