Friday, May 31, 2024

By Najah Sampson, Pfizer Canada President

It’s an important time of year for the global cancer community, as the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is currently ongoing, a global gathering of professionals who care for people with cancer.

It’s an exciting time because the latest scientific data and clinical advances are shared at this meeting, providing hope to the millions of people around the world who are battling cancer – from oncology researchers and healthcare professionals to patients and caregivers. We know that many Canadians in the oncology community are actively involved in participating in this meeting, including our own colleagues – listening, learning, and sharing knowledge to help others battle this devastating diagnosis.

Pfizer has long been dedicated to supporting the cancer community in Canada. We recognize the resilience and courage of patients and their loved ones, as well as the treating professionals who are working tirelessly to close the care gap in cancer treatment.

Cancer statistics in Canada paint a picture of both challenge and hope. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, it is estimated that there will be 247,100 new cancer cases and 88,100 cancer deaths in Canada in 2024. It is also estimated 241 people could die from cancer each day in 2024.[i]

This isn’t just a number – it’s us, and the people we love. This is why nothing is more personal, or more urgent than our goal to find treatments for these deadly diseases. 

As treatments for cancer improve, more people are living longer with cancer. Many cancers can now be controlled or managed for long periods of time. This means that some types of cancer are now thought of as chronic diseases.[ii] While survival rates have improved, the journey doesn't end with remission. Survivors often face ongoing physical, emotional, and financial challenges.

Unfortunately, we have not yet found a way to prevent or cure all cancers, so it is vital that we are listening to people living with these diseases and supporting them with a holistic cancer care approach. Pfizer is committed to providing this support, from partnering with healthcare professionals to help them meet the needs of people living with cancer, to leveraging digital technology to empower patients to learn about their own disease and treatment options and to improve their quality of life.  

We acknowledge these struggles of people living with cancer across the country. Too often, access to care is limited by a person’s age, ethnicity, income, or where they happen to live, and disparity exists across Canada. That’s why we’re working with our partners to help remove these barriers and make sure the right medicines get to the right people, at the right time, regardless of their circumstances.

We work with governments, policymakers, and patient advocacy organisations to remove barriers to obtaining our medicines and ensure people with cancer have the means and resources to get the treatments they need. Pfizer is also leveraging Real World Evidence (RWE) to complement learnings from our randomised trials, improve access, help facilitate treatment decision-making, and expand the use of already approved medicines. We are also committed to raising awareness and understanding amongst healthcare professionals and regulators of the value of RWE in supporting patient access to innovative treatments. 

Let's remember the importance of continued support and advocacy for those affected by cancer. At Pfizer, we believe that time is life. And for people living with cancer, each day matters. Cancer isn’t slowing down – so it’s time we speed up.

1 - Cancer statistics at a glance | Canadian Cancer Society: https://cancer.ca/en/research/cancer-statistics/cancer-statistics-at-a-glance (Accessed on May 15, 2024)
2 - Cancer as a chronic disease | Canadian Cancer Society: https://cancer.ca/en/living-with-cancer/life-after-treatment/cancer-as-a-chronic-disease (Accessed on May 15, 2024)