Cancer can develop at any age, but it primarily affects older adults. In Canada, 90% of cancer cases are diagnosed in people older than 50.
In 2025, it is estimated that over 127,000 males and 120,000 females will be diagnosed with cancer.
The majority of new cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals aged 65 to 74 years. Mortality rates and cancer deaths rise significantly with age.
The top ten cancers (measured by percentage of total cancer deaths) in men are lung, colorectal, prostate, pancreas, liver, esophagus, bladder, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The top ten cancers (measured by percentage of total cancer deaths) in women are lung, breast, colorectal, pancreas, ovary, uterus, leukemia, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and brain.
Cancer screening aims to detect cancers at high risk of spreading if left untreated, identifying them before they advance. A cancer screening test is conducted when there are no signs or symptoms of cancer present. The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care provides cancer screening guidelines for both patients and providers to aid in the cancer screening decision-making process.
Screening Recommendations:
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National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly (NICE)
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