A new report from the Canadian Cancer Society shows the number of people living with cancer, or who have had cancer in the past, is now over 1.5 million.
In a statement Tuesday morning, the Canadian Cancer Society said the findings show improvements in survival rates, but also cancer's long-term toll on our healthcare system.
According to the report, at the beginning of 2018, there were 1.5 million people who had been diagnosed with cancer in the past 25 years.
"Investments in research are paying off in the form of better methods of timely detection and more effective treatments, and as a result, we're now seeing more people surviving cancer and living longer with and beyond the disease," explained Dr. Jennifer Gillis, Senior Manager of Surveillance at CCS. "There has been much accomplished for us to collectively celebrate but these new data also reveal that our work is not nearly done."
The figures also point to more cases being diagnosed. The statement said about 193,000 people were diagnosed with cancer in 2012, rising to about 206,000 in 2017. Today it is estimated that just under 234,000 people will be diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
The report also warns of the toll the number of people living with cancer or beyond cancer will place on the healthcare system. It warns "without new investments and supporting policies, our healthcare system will be under-resourced to keep up with the growing number of Canadians who will be impacted by cancer."
