In the Canadian Cancer Society, we have come a long way in controlling cancer. Just think! When the CCS was formed in 1938, a person diagnosed with cancer had only a 20% likelihood of becoming a cancer survivor. Today it is better than 60%, and for certain cancers like childhood leukemia, the statistics are closer to 85%.
But, clearly, this isn’t good enough. We know that if nothing changes, in the next 20 years, the number of new cancer cases will increase by as much as 60%, mainly due to the growth and aging of our population.
In the Canadian Cancer Society, we refuse to accept these dire projections as inevitable! On the contrary, we are resolved to do everything we can to reduce the incidence of cancer, improve survival rates still further, and improve the quality of life of people who get cancer.
And how will we do this?
On January 23, 2009, our Board approved a new five year strategic plan–and not a moment too soon.
These uncertain financial times demand, more than every before, a clear vision for the future in funding excellence in cancer research, and in providing important support programs and innovative prevention initiatives.
The title of our new plan says it all. MANY VOICES, ONE MISSION describes how we developed the plan with extensive consultation, and how we will implement it with the help of our donors.
There are numerous highlights in the plan. Some of my personal favourites include:
-INSTITUTING A CENTRE FOR CANCER PREVENTION–A number of organizations talk bout the importance of prevention. In the Canadian Cancer Society, we do more than talk. We will add to our already strong track record in prevention by making a substantial financial commitment to creating a world-class Centre for Cancer Prevention right here in Vancouver. As many of you know, at least 50% of cancers could be prevented.  The sooner we can make the centre a reality, the better.
-HELPING CANCER PATIENTS BECOME POST CANCER THRIVERS–Many cancer patients have told us that they want to do more than just survive cancer. They aspire to become post cancer thrivers. Many of our prevention and support initiatives can help cancer patients do just that. We want to assist cancer patients in empowering themselves to be as proactive as possible in their own health and wellbeing.
-REACHING UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN BC AND THE YUKON–For both our prevention and support programs we need to extend our reach to better serve such groups as First Nations, immigrants, residents of the North, etc. Unfortunately, cancer affects us all.
-DEVELOPING A RESEARCH INVESTMENT PLAN IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PARTNERS–Several different organizations fund cancer research in BC. It’s time we all got together and agreed upon a co-ordinated strategy. Many of the partners have already agreed to this concept in principle. So, let’s do it!
In the coming weeks, we will have more detailed information on our website regarding our full strategic plan. We are excited about the future we wish to create and trust we can count on your continued support.
I have supported the CCS in the past and have great respect for the research and avocacy done on cancer issues. I beleive that your organization has been sidetracked from its core mandate to target pesticides. Why does the CCS focus so heavily on its pesticide prevention campaign when you clearly are in need of funds for greater causes. The science on pesticides does not support the CCS position. There are many scientists around the world that do not share the CCS policy on pesticides. There are however many environmental activists, including the two on your board, that use studies that are not based in science such as the Ontario College of Family Physicians 2004 Literature Review. You are diverting funds to environmental activists groups under the guise of prevention and advocacy that could be better used for research. Two of your board members are directors of CAPE and Toxic Free Canada which have no interest in cancer research or prevention but are funded by the CCS. I really think you need to revisit the value of the pesticide campaign and the two associated board members.