Complete guide to Canadian hospital cancer care — oncology services, national cancer screening programmes, CADTH drug review (pCODR), provincial cancer agencies, cancer survivorship, and oncology software.
Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Canada (28%). 250,000+ new cases per year. Provincial cancer agencies coordinate care. pCODR reviews cancer drugs. This guide covers Canadian cancer care.
Cancer Care Pathway
- Screening: Provincial screening (breast, cervical, colorectal) or symptomatic presentation
- Diagnosis: Imaging, biopsy, staging — target within 2-4 weeks of referral
- MDT review: Multi-disciplinary tumour board review for treatment plan
- Treatment: Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy
- Follow-up: Regular follow-up with surveillance imaging and tumour markers
- Survivorship: Long-term follow-up, rehabilitation, psychosocial support
- Palliative care: Symptom management and end-of-life care for advanced cancer
National Cancer Screening
| Program | Target Group | Test | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breast | Women 50-74 | Mammography | Every 2 years |
| Cervical | Women 25-69 | Pap or HPV | Every 3-5 years |
| Colorectal | People 50-74 | FIT (home kit) | Every 2 years |
| Lung (some provinces) | High-risk smokers 55-74 | LDCT | Annual |
Cancer Drug Funding
| Step | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. pCODR review | CADTH pCODR reviews cancer drug | 3-6 months |
| 2. Recommendation | pCODR issues reimbursement recommendation | Included |
| 3. Provincial decision | Provincial cancer agency decides funding | 3-6 months |
| 4. Listing | Drug listed on provincial formulary | Variable |
| 5. Access | Patients access funded drug | After listing |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the cancer burden in Canada?
- Cancer is the #1 cause of death in Canada (28% of deaths). 250,000+ new cancer cases per year. Most common: lung (30,000), breast (28,000), colorectal (25,000), prostate (24,000), melanoma (9,000). Cancer survival is improving — 64% 5-year survival for all cancers. Canada has provincial cancer agencies that coordinate cancer care.
- What is the Canadian cancer screening programme?
- Canadian cancer screening (provincial programmes): 1) Breast — mammography for women 50-74 (every 2 years, provincial programmes), 2. Cervical — Pap or HPV test for women 25-69 (every 3-5 years), 3. Colorectal — FIT (Fecal Immunochemical Test) for people 50-74 (every 2 years), 4. Lung — LDCT for high-risk smokers (some provinces). Screening is organised through provincial cancer agencies.
- What are provincial cancer agencies?
- Canadian provincial cancer agencies: 1) Ontario — Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), 2. BC — BC Cancer, 3. Alberta — Cancer Control Alberta, 4. Quebec — INESSS, 5. Other provinces have their own agencies. These agencies: 1) Coordinate cancer services, 2. Fund cancer drugs, 3. Operate cancer centres, 4. Run screening programmes, 5. Publish cancer guidelines. pCODR (pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review) reviews cancer drugs.