Cancer touches nearly every family in Canada. It is the leading cause of death in the country and a disease that continues to affect lives across generations. Despite this, research shows that up to 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through changes in lifestyle, environment, and earlier detection—highlighting the urgent need for research that gives people more tools to protect their health before cancer can develop.
On February 26, 2026, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, visited UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PM) to announce a $41-million national investment in cancer prevention and early diagnosis research. The initiative, led by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in partnership with five national and international organizations, will support 19 research teams across the country, including two teams at UHN.
“Preventing cancer saves lives and eases the burden on patients, families, and our health care system,” said Minister Michel. “That’s why we’re proud to partner nationally and internationally to support exceptional Canadian researchers working to reduce cancer across the country.”
The announcement underscored growing momentum in prevention research, driven by advances in understanding how biology, behaviour, genetics, and aging intersect to influence cancer risk. This investment aims to accelerate discovery in these evolving areas and create practical, accessible pathways for earlier detection and risk reduction.
Dr. Brad Wouters, Executive Vice President of Science and Research at UHN, highlighted the impact of this coordinated approach. “Research that identifies risk early creates both the time and opportunity to intercept and prevent cancer before it impacts health. This investment allows teams at UHN and across Canada to build shared knowledge and real solutions for patients,” he said.
UHN researchers leading new directions in prevention
Dr. Faiyaz Notta, Senior and Allan Slaight Scientist at PM, received $5.3 million to lead the ELDER Study, a Canada–Japan collaboration investigating how aging biology contributes to early‑onset colorectal and pancreatic cancers—diseases that are increasingly diagnosed in younger adults. “By studying the microbiome, genetic mutations, and age‑related epigenetic changes, we aim to understand why the rates of these cancers are rising and how to detect them sooner,” said Dr. Notta.
Dr. Steven Chan, Senior and Allan Slaight Scientist at PM, received nearly $2 million to explore whether GLP‑1 receptor agonists—commonly prescribed for diabetes and weight management—can reduce the risk of blood cancers. “Inflammation and metabolism shape how mutant blood stem cells grow and expand. If GLP‑1 medications can interrupt this process, we may have a safe and widely available way to lower blood cancer risk,” said Dr. Chan.
Former Princess Margaret patient Melissa Tobros also spoke at the event, sharing how genetic testing has shaped her family’s understanding of inherited cancer risk and underscoring the human importance of prevention research.
A stronger future through prevention
As Canada deepens its investment in prevention-focused science, UHN researchers will continue contributing discovery, collaboration, and leadership—moving closer to a future where fewer people face a cancer diagnosis.
See the full list of the awarded projects here.