Half of all people living in Alberta will have cancer during their lifetime. They deserve high-quality cancer care, including early detection. That’s why Alberta’s government is extending the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program and is providing grants to four organizations to improve access to cancer screening – particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.
Launched as a pilot in 2022, the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program was designed to assess whether a provincially coordinated approach could improve lung cancer outcomes through earlier detection and timely treatment. After a promising launch, it is being extended with a $2-million investment and an additional $500,000 from the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This funding will allow the pilot to continue offering screenings to eligible individuals for an additional year while plans are finalized to transition the program to a permanent, provincewide program.
“We’re making progress, with more people in Alberta surviving lung cancer than ever before, but more work remains. That’s why we’re funding the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program to support early detection and improved patient outcomes.”
Treatment for early-stage lung cancer is significantly more effective, less burdensome for patients and their families, and more cost-effective for the health care system. Since its launch, the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program has screened more than 3,800 eligible people in Alberta, with almost 90 per cent of detected lung cancers identified at an early stage.
“Late-stage lung cancer is much harder to treat or cure because the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body or there’s too much cancer in the lungs. Screening with low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer earlier, before someone has symptoms.”
“This year alone, more than 2,700 Albertans will be diagnosed with lung cancer. Our donors are proud to support vital projects like this that strengthen cancer screening across the province and make a meaningful and lasting impact.”
More funding available for screening, prevention
Detecting cancer early is crucial to saving lives, and Alberta’s government continues to make early detection more accessible and easier to navigate.
The Cancer Research in Screening and Prevention Program is providing about $3 million to support cancer prevention and screening initiatives to improve health outcomes for people living in Alberta, including research, education, marketing and public policy development. Eligible Alberta-based health agencies and organizations, post-secondary institutions, non-profits, First Nations and Métis communities, as well as municipalities, can apply for funding under the program.
Four organizations received funding for their projects in 2024:
- Alberta Health Services – Optimizing screening for subsequent primary cancers in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplantation – $343,518
- Lakeland Métis Nation Association – Lakeland Métis Nation cancer screening awareness program – $600,000
- Siksika Health Services – Siksika Nation cancer screening and prevention – $997,850
- University of Alberta – A Phase 3 randomized trial of prostate cancer screening using high resolution micro-ultrasound versus MRI – $987,000
“As a two-time cancer survivor, I know first-hand that early detection saves lives. This funding empowers us to raise awareness and deliver culturally relevant education in our Métis communities, ensuring citizens have the tools and knowledge to take charge of their health.”
“This investment in cancer screening directly addresses health inequities experienced on Siksika Nation, particularly critical given the 19.1-year life expectancy gap between Alberta’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations. Siksika Health Services is grateful for this vital funding that will enhance early diagnosis, enable life-saving interventions and help overcome systemic barriers to ensure everyone receives essential care for a healthier future together.”
The deadline to apply for 2025-26 program funding, which includes a dedicated Indigenous stream, is May 30.
Quick facts
- Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in Alberta.
- In typical clinical settings, more than 70 per cent of lung cancer cases are detected in advanced stages.
- Alberta Health Services already operates provincewide screening programs for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer.
- Since the Cancer Research in Screening and Prevention Program launched in 2022, nine organizations have received funding to initiate a total of 18 projects.
Related Information
- Cancer Care Alberta
- Screening for Life
- Alberta Cancer Foundation
- Cancer Research for Screening and Prevention Program Fund
- Cancer Research for Screening and Prevent Program - Recipients
Related news
- Bringing mobile lung screening to rural Alberta (Sept. 25, 2024)