Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Cancer to 2036 is a provincewide roadmap to improve prevention, early detection, treatment, recovery and supportive care. It was developed from feedback from patients, families, clinical experts, researchers and communities across Alberta.
“As a cancer survivor, I know first-hand how deeply cancer affects individuals and families. This 10-year plan is our roadmap to ensuring that Alberta isn’t just keeping up but leading the country when it comes to cancer care.”
The strategy sets out five key goals to strengthen cancer care over the next 10 years:
- Preventing more cancers and accelerating access to diagnosis and care.
- Delivering seamless, state-of-the-art care for every Albertan.
- Leading the next era of innovation in cancer research and treatment.
- Building a stronger and more sustainable cancer system.
- Attracting, retaining and training the best and brightest cancer workforce in Canada.
Cancer affects almost every family in Alberta, with about one in two Albertans expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. As demand for care grows, the strategy aims to improve outcomes, reduce wait times and ensure more consistent access to high-quality cancer services across urban, rural and remote communities.
“This strategy sets a clear, long-term direction for transforming cancer care in Alberta. Building on our strengths in clinical excellence, research and data infrastructure, it brings the whole system together to improve access, integrate care, drive innovation and ensure sustainability – delivering world-class, connected and responsive care that patients and families can depend on today and into the future.”
Over the next decade, the Strategic Plan for Cancer’s more than 40 actions and commitments will drive improvements across the province’s health system. Key initiatives include expanding screening programs, improving diagnostic and referral pathways, strengthening supportive care, increasing access to clinical trials and advanced therapies, modernizing data and digital tools, and supporting workforce growth across the cancer care system. The strategy’s implementation will be led by Cancer Care Alberta and Acute Care Alberta, in partnership with health agencies, providers, researchers and community organizations.
“This strategy marks a significant milestone for cancer care in Alberta, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation is excited to partner with government on accelerating progress. Our donors are committed to finding better ways to prevent, screen and treat cancer – and together we can improve the lives of Albertans impacted by cancer.”
Alberta’s government has made improving cancer care a top priority through the creation of Cancer Care Alberta, expanded breast and cervical cancer screening, a new onco-fertility program, expanded outpatient and community-based care and continued investments in cancer services. Budget 2026 builds on this commitment by investing $1.2 billion over three years in cancer care, including $223 million in new operating funding to hire more oncologists, expand surgical capacity, increase treatment spaces and improve access to supportive services.
Alberta’s Strategic Plan for Cancer builds on this momentum and sets a clear path forward, helping shape a future where cancer care is more accessible, more connected and more responsive, improving experiences and outcomes for patients and their families at every stage of their journey.
Quick facts
- Consultation on the Provincial Cancer Care Strategy to 2036 included oncologists, specialists, nurses, patients, families, caregivers, survivors and Indigenous communities, and involved more than 650 provider survey responses and over 70 stakeholder interviews with about 200 participants.
- The last provincial cancer care strategy was developed in 2013.
- Alberta now has a record 205 oncologists working across the province, with Cancer Care Alberta hiring 26 oncologists in 2025-26 and a further 23 scheduled to start in 2026-27, supporting continued growth in capacity and access to care.
- Alberta’s government is investing $800 million over eight years, in partnership with Siemens Healthineers and the Alberta Cancer Foundation, to help replace and update oncology treatment equipment, leverage artificial intelligence, create two centres of excellence in cancer care and establish a medical research and innovation fund to attract and retain global talent.