A message from our national chair

At the beginning of our 75th Anniversary year, I took some time to reflect on how fortunate we are at the Society to have volunteers, staff and donors who are so dedicated to our goal of preventing cancer, saving lives and supporting those living with the disease.

Since 1938, we’ve collaborated with Canadians, government and other organizations to change cancer forever. Today, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least 5 years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, survival was about 25%. We’re proud to have played a significant role in this progress by funding ground-breaking research and providing information and support to Canadians living with the disease. I encourage you to explore our 75th Anniversary website to learn about some of the key people, places and things that have helped us to have more impact, against more cancers, in more communities, than any other cancer charity in Canada.

It is a privilege for me as national chair of the Society’s Board of Directors to work with 140,000 volunteers, 1,200 staff members and over 1.5 million generous donors across the country. Join us in the fight for life by making the Canadian Cancer Society your charity of choice.

While great progress has been made, much work remains to be done. Last year alone, an estimated 186,000 Canadians heard the words, “You’ve got cancer.” Help save the lives of those who mean the most to you by becoming a volunteer or donor today!

Marc Généreux
Chair, Canadian Cancer Society Board of Directors

A message from our local chair

France Desharnais I begin my mandate as the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS), Quebec Division, just as the CCS is celebrating its 75th anniversary. I am proud and eager to work with an organization that makes a real impact in the fight against cancer – an organization that stands out thanks to its scope, expertise, and experience.

Our vision is clear: to create a world in which no one will fear cancer. To realize this vision, we lead the fight on all fronts. For the past 75 years, we have been relentless in our commitment to prevent cancer, fund very promising research projects, and provide people living with cancer with the information and support they so keenly need.

Over the past decades, immense progress has been achieved. Today, over 60% of people who are diagnosed with cancer survive, while in the 1940s, the survival rate was only about 25%. We know more about what causes cancer, the way the disease develops, and the best ways to treat it and enhance the quality of life of people touched by it. There is, however, still much to do. Cancer remains the leading cause of death across the country, and more than one person in three is likely to have cancer in his or her lifetime.

The CCS’s strength lies in the commitment shown by its 30,000 volunteers, 300,000 donors, and nearly 200 employees who work in 14 regional offices and 24 service centres to be closer to people all across Quebec. Thanks to their unfailing support and our researchers’ tenacity, we can continue our fight so that fewer Canadians are diagnosed with the disease and more survive, while enjoying genuine quality of life.

Join us in the fight for life.

France Desharnais
Chair, Board of Directors