Cancer Care Ontario

Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) is an Ontario government agency responsible for improving cancer services and implementing the Ontario Cancer Plan. The agency advises the Ontario government on the delivery of cancer services and prevention measures, and plans and coordinates cancer care services at a provincial level.

History[edit | edit source]

Cancer Care Ontario was established in 1943 as the Ontario Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation. In 1997, it was renamed Cancer Care Ontario and given a broader mandate to improve the quality, efficiency, accessibility and integration of cancer services across Ontario.

Role and Responsibilities[edit | edit source]

Cancer Care Ontario's role is to drive continuous improvement in disease prevention, early detection, treatment, and support for people with cancer. It does this by setting standards for cancer care, measuring performance against these standards, and working with healthcare providers to improve services.

Ontario Cancer Plan[edit | edit source]

The Ontario Cancer Plan is a comprehensive, long-term plan that sets out Cancer Care Ontario's strategy for improving cancer services in the province. The plan is updated every four years and focuses on prevention, screening, care, and research.

Cancer Screening[edit | edit source]

Cancer Care Ontario oversees the province's cancer screening programs, which aim to detect cancer at an early stage when it is more likely to be treatable. These programs include the Ontario Breast Screening Program, the Ontario Cervical Screening Program, and the ColonCancerCheck program.

Partnerships[edit | edit source]

Cancer Care Ontario works in partnership with a range of organizations, including hospitals, regional cancer centres, community healthcare providers, and other provincial and national agencies. These partnerships help to ensure that people with cancer receive the same high standard of care, no matter where they live in Ontario.