Canadian cancer research is fueled by innovation and curiosity, but also through collaboration. A unique fundraising initiative between Jamieson Vitamins and the Canadian Cancer Society – as well as consumers – is helping to drive discovery.ISTOCK.COM
An innovative funding partnership fuels Canadian cancer research.
Helping Canadians cope with cancer isn’t a solo effort.
The Canadian Cancer Society can’t fulfil its commitment to improve the odds for people with cancer, and enhance their quality of life, on its own.
“Each year, we are only able to fund a fraction of the research grant applications we receive due to lack of funds,” said Carly Schur, the Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) national director of corporate programs.
But innovative partnerships are helping researchers make strides to improve the outlook for Canadians dealing – and living - with the notorious disease.
Jamieson Vitamins recently teamed with the Canadian Cancer Society on its “Gift of Discovery” campaign, raising more than $200,000 to bolster CCS research through matching donations made over the summer.
Stacey Salmon, Jamieson director of brand growth, explained the company’s decision to team with the Canadian Cancer Society on research funding was a natural fit for both.
“With our organizational mindsets being so in tune, this is really less about corporate sponsorship and more about supporting the health and wellness of Canadians,” she said.
The donations weren’t linked to buying a particular Jamieson product. Rather, people could choose where their gift would be directed when they decided to contribute to the Canadian Cancer Society. Those who picked “The Gift of Discovery” opted to fund leading-edge, innovative cancer research led by Canada’s top minds. Those donations were matched dollar-for-dollar by Jamieson.
Cancer has struck my family and taken some of my closest friends.
— Dr. Michael Moran, Canadian cancer researcher
Jamieson has a history of pairing with the Canadian Cancer Society, working together to educate Canadians about sun safety and safer sources of vitamin D. Getting sufficient vitamin D is essential as it plays a vital role in a healthy immune system and healthy bones as well as being a factor in maintaining good health.
The Canadian Cancer Society accounts for more than a third of the country’s overall charitable investment in cancer research, said Ms. Schur.
Dr. Michael Moran is one of the scientists whose crucial work is funded by the CCS as he conceives, designs and supervises cancer research projects at the Hospital for Sick Children and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto.
“There will be no more cures or insights into prevention without research. That is clear,” said Dr. Moran, who started out washing glassware in a CCS cancer research lab as a student at Western University in London, Ont.
“I began my first research project there the next year and never looked back. So, I’ve been a cancer researcher more than 35 years,” he said.
Dr. Moran’s work is influenced by both personal and professional urgency.
Jamieson Vitamins
“Cancer has struck my family and taken some of my closest friends,” said the 58-year-old father of four grown daughters. “As a researcher, I am inspired by so many clinical colleagues that treat cancer patients and interact with their families every day.
“The calibre of young clinician scientists is truly amazing.”
He’s part of a collaborative network of scientists across the country working to advance cancer research, which is furthered by partnerships, including with the Canadian-based vitamin company. Dr. Moran pointed to the “hugely impactful discoveries” made by Canadians. That includes contributions to recent Nobel Prize in Medicine award-winning work done around how the immune system can be harnessed to fight tumours, by American James Allison and Japan’s Tasuku Honjo.
We may not often hear about the cancer discoveries being made in the lab, but they are promising and ongoing, said Dr. Moran.
Take the revolution in treatment born from the recognition that individual cancers are defined by their molecular signatures. Dr. Moran said this “precision medicine” approach can be used for treating various major cancers.
In the case of lung cancer, which kills more people than any other type of cancer, successful clinical trials done in Canada led to the approval of the drug erlotinib (Tarceva). It’s used to treat specific lung cancers that have the molecular features that make them responsive to the drug.
“New cures and treatments will continue to emerge as a function of research and by encouraging the brightest young minds to tackle the challenge of eradicating cancer,” said Dr. Moran.
About 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis. That’s up from 25 per cent in the 1940s, Ms. Schur pointed out. And for some cancers, such as thyroid and testicular, the survival rate is more than 90 per cent.
“We are also close to turning some cancers into manageable diseases, making cancer something you live with, not die from,” she said. “This shift has been made possible in large part by advances in cancer research that was supported by donations from individuals and corporations.”
Jamieson is always examining ways to make its partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society “bigger and better,” Ms. Salmon said.
“In addition to providing funds, we are evaluating ways to increase education on the importance of cancer research as a whole,” she added.
Because while a patient’s cancer experience may seem inherently personal, they have an army of researchers in Canada and around the world behind them. One that is finding unique and collaborative ways of gaining ground.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.