Most Canadians will come face to face with cancer at some point in their lives. Approximately half of us will hear a cancer diagnosis, and many more of us will care for family or friends touched by cancer. On average, 617 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each day, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. More than 1.3 million Canadians carry genes that could result in a high risk of developing aggressive breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and skin cancers.

These statistics can feel overwhelming. With these gargantuan numbers – and the human survival and perseverance involved – it’s not an exaggeration to say that the needs within families, communities, and cancer-care institutions are immediate and urgent. No matter what type of cancer someone is facing and no matter what circumstances they and their caregivers face, they need resources, healthcare, and emotional and psychosocial counselling.

Though cancer care is often thought of as strictly medical or research, the needs of individuals and families impacted by cancer are much greater. People diagnosed with cancer and those living with the prospect of a relapse need practical, emotional, and psychosocial services throughout their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

How cancer charities in Canada are helping ease the burden

Canadian charities play a significant role in easing the burdens of this disease for patients, survivors, and their support networks. Charitable work, often performed by volunteers, includes programs such as:

•   helping families who have children with cancer and who are struggling financially;
•   counselling patients and their caregivers as they face uncertainty and stress;
•   running healing and recovery centres for those who can’t recover at home;
•   offering daily, urgent services, such childcare, respite services, and meal deliveries;
•   running wellness programs, as well as therapy and coaching for people receiving a cancer diagnosis, as well as their families and caregivers, many of whom are devastated by the diagnosis as well;
•   offering wigs and other personal care services to give patients a sense of normalcy and comfort;
•   fulfilling wishes of children with cancer;
•   offering hospice, palliative care, and grief support; and much more.

You can help provide critical support

CanadaHelps has made it easy to support the wide range of charities providing critical support to patients, survivors, families, and caregivers with the Confronting Cancer Together Fund. Donations made to this Fund are pooled together and distributed amongst more than 150 charities to achieve wide-reaching impact.

Learn more about this Fund, and how you can be part of Confronting Cancer Together. >>

Updated on December 8, 2021