As the leading cause of death in Canada, cancer is an issue that affects us all. Nearly half of people in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.
A newly published article developed by the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada shows that cancer remains a significant challenge in Canada in 2026. However, the study also shows encouraging progress.
We’ve summarized some of the key findings for you below.
1. Four cancers make up nearly half of all new cases
Lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers are expected to make up 47% of all new cancer cases this year.
Prostate cancer is still the most common cancer in males, making up 23% of cases. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, accounting for 26% of cases.
2. Overall cancer rates are declining
We’re seeing progress for many common cancers, including lung and colorectal cancer.
This is a testament to prevention efforts, including adopting commercial tobacco control policies and implementing colorectal cancer screening programs.
We’re also seeing that survival has improved for many cancers, even for late-stage cancers, through advances in surgical, radiation, and systemic therapies.
Death rates for bladder cancer are now decreasing among both sexes and are expected to be 24% lower for males and 17% lower for females compared to a decade ago.
3. Cancer rates are higher in males
An estimated 254,100 people in Canada will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 87,900 will die from it.
In 2026, males are expected to have a 16% higher rate of new cancer cases and a 36% higher death rate than females.
4. Pancreatic and uterine cancers continue to rise
While some cancers are declining, others are on the rise.
The number of people being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer has slowly increased since the early 2000s, and it remains the 3rd leading cause of cancer death.
Uterine cancer is the fourth most common cancer among females. Its mortality rate is about 50% higher than it was in the mid‑2000s.
The steady rise in both cancer types is worrying because they’re difficult to catch early and are closely tied to modifiable factors.
This suggests more needs to be done to prevent cancer.
5. Cancer rates vary across Canada
Cancer is more common in eastern provinces like Quebec and Nova Scotia, while rates tend to be lower in western provinces like British Columbia.
For every 100,000 people, accounting for age of the population, about 533 people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in British Columbia, compared with 663 in Quebec.
Variation may be linked to differences in risk factors such as smoking tobacco, alcohol use, physical activity and body weight as well as differences in how we diagnose cancer, data collection and data availability.
Read the full projected estimates of cancer in Canada 2026 study.
Canadians need our support now
We need more innovation, investment, and commitment to improve outcomes for everyone, everywhere in Canada.
The Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way to a future without cancer by:
- Funding the most promising science to increase cancer survival, stop cancer before it starts and improve the lives of those affected by cancer.
- Offering a nationwide compassionate support system that provides care, comfort and connection to people with cancer in Canada and their caregivers when they need it most.
- Advocating for healthy public policies to prevent cancer and better support Canadians living with the disease and their caregivers.
Help hope bloom by donating to the Canadian Cancer Society this Daffodil Month.