Alberta unveils 10-year cancer care strategy

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The government says the strategy sets out five key goals to strengthen cancer care over the next 10 years:

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• Preventing more cancers and accelerating access to diagnosis and care.
• Delivering seamless, state-of-the-art care for every Albertan.
• Leading the next era of innovation in cancer research and treatment.
• Building a stronger and more sustainable cancer system.
• Attracting, retaining and training the best and brightest cancer workforce in Canada.

Provincial officials say cancer affects almost every family in Alberta, with about one in two Albertans expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. As demand for care grows, the government says the strategy aims to improve outcomes, reduce wait times and ensure more consistent access to high-quality cancer services across urban, rural and remote communities.

“This strategy sets a clear, long-term direction for transforming cancer care in Alberta,” added Brenda Hubley, managing director, Cancer Care Alberta. “Building on our strengths in clinical excellence, research and data infrastructure, it brings the whole system together to improve access, integrate care, drive innovation and ensure sustainability – delivering world-class, connected and responsive care that patients and families can depend on today and into the future.”

Over the next decade, officials say the Strategic Plan for Cancer’s more than 40 actions and commitments will drive improvements across the province’s health system.

They note that key initiatives include expanding screening programs, improving diagnostic and referral pathways, strengthening supportive care, increasing access to clinical trials and advanced therapies, modernizing data and digital tools, and supporting workforce growth across the cancer care system.

The province says the strategy’s implementation will be led by Cancer Care Alberta and Acute Care Alberta, in partnership with health agencies, providers, researchers and community organizations.

“This strategy marks a significant milestone for cancer care in Alberta, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation is excited to partner with government on accelerating progress,” shared Wendy Beauchesne, CEO, Alberta Cancer Foundation. “Our donors are committed to finding better ways to prevent, screen and treat cancer – and together we can improve the lives of Albertans impacted by cancer.”

Government officials say they have made improving cancer care a top priority through the creation of Cancer Care Alberta, expanded breast and cervical cancer screening, a new onco-fertility program, expanded outpatient and community-based care and continued investments in cancer services.

According to provincial officials, Budget 2026 invests $1.2 billion over three years in cancer care, including $223 million in new operating funding to hire more oncologists, expand surgical capacity, increase treatment spaces and improve access to supportive services.

Sarah Hoffman, Shadow Minister for Hospitals and Surgical Services, says the UCP government’s announcement does not address the problems cancer patients are experiencing right now.

Hoffman claims over the past seven years, fewer cancer patients have been getting surgery on time, and wait times are significantly worse.   

“At the same time, this UCP government cut millions from cancer prevention, screening, and detection programs in Budget 2026, and is ending a lung cancer screening pilot this September.   

“Alberta’s New Democrats would welcome support for cancer screening, prevention, detection and surgeries. However, Albertans do not trust the UCP to fix a health-care system that they broke through underfunding and bad decisions.”