In 2001, the Canadian Cancer Action Network (CCAN) was established to advocate for the implementation of the best possible national cancer control strategy and, through that
collective effort, to represent the interests of all Canadians affected by cancer.

How do we engage the patient community we serve? CCAN is uniquely positioned to engage the patient community by working in close collaboration with CCAN Members Council, a group
of 19 national cancer-site and 6 population organizations representing an enormous network of cancer patient constituents from across Canada with a strong, unified voice.

CCAN strives to ensure a coordinated patient perspective remains a key element in cancer control activities and work underway on a pan-Canadian scale. For example:
• In recent years, CCAN has taken a key role in addressing the issue of access to cancer drugs, primarily by (a) hosting two national symposia geared toward an audience of
stakeholders (patients, national cancer agencies, government, industry, health care professionals) with divergent views (b) providing symposia outcome reports issued by
the Public Policy Forum.

• CCAN patient voice representatives actively contribute to work across the cancer continuum including patient representation in the areas of survivorship (cancer
journey); surveillance; research; guidelines as well as screening and primary prevention.

• In partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society, CCAN is also involved in a project focused on the financial burden of cancer, an issue of major concern to cancer patients
and their families.

• Recently, CCAN initiated steps to focus on addressing the issue of palliative end-of-life care through collaborative efforts as coordinated by the Quality end-of-Life Care
Coalition of Canada.