Frequently asked questions

The following are some frequently asked questions about the Canadian Cancer Society. If you have a question that is not answered here, please contact us at webmaster@ontario.cancer.ca.

• What does the Canadian Cancer Society do?

  Thanks to the work of our volunteers and staff, and the generosity of our donors, we are leading the fight against cancer. We fight back by:

  • doing everything we can to prevent cancer from ever happening in the first place 
  • funding research to outsmart cancer 
  • empowering, informing, supporting and improving the lives of Canadians living with cancer 

  Find out more.

• What types of services does the Canadian Cancer Society offer?

  Our cancer information and support services are unlike anything else in Canada.

  We offer:

  • answers from our Cancer Information Service 
  • understanding from someone who’s experienced cancer
  • support from our online community of patients and caregivers
  • rides to treatment 
  • practical support for people at some treatment centres and lodges.
  • help with quitting from our Smokers’ Helpline
• How is the Canadian Cancer Society organized?

  Volunteers raise funds and deliver services through staff-supported offices across the country.

  Each province is a division of the Canadian Cancer Society with its own volunteer board of directors. The Ontario Division is divided into six regional offices, which offer administrative support to 30 community offices throughout the province. There are also 191 branches in smaller communities, which are run entirely by volunteers with support from their local community offices.

  Fundraising, delivery of services, local advocacy to promote healthy public policies and speaking engagements to educate the public about cancer and risk reduction take place at the community level. Region and division offices support the community-level work by developing programs and support materials and engaging in advocacy work with higher levels of government.

• How does the Canadian Cancer Society raise money?

  Dedicated volunteers raise funds at the community level. Each division of the Canadian Cancer Society is supported through donations from the public and corporations, including bequests and In Memoriam donations, as well as through fundraising events such as Relay For Life, Daffodil Month and other local special events.

  Where does the money go?
  As your best partner in the fight against cancer, we want you to be informed about how your donations make a difference. Learn more about where your dollars go in the Financial Q & A section of our Impact Report.

• What types of research projects are funded?

  The Canadian Cancer Society supports the most promising research in any forms of cancer in Canada. Research funding applications go through a rigorous review process by the country’s leading cancer experts. Find out more about Society-funded research.

  Is the Canadian Cancer Society annual report available online?
  Yes, current and past annual reports for the Ontario division are available online.