April is Cancer Awareness Month
A Message from Scientific Director, Dr. Fei-Fei Liu

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. It seems that this disease has touched most of us in one way or another, whether it be ourselves, a loved one, a friend of a friend, a neighbour, or even a complete stranger whose story we read on the Internet.

April is Cancer Awareness Month in Canada. Today, there are 1.5 million Canadians living with and beyond cancer. This month, we recognize our countless researchers, health care practitioners, volunteers, caregivers, policymakers, and community members who continue to innovate and advance cancer research and care across the country. We also acknowledge the courage and strength of our patients, who motivate us each and every day.

The hallmark of Cancer Awareness Month is the Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) Daffodil Campaign, an annual initiative that aims to raise funds for cancer research and champion hope for the millions of Canadians living with and beyond cancer. CIHR’s Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is proud to be part of the Canadian cancer community, working alongside and in partnership with organizations such as CCS to support transformative cancer research in Canada.

It is clear that cancer transcends geographical borders, social identities, and cultural environments. At such a magnitude, a global collective effort is necessary to reduce the burden of this disease on patients, families, and healthcare systems. Transnational collaborations, interdisciplinary teams, and capacity building in research are just some of the key elements to this success.

This month, I would like to take the opportunity to highlight some of ICR’s collaborations in expanding and strengthening Canada’s cancer research footprint. I am excited to announce CIHR’s participation in TRANSCAN-3, a European Union led partnership to support high-impact translational cancer research. This year’s Joint Transnational Call is “Translational research on cancer epigenetics”, with an anticipated 24 partners from 19 countries. I encourage researchers in Canada to apply to this opportunity and continue making profound contributions to cancer research on an international scale.

I am also delighted to congratulate the recent recipients of the CCS Breakthrough Team Grants: Transforming Low Survival Cancers, an initiative led in partnership with CIHR. This program brings together interdisciplinary teams, including persons with lived/living experiences, to advance progress against six low-survival cancers.

Finally, ICR also recently partnered with the Cancer Research Society (CRS) on their Doctoral Research Awards, an opportunity dedicated to strengthening the capacity of our newest generation of researchers. Supporting our trainees is a critical component to sustaining Canada’s life-saving cancer research.

These partnerships are just a small reflection of both CIHR and Canada’s role as a world-class leader in cancer research and our unwavering commitment to collaborative and ground-breaking research.

I would like to thank every one in our community for their dedication to changing the lives of those affected by cancer. Let us continue to raise awareness during and beyond Cancer Awareness Month.

Sincerely, 

Fei-Fei Liu, MD FRCPC FASTRO FCAHS
Scientific Director, Institute of Cancer Research

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