Most Canadians want to do more to support cancer research

Feb 4 2011

National survey examines attitudes to cancer research

When it comes to cancer research, Canadians want to do more. A national survey released today in advance of World Cancer Day shows that more than half of Canadians 35 to 69 years of age feel cancer should be a top priority for health research. However, the survey also shows that a similar number do not know how to get involved in a way that could be helpful to other people.

We have the answer and it takes just 30 or so minutes to sign up. The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project is looking for 300,000 Canadians between the ages of 35 and 69 to participate in a landmark Canadian study designed to help us better understand cancer and other chronic diseases, like heart and lung disease or diabetes. By following a large group of people over many years, researchers can explore how genetics, environment, lifestyle and behaviour interact and contribute to the development of cancer and other chronic diseases. 

"This type of research is often difficult because it is complex, time consuming and extensive resources are required," says Dr. Heather Bryant, Vice-President of Cancer Control, Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. "By joining this landmark study, Canadians will be contributing to the creation of a rich national bank of health information to help researchers answer fundamental questions about the causes of cancer and chronic disease for future generations."

Study participants will be asked to provide information about their health, lifestyle and environment, biological samples such as urine and blood, and physical measurements such as weight and height. By following participants over the long term, researchers will be able to build layers of information that will create a rich understanding of how all of these factors interact to affect health. It is much more than a single study: it is the construction of a population laboratory that will yield results for decades to come.

"Like many Canadians, I have been personally affected by cancer and have often felt powerless in the face of this devastating disease," says Jan Duff, a study participant. "By participating in the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project, I know that I'm making a simple contribution that could make a significant difference in cancer research, and prevent my children and grandchildren from ever developing the disease."

Most Canadians Want to Do More to Support Cancer Research
A new survey, conducted by Angus Reid Public Opinion for the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to mark World Cancer Day on February 4^th, found that virtually all Canadian respondents aged 35 to 69 (91 per cent) have been touched by cancer and three-quarters (74 per cent) feel that they are likely to develop cancer themselves.  While more than half of Canadians (58 per cent), feel that they can do more to help improve the health of Canadians,  a similar proportion (54 per cent) also feel that they do not know how they can help other people with their health problems, despite many (59 per cent) being interested in donating more time to health-related causes. While many Canadians in this age group (55 per cent) selected cancer over nine other possibilities as the top priority for health research, when introduced to the Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project, 80 per cent agree that it is critical for Canadians to participate in this type of study.