Wednesday, February 04, 2015
Ministry of Research and Innovation
Ontario Funding to Support Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment
Ontario is supporting world-class cancer research that will increase screening rates and help improve the lives of cancer patients across the province.
The province's investment is helping the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) carry out new research that will focus on:
- Increasing screening rates for colon cancer.
- Decreasing toxicity for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Improving pain management for cancer patients.
OICR is a research centre of excellence dedicated to cancer prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment. Its researchers are focused on translating new discoveries from the lab into practical applications to help patients.
Investing in innovative, patient-focused health care is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Quick Facts:
- Wednesday, February 4th is World Cancer Day.
- Through provincial funding, OICR is investing $6.4 million in the Health Services Research Program over four years.
- The Health Services Research Program is a joint program of the OICR and Cancer Care Ontario, in collaboration with the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences.
- OICR was launched by the Government of Ontario in 2005 as a centre of excellence for cancer research and is the first institute in Canada to focus on the entire spectrum of cancer issues.
- Ontario has committed a total of $756.9 million (including today’s announcement) since 2006 to the OICR.
- As of September 2014, OICR has funded a total of 840 translational research projects, including the establishment of new strategies to avoid unnecessary surgery and complications for men with prostate cancer, creating the potential for 15,000 fewer prostate biopsies and 1,500 fewer prostate cancer surgeries in Ontario each year.
Background Information:
Additional Resources:
Quotes:
"Ontario is proud to support the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, which is working with key partners on ground-breaking research that is leading to very real benefits for Ontarians fighting cancer. This investment will help the OICR get their discoveries out of the lab faster, improving both prevention and treatment and making a difference in people’s lives."
— Reza Moridi, Minister of Research and Innovation
"The Health Services Research Program is finding new and innovative strategies to improve treatment and quality of life for people living with cancer. I am proud to support the Health Services Research team in its ongoing efforts to make real and immediate improvements to the lives of patients and their loved ones."
— Dr. Tom Hudson, President and Scientific Director, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research
"Strong partnerships and investments in research contribute to the goal of creating a safe, sustainable, efficient and effective public health care system for Ontario."
— Michael Sherar, President and CEO, Cancer Care Ontario (CCO)
"The partnership between ICES, OICR and CCO is another example of how data and discovery are being used to improve the health care of Ontarians. We welcome to this innovative collaboration and the impact it will have on making health care policy better and people healthier."
— Dr. Michael Schull, President and CEO, Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES)
Media Contacts:
Terry Chemij
Minister’s Office
416-326-9492
Brigitte Marleau
Communications Branch
416-325-2479
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