2016/17 annual report now available

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer announces the publication of its 2016/17 annual report and highlights, Mobilizing Positive Change: Improving Cancer Control In Canada. In this year’s report, we chronicle the impressive efforts and achievements made in the past year, alongside our partner network comprised of hundreds of stakeholders across the cancer community.

The report shows how close partnerships with cancer agencies, governments, Indigenous organizations, health professionals, and most importantly, people affected by cancer, have helped us deliver results against the 10-year goals of the national cancer control strategy.

We thank our dedicated partner network for their ongoing contributions, and for bringing forward the breadth and depth of the expertise that exists across the country to support coordinated, system-level change in cancer control. As we work towards our 20 and 30 year goals, we continue to further the progress we’ve made since opening our doors in 2007, ensuring that our collective work carries the cancer control community forward for years to come.

We’ve highlighted some of the key achievements from the year below.

Increasing access to palliative care for children with advanced cancer

Under the leadership of the University of Toronto and The Hospital for Sick Children and in partnership with 15 of Canada’s pediatric hospitals, approximately 3,500 nurses and physicians were trained to provide palliative and end-of-life care to children with cancer.

Using a “Train-the-Trainer” model, regional teams of clinicians delivered the Education in Palliative and End-of Life Care for Pediatrics (EPEC®-Pediatrics) curriculum across Canada, covering topics such as palliative care, pain and symptom management, preparation for death, communication and planning, grief and bereavement support, and self-care for professionals. The project is one of the five palliative and end-of-life care projects funded by the Partnership’s Person-Centred Perspective Initiative across seven jurisdictions.

Improving transitions for cancer patients

For cancer survivors, the transition from active cancer treatment to survivorship care can be challenging. Poor coordination and communication between cancer centres, primary care providers and community care services can result in a less than optimal care. To better understand the patient experience, the Partnership facilitated the first ever large-scale study of cancer survivors in collaboration with cancer agencies and programs across the country.

The study captured responses from more than 13,000 individuals across all 10 provinces, with a focus on survivors over the age of 30 who were diagnosed with the five most common cancers – breast, colorectal, prostate, melanoma and haematological. While analysis of the data is still underway, preliminary findings suggest many adult cancer survivors struggle to have their physical, emotional and practical needs addressed once cancer treatment ends.

Using data to drive improvements

 Significant advancements were made to the practice of pathology with the support of jurisdictions, pathologists and professional bodies across the country. As a result of the unprecedented collaboration with the pathology community, two out of three pathologists across Canada now submit their reports electronically using a standardized data template. Electronic synoptic reporting has transformed the pathology practice across Canada, enabling pathologists to quickly transfer more accurate and complete diagnostic information to clinicians. The shift to electronic synoptic reporting has also made it possible to comprehensively collect and analyze 48 indicators that measure important factors related to cancer diagnosis and the delivery of effective cancer treatment.

Access the 2016/17 annual report and highlights

Mobilizing Positive Change: Improving Cancer Control in Canada includes highlights from key 2016/17 achievements. A more detailed view of the Partnership’s work is available in the full 2016/17 annual report.