All Cancers

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide.

The Canadian Cancer Statistics, 2025 highlights that 2 in 5 Canadians are expected to develop cancer during their lifetime, and approximately 1 in 4 Canadians will pass away.

In 2025, an estimated 254,800 individuals will receive a cancer diagnosis, and 87,400 will pass away from this disease. 

Source: Canadian Cancer Statistics 2025.

About this Cancer

Symptoms

There are various symptoms caused by cancer depending on which region of the body is affected.

General symptoms can include:

  • Tiredness
  • Unintentional weight loss/weight gain 
  • Changes to the skin, including yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, persistent inflammation, or modifications to preexisting moles 
  • Difficulty breathing or recurring cough
  • Recurring muscle/joint pain
  • Recurring fevers/night sweats
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Differences in bowel or bladder habits

From: Mayo Clinic

Risk Factors

The International Agency for Research on Cancer organizes agents within 4 categories depending on the level of certainty that the agent can cause cancer. The infographic below illustrates the 4 different categories.

Source: https://www.iarc.who.int/infographics/iarc-monographs-classification/

Diagnosis

The following may be used to diagnose cancer:

  • Health history and physical examination
  • CT scans, MRI, Ultrasound
  • Biopsies
  • Genetic testing 

From: Cleveland Clinic

Treatment

There are 3 primary options for cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Alternative treatment options, including biological and hormonal therapies, might also be examined. Note that precise treatment plans will differ between patients and will depend on the type and stage of your cancer.

From: Cancer Treatments | Cancer Care Ontario

Resources

Resources for Indigenous Patients

  • Wabano Centre: Wabano serves members of Ottawa’s Indigenous community, from providing healthcare to mental health programs, cultural events and classes, and collaborating with social service providers.
  • Champlain Indigenous Cancer Program: This program was created to help improve the ‘ care experience of Indigenous people diagnosed with cancer, and offers various services. Visit the linked program for more information.
  • Indigenous Patient Resources: A host of resources, and toolkits for patients, and family members.

Latest research

All Cancer Groups

Canada

  • Prevent Cancer Now: Their mission is to “Build a Canada-wide movement to eliminate preventable contributors to cancer through research, awareness, education and advocacy.”   
  • Best Medicines Coalition: Their mission is to “seek timely access to a comprehensive range of medically necessary, safe, and effective drugs and related treatments, informed by patient-driven evidence and values, and delivered equitably and affordably to all patients in Canada.” 
  • Canadian Cancer Society: Leading the way to a future without cancer“, the Canadian Cancer Society “funds groundbreaking cancer research; provides a national support system; advocates for healthy policies; and offers trusted cancer information.”
  • Quebec Cancer Coalition – A Strong Voice for People Affected by Cancer: “The Quebec Cancer Coalition, a group of more than 70 non-profit organizations representing all types and phases of cancer from all regions of Quebec, aims to improve public health policy for and with people affected by cancer.” 
  • The Canadian Immunocompromised Advocacy Network: “We advocate for the health, safety and inclusion of immunocompromised people in Canada by offering trusted information, tools and collective action.”  
  • All.Can Canada: “All.Can Canada is a member of the international All.Can Group, a multi-stakeholder not-for-profit organisation working to improve the efficiency of cancer care by focusing on what matters to patients.”
  • The Ottawa Cancer Foundation: Their mission is to “support people living with cancer, their caregivers and their families by providing the most effective community-based cancer care, resources, and programs. “
  • Cancer Action Now: “Cancer Action Now is a national alliance of patient organizations, professional associations, and life science companies who are witnessing the magnitude of the problem our cancer care systems and its patients are facing. We have come together to call on governments to address the issues in our cancer care systems so that Canadians with cancer have a chance to live longer, better lives than anywhere else in the world.”