Make cancer a priority for the next government

The Canadian Cancer Society presents its recommendations for cancer control in Quebec for the provincial election.

MONTRÉAL, Sept. 14, 2026 /CNW/ -- With the upcoming Quebec general elections on October 5, the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is requesting all the political parties to present concrete commitments to better respond to the needs of people with cancer and their loved ones.

"Cancer is the leading cause of mortality in Quebec, and accounts for 3 in 10 deaths. The province also has the highest cancer incidence rate in Canada, and according to projections, 67,000 Quebecers will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026. The political choices made today will have a direct impact on people who are diagnosed with cancer in the future," says David Raynaud, Senior Manager, Advocacy, at the Canadian Cancer Society.

This commitment is all the more necessary, given that the number of cancer cases will continue to rise over the next several years because of Quebec's growing and aging population. Faced with this reality, CCS is mobilizing the political parties to reject the status quo about cancer. CCS has drafted 3 key priorities for the political parties, which are to improve access to cancer care and services, invest in cancer prevention and reduce the financial burden of people affected by cancer.

Improve access to cancer care and services
"Everyone diagnosed with cancer should have timely access to diagnosis and treatment. The next government must reduce wait times in oncology and improve access to screening to better meet the needs of people in Quebec," said Dr. Denis Soulières, hematologist-oncologist and scientific and medical spokesperson for the Canadian Cancer Society.

Quebec must commit to putting in place an organized colorectal cancer screening program and broaden access to the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program for women aged 40 to 49. Equitable access to screening allows more cancer cases to be detected at an earlier stage when it's easier to treat, which can improve quality of life and the chances of survival for people affected by cancer.

"Quebec remains the only Canadian province without an organized colorectal screening program," points out David Raynaud. "The next government must commit to making it a priority." 

Beyond screening, more people must be able to access innovative treatments. Equitable access to a greater number of clinical trials in Quebec allows more people to potentially benefit from innovative treatments while advancing cancer research and care.

Invest in cancer prevention
About 4 in 10 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the public's health. Reducing the rate of smoking and alcohol consumption, and increasing the rates of physical activity and healthy eating  are some examples of actions that can help prevent cancer or other chronic diseases. Investing more in cancer prevention and deploying policies favourable to health and wellness can significantly reduce the social, economic and human costs of cancer in Quebec.

Specifically, Quebec must put in place health policies to reduce the number of cancer cases, the burden on our healthcare system and social costs. For example, it is imperative to increase taxes on products that are harmful to health, recognized as the most effective way to reduce their consumption, and reinvest a part of this revenue equitably in cancer prevention and health promotion.

Reduce the financial burden
Cancer costs the average patient nearly $33,000 in their lifetime. A cancer diagnosis should not jeopardize the financial situation of an individual or their family. The government must act to reduce the costs borne by people affected by cancer and their loved ones.

Nobody should have to carry an additional financial burden to receive essential cancer treatments. Quebec must improve its program to reimburse travel costs to better respond to the reality of people living in rural and remote areas. Current criteria stipulate a distance of 200 km or less, which as an example is the distance between Montreal and Gatineau, and exclude many essential trips for care and create unfairness in treatment access.

Caregivers who support people with cancer during their journey also face financial challenges. Quebec must do more to prevent the impoverishment of people with cancer and their loved ones. The next government must adapt the tax credit for people with disabilities and caregivers to the reality of cancer. Currently, to obtain it, a person must be considered invalid for at least 12 consecutive months, but the average duration of cancer treatments is about 8 months.

For more information on CCS's recommendations, visit cancer.ca.

About the Canadian Cancer Society   
The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

For more information or interview requests:Vanessa Boucher, Director, PR and Public Affairs, 514 432-3587, [email protected]