The federal government has announced more than $41 million in funding to support cancer prevention research across Canada.
According to a news release, six research funding organizations contributed to the investment, including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Terry Fox Research Institute, and the Canadian Cancer Society.
Additional contributions came from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, the Cancer Research Society, and BioCanRx.
The funding will support 19 research teams over the next five years as they work to develop and share new approaches to cancer prevention, reduce cancer risk, and improve early detection.
Researchers will focus on a wide range of cancers, including lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer.
Speaking at a press conference Thursday, Health Minister Marjorie Michel said better health care begins with better research and noted that cancer impacts nearly every family in Canada.
Dr. Kevin Smith, president and CEO of University Health Network, said projections show new cancer cases could rise by 77 per cent worldwide by 2050, particularly among younger generations, underscoring the importance of continued investment in research.
Under the funding breakdown, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research contributed $18.5 million, the Terry Fox Research Institute provided $10 million, and the Canadian Cancer Society contributed $7 million.
The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development provided $3.5 million, while the Cancer Research Society contributed $2 million and BioCanRx added $500,000.
Officials say the investment reinforces Canada’s commitment to remaining a global leader in cancer research at a time when the international research landscape faces increasing strain.