Frequently asked questions

The Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way to a future without cancer. 

We work tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to:

• Invest in transformative cancer research
• Provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer, and
• Advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. 

The Canadian Cancer Society operates as a single, national organization, allowing us to focus our efforts where they are most needed and create the greatest impact for people affected by cancer across Canada. 

We are a collective of people united by a shared purpose: leading the way to a future without cancer. 

This includes donors, volunteers, partners and staff working together from coast to coast to coast. We are guided by a volunteer board of directors, who provide governance, leadership and oversight, ensuring accountability to Canadians and stewarding our mission. 

Our work is made possible by thousands of volunteers who bring compassion, lived experience and community connection, and a dedicated staff team with expertise in research, advocacy, support, fundraising and more. 

Together, and guided by our strategic plan, we are focused on what matters most: saving lives, improving lives and driving collective action against cancer. 

The Canadian Cancer Society’s information and support programs play a vital role in making life better for people affected by cancer. From diagnosis through treatment to life beyond cancer, we ensure no one faces cancer alone—regardless of who they are, what type of cancer they have or where they live. 

We achieve this by: 

• Prioritizing equitable access to affordable cancer support; 
• Providing trusted, credible cancer information; and 
• Funding quality of life research to better understand the survivorship experience. 

If you have questions or need support, visit our cancer.ca/support or call our Cancer Information Helpline at 1‑888‑939‑3333. 

Thanks to our generous donors, dedicated volunteers and valued corporate partners, the Canadian Cancer Society raises funds to drive progress and support people affected by cancer. 

We raise funds through: 

• National and community events like the CIBC Run for the Cure and Relay For Life 
• Personal and community fundraising, where people turn their passions and milestones into impact 
• Generous donations and partnerships from individuals, organizations and corporate supporters who help power our work 

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Canadian Cancer Society funds a diverse portfolio of world‑leading research across all cancer types and the entire cancer experience – from prevention and early detection to treatment, survivorship and end‑of‑life care. 

We invest in research that: 

• Helps prevent cancer and reduce risk, so fewer people are diagnosed 
• Improves early detection and diagnosis, when cancer is easier to treat 
• Advances treatments and clinical trials, leading to more effective and personalized care 
• Enhances quality of life and survivorship care, helping people live well with and beyond cancer
• Addresses barriers to care and health equity, improving access and outcomes for all Canadians 

All research applications go through a rigorous, peer-reviewed process led by experts and informed by people affected by cancer, so we fund the most promising ideas with the greatest potential for impact. 

Learn more about our research and its impact at cancer.ca/research

Telefundraising is one of the ways the Canadian Cancer Society connects with people across Canada to raise awareness and secure ongoing support for our work. 

Through telefundraising, we invite Canadians to become monthly donors. These steady contributions help provide reliable, long-term funding for cancer research, support programs and advocacy efforts. 

This consistent support allows us to plan ahead, invest in life-saving research and ensure people affected by cancer can access the information and support they need, when they need it most. 

Learn more about our telefundraising program at cancer.ca/telefundraising. 

Unfortunately, impersonation scams are common, and it is important to stay vigilant when you receive a call from anyone claiming to be a representative from an organization. 

The Canadian Cancer Society uses telefundraising to connect with supporters across Canada and invite them to make a difference through monthly giving. 

We work with trained representatives from our internal teams and the following trusted partner agencies: 

• Inspire Direct Marketing
• Stratcom
• GlobalFaces Direct
• CanadaDirect

To help protect yourself: 

• The Canadian Cancer Society will never ask for sensitive information such as your passwords, PINs or social insurance number 
• Our telefundraisers are trained representatives, sometimes working with trusted partner agencies, and can answer your questions about our work 
• If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and end the call 

If you’re unsure about a call, you can always contact us directly at 1‑888‑939‑3333 or connect@cancer.ca with details (such as the date, time and caller name), and our team will confirm whether it’s legitimate. 

Cybercriminals use various tricks to deceive and manipulate people, including making their emails feel time sensitive or urgent, or including distressing or uncomfortable content that emotionally compels the reader to take action. These tactics are designed to trick people into clicking on links or providing sensitive information.

Here are some key things to watch out for in potential phishing attempts: 

• Unexpected or Unusual Emails: Be cautious of emails that seem out of place or come from unknown senders.
• Distressing Content: Cybercriminals often use alarming or upsetting content to provoke a quick reaction. If an email makes you feel uneasy, take a moment to question its legitimacy. 
• Urgent Requests: Be wary of emails that pressure you to act immediately, especially if they involve sensitive information or financial transactions.
• Inconsistencies: Pay attention to emails that contain contradictory elements, such as branding within the message that does not align with the sender's email address, or content that is inconsistent with the subject line.
• Suspicious Links or Attachments: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from emails that seem suspicious. Hover over links to check their destination before clicking.

If you notice any of these signs, stop and question the email's legitimacy.

Canadian Cancer Society fundraisers often connect with people at events and in communities across Canada. They are trained representatives who can clearly explain who they are, who they’re working with and how your support helps people affected by cancer. 

To help verify a fundraiser: 

• They should be able to identify themselves and explain their connection to the Canadian Cancer Society
• They should be able to answer questions about our work and how donations are used 
• They will never ask for sensitive information such as passwords, PINs or your social insurance number 

If you’re unsure whether a fundraiser is legitimate, trust your instincts and don’t share your information. You can always contact us at 1‑888‑939‑3333 or connect@cancer.ca with details of the interaction, and our team will confirm it for you. 

A cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but we believe no one has to face it alone. The Canadian Cancer Society offers emotional support through our online community – CancerConnection.ca – where people affected by cancer can connect, share experiences and support one another. 

These safe, welcoming spaces are available 24/7 and are moderated by trained staff to ensure respectful, supportive conversations. People can ask questions, exchange information and find comfort from others who understand what they’re going through. 

Learn more or join the community at CancerConnection.ca. 

You can help us make cancer care better. Be a Voice for Change and join our network of advocates who are committed to preventing cancer and improving the lives of people living with cancer and their caregivers through government action. 

The Canadian Cancer Society works with governments across Canada to shape healthy public policies that help prevent cancer and improve the lives of people affected by cancer. 

We advocate by: 

• Influencing public policy to reduce cancer risk and improve access to care 
• Raising awareness of key cancer issues and amplifying the voices of people affected by cancer 
• Driving change across all levels of government, local, provincial, territorial and federal, to improve outcomes and quality of life 

Our advocacy focuses on what matters most: stopping cancer before it starts, increasing cancer survival and improving the lives of people affected by cancer. 

Learn more or get involved at cancer.ca/advocacy. 

In the event the donations raised exceed the total funding need, CCS will redirect funds to where needed the most.

There are many types of donations that qualify for a tax credit – including online donations made on cancer.ca, monthly and recurring donations, donations by cheque, cash or EFT, and gifts of securities. Check out the Ways to give section on cancer.ca for all the ways you can donate and receive a tax credit. 

You’ll automatically receive a tax receipt for any online donations of $5 or more, and you would use that receipt when filing your taxes. For donations less than $5, a receipt is available upon request. Similarly, if you’re donating by cheque, cash or EFT, donations of $20 or more will automatically be receipted but amounts less than $20 can be receipted upon request. 

Our registered Charitable Registration Number (11882 9803 RR0001) will appear on all official tax receipts. All donations processed in a given calendar year will be eligible for a tax receipt of that year, including donations mailed and postmarked by December 31st and received in the new year by CCS. 

It depends on how you choose to receive your receipt and whether you're a one-time or monthly donor.

• If you're a monthly donor, you’ll receive one consolidated tax receipt in February for the total amount donated in the previous year.

• If you make a one-time donation, you’ll receive an online tax receipt within 3 business days. If you request a mailed receipt, it will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks.

Please note: The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires your full name and mailing address to issue a tax receipt. Emailed receipts are system-generated and may be directed to your junk or spam folder, depending on your inbox settings.

If, for some reason, you don’t receive a tax receipt, you’ve misplaced a receipt, or you receive an incorrect tax receipt, you can contact us either via email at connect@cancer.ca, or give us a call toll-free at 1-888-939-3333. You can also contact us via either method with any receipting inquiries you may have.

If you are interested in donating goods or services, please contact us at connect@cancer.ca or call 1-888-939-3333 to speak with a representative, as in-kind donations are accepted and receipted on a needs basis. Eligible in-kind gifts will receive official tax receipts.

When you give to the Canadian Cancer Society, your donation helps save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. It helps fund world‑leading research, provide compassionate support and information, and advocate for healthier communities and better access to care.  

Your support helps us: 

• Increase cancer survival by funding innovative research and clinical trials 
• Stop cancer before it starts through prevention, early detection and public policy change 
• Improve the lives of people affected by cancer by providing trusted information, support programs and quality‑of‑life research 

Together, we are creating a future without cancer. 

Learn more about how your donation helps at cancer.ca/how-your-donation-helps.