Canadian Cancer Society to Incorporate Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

In an effort to have a larger impact on cancer research and provide support for patients, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will merge into one organization. The health charities will both come together under the Canadian Cancer Society banner.

The Canadian charities have also announced that the CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Lynne Hudson, will take over as President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society. She is experienced in change management, strategic planning, fundraising and development in non-profit and corporate sectors in both the US and Canada.

“Put simply, we are stronger together,” said Robert Lawrie, Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society Board of Directors. “The impact of each of these two organizations is substantial, and bringing them together will have so many benefits for Canadians. It will improve our performance, increase opportunities, reduce costs, expand resources, enhance advocacy efforts and allow more funds to be directed to cancer research and support.”

In the next 14 years, the number of patients diagnosed with cancer in Canada is expected to increase by 40 percent. Due in part to the aging population, this rise in cancer cases will place an increasing demand on the Canadian healthcare system.

“This amalgamation is timely and will help meet increased demands for support and research and advance our shared vision of a world where no Canadian fears cancer,” said Valerie Steele, Chair of the CBCF Board of Directors. “This is wonderful news for the cancer community and for our generous donors.”

The merger is expected to be completed by early February next year. Each organization will continue as normal before the charities are officially joined.

“I am delighted to have been asked to lead these outstanding organizations through such a pivotal transformation that will accelerate our ability to make a meaningful difference in the fight against cancer,” said Hudson. “Together, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation have invested more than $1.5 billion in life-saving cancer research over the course of their histories. Just imagine what we can accomplish together.”