Message from the Minister of Health – Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated 42 percent of people in Canada will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and 22% will die from the disease. In 2026 alone, an estimated 254,100 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 87,900 are expected to die from it.

September 1, 2026 | Ottawa, ON | Public Health Agency of Canada

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated 42 percent of people in Canada will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, and 22% will die from the disease. In 2026 alone, an estimated 254,100 people will be diagnosed with cancer, and 87,900 are expected to die from it. In 2025, the economic impact of cancer in Canada was estimated to be over $39 billion. Many of us have been touched by cancer, whether through our own experiences or by supporting a loved one, and understand the profound impact it can have on our lives.

While cancer continues to affect the health of many individuals, there have been improvements in cancer prevention, screening, early diagnosis and care that are leading to better health outcomes. Due to these advancements, there have been significant decreases in the incidence and mortality rates of lung and colorectal cancer, as well as mortality from bladder cancer, in recent years.

This year, Canada reaffirmed our commitment to accelerate the fight against cancer, alongside G7 partners. As part of these efforts, the government is accelerating international data access for certain cancers, intensifying our fight against cancers with poor prognosis, and strengthening access to quality cancer care for all.