New data shows how Canada is progressing towards priorities and actions of the country’s cancer strategy

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) released new data today, in collaboration with the provinces, that showcases how different provinces in the country are progressing towards the priorities and actions of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy). For the first time ever, people across Canada can see how their jurisdiction is progressing against the Strategy, and also access information on local cancer control initiatives and outcomes.

The progress data is available on cancerstrategy.ca/progress.

This important work is a culmination of years of diligent research and extensive collaboration with our partners.

Understanding how parts of our cancer control system are performing will be highly valued by people in Canada, particularly those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

– Dr. Craig Earle, CEO of the Partnership

Work on measuring the Strategy’s progress was initiated in 2019, following the refresh of the Strategy which identified eight priorities with specific actions to achieve four goals in Canada: ensuring equitable access to quality cancer care, reducing cancer diagnoses, increasing cancer survivorship and improving quality of life for people affected by cancer. The indicators used to measure the Strategy’s progress were co-created with provincial and territorial partners, through collaboration with cancer care agencies and programs and people affected by cancer. First Nations, Inuit and Métis organizations have had an ongoing role in determining how progress on Peoples-specific priorities and actions in the Strategy are tracked.

“Showcasing the progress of the Strategy’s priorities and actions will allow for continuous learning across provinces and territories, including other cancer and healthcare organizations and community groups,” says Dr. Earle. “Developing and measuring these progress indicators helps us understand what we have achieved and what work remains in achieving our shared goals, including how we’re advancing Peoples-specific priorities, health equity and First Nations, Inuit and Métis data sovereignty.”

A total of 40 indicators were co-developed to measure the progress of the Strategy. For the priorities that apply to all people in Canada (Priorities 1–5 of the Strategy), each province identified goals and actions towards a common set of 25 actionable progress indicators with information that is relevant to their own jurisdictional priorities and initiatives.

For the First Nations, Inuit and Métis-specific priorities (Priorities 6–8), a working group that includes individuals from First Nations, Inuit, Métis and health data organizations was convened resulting in 15 relevant and meaningful indicator concepts that will be used to report on progress.

Learn more: cancerstrategy.ca/progress.