Cancer rates to increase in 2026, higher in Eastern Canada

New research confirms cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada.

Tiffany Clarke was diagnosed with blood cancer just four years ago.

It took only one week from the time doctors suspected the disease for her to be admitted.

“I then spent the next seven months in the hospital, including some time in the ICU learning how to walk again,” says Clarke.

After two years of chemotherapy treatments, she’s now in remission.

She says fighting cancer is an emotional journey, one that had an impact on her family and friends.

“I have three nephews and a niece that were quite young when I was diagnosed, and I know it was incredibly difficult for them.

Cancer is still the leading cause of death in Canada. A new study by the Canadian Medical Association Journal estimates more than 250,000 cancer cases and nearly 90,000 cancer-related deaths in 2026.

The data shows higher cancer rates in eastern Canada.

“Cancer continues to have a tremendous impact on people all across Canada, including here in Nova Scotia, where it’s estimated that 7,800 people will be diagnosed with cancer this year, and 3,000 will die from the disease here in Nova Scotia,” says Dr. Jennifer Gillis, co-authour of the study and the surveillance director for the Canadian Cancer Society.

According to the study, 42 per cent of people in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime.

Lung cancer is the most prominent, with nearly 33 thousand cases expected this year, while breast, prostate and colorectal cancer follow closely behind.

Though Gillis says two thirds of those cancer types have seen declines in death rates, thanks to advances in research and screening.

“We’re seeing a lot of progress really around lung and colorectal cancers, which are two of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in Canada and Nova Scotia,” she says. “It’s really showing the progress around tobacco control and smoking cessation efforts having impact on reducing lung cancer incidence.”

She says four in 10 cancer cases can be prevented through healthy living.

“Things like living smoke free, being sun safe… having a healthy body weight, eating well, moving more, sitting less, and limiting alcohol consumption as well, can really be supportive for reducing our risks for cancer,” says Gillis.

The impact of Clarke’s diagnosis has turned her into more than a survivor – she’s also an advocate.

“It’s really important that we focus on research, preventative measures to try to bring these numbers down,” says Clarke.

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