Addressing the Rising Trend in Early-Age-Onset Cancers in Canada.

A multi-disciplinary symposium on early-age onset cancer (EAOC) was held in October 2023 to explore challenges experienced by this rapidly growing population. A major outcome of the symposium was recognition of the remarkable similarities of EAOC patients' journeys across cancer sites. Prevention and early detection of cancer are hindered by a lack of awareness among patients and family doctors that cancer can and does occur in younger persons.

Barriers and Unequal Access to Timely Molecular Testing Results: Addressing the Inequities in Cancer Care Delays across Canada.

Genomic medicine is a powerful tool to improve diagnosis and outcomes for cancer patients by facilitating the delivery of the right drug at the right dose at the right time for the right patient. In 2023, a Canadian conference brought together leaders with expertise in different tumor types. The objective was to identify challenges and opportunities for change in terms of equitable and timely access to biomarker testing and reporting at the education, delivery, laboratory, patient, and health-system levels in Canada.