US EditionCancer Incidence and Mortality Rates Decline Across Canada, but some Cancers Types Are Increasing
Researchers say population growth and aging will keep total cancer numbers high even as age-standardized rates continue to decline.
- On Monday, the Canadian Medical Association Journal published projections showing 254,100 new cancer cases and 87,900 deaths in Canada for 2026, reinforcing cancer as the country's leading cause of death.
- Researchers attribute these high levels to Canada's growing and aging population; a record 19.5 per cent of people were aged 65 and older in 2025, driving sustained cancer diagnoses and deaths.
- While colorectal cancer incidence is declining due to screening, "concerning trends" show rising rates for cervical, pancreatic, and uterine cancers. Lung cancer remains the top killer, expected to account for one in five cancer-related deaths.
- The Canadian Cancer Society is pushing provinces to lower the colorectal screening age from 50 to 45 to catch early-onset cases. Advocates also emphasize that elevating HPV vaccination rates could prevent cervical and head and neck cancers.
- Guelph resident Jason Ellis, who lost his wife Marilyne to cancer in 2022, embodies the disease's "tremendous impact" on families. Despite these challenges, experts note that advancements in targeted therapies now offer patients a realistic shot at a cure.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Cancer incidence and mortality rates decline across Canada, but some cancers types are increasing
A new study estimates there will be more than 250,000 new cancer cases and nearly 90,000 cancer-related deaths in Canada in 2026, reinforcing cancer as the leading cause of death in the country.
His mother died of cancer, then cancer took his wife. Last year, he faced his own diagnosis
A new paper published today in the Canadian Medical Association Journal offers fresh modelling that shows cancer cases and deaths will remain at high levels in the year ahead — including "concerning trends" showing a projected rise in multiple types of cancer.
This year, 254,000 Canadians and 67,300 Quebecers will be diagnosed with cancer. Together, lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers account for 47% of all new oncological cases in Canada, according to the study "Projection of the burden of cancer in Canada in 2026", published in the Journal of the Canadian Medical Association. The good news: screening and better treatments significantly reduce mortality.
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