The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation Offers Hope Amid Predicted Surge in Cancer Cases with Carry The Fire Initiative

TORONTO, January 28, 2025 - Since opening its doors in 1958, Princess Margaret Cancer
Centre, University Health Network has established itself as a global leader in cancer
diagnostics, research, and treatment. Its world-first discoveries range from the discovery of
stem cells, the basis of bone marrow transplants, to the cloning of the T-cell receptor, which
allowed cancer researchers to pioneer the field of immunotherapy, as well as the world's
first lumpectomy combined with radiation, eliminating radical mastectomies for millions of
people with breast cancer. Despite many advancements, the number of cancer cases is
rising worldwide, with a concerning increase among younger generations. By 2050, it is
projected that new cancer cases will surge globally by 77%, with millennials facing the most
significant increase, underscoring the critical importance of the work of Princess Margaret
Cancer Centre. To unite all Canadians in a collective effort to transform cancer outcomes,
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation has launched a new brand campaign called
Carry The Fire, which conveys a message of hope for a world free from the fear of cancer.
Carry The Fire resonates with cancer patients and their loved ones who rely on world-
leading diagnostics, innovative research, novel treatments, and exceptional care. This
inspiring new brand will be implemented across all public engagement and fundraising
initiatives, including lotteries and events, acting as a beacon of hope for cancer patients
here in Canada and around the globe. It will also be a key springboard for a historic
fundraising campaign The Princess Margaret will launch publicly in 2026.

"Imagine a world free from the fear of cancer. We can. It's why we Carry The Fire," said Dr.
Miyo Yamashita, President and CEO of The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. "A
cancer diagnosis has historically been met with fear of the worst possible outcome. Carry
The Fire serves as a symbol for changing how we think and talk about cancer, and we
believe it will ignite new hope for current and future generations."

With its research, education, and care ranked among the best in the world, Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre has a global impact on cancer patients everywhere. Carry The Fire
and our fundraising efforts will amplify these efforts in many ways, including:

Early Detection: Preventing cancer before it happens.

Researchers are improving patient survival and quality of life by increasing early-stage
cancer diagnoses and enhancing prevention programs. This includes a revolutionary liquid
biopsy blood test that detects cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection
significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment, with cure rates improving by
five- to tenfold for some cancers.

Innovative Treatments: Better, more tailored therapies.

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre is pioneering new targeted treatments like theranostics
and advanced immunotherapies, next-generation surgical robotics, and more precise,
targeted cancer medicines. These treatments have the potential to eventually replace
traditional chemotherapy and ease the physical challenges often associated with cancer
care.

Comprehensive Support: Addressing the full range of needs of cancer patients.

Cancer patients and their loved ones encounter a wide range of emotions, including fear,
anxiety, and loneliness, as well as long-term side effects from many treatments. Committed
to alleviating the emotional challenges often associated with cancer, Princess Margaret
Cancer Centre leads several cancer mental health initiatives and world-leading research in
cancer supportive care, including a specialized program dedicated to young people facing
cancer and Canada's only clinic for caregivers of cancer patients.

"Our world-leading experts are at the forefront of new discoveries and breakthroughs in
cancer prevention, early detection, diagnostics, and treatment, improving outcomes for
patients here in Canada and around the globe," said Dr. Kevin Smith, President and CEO of
University Health Network (UHN).

Cancer is on the rise; however, survival rates are higher than ever before:

• In Canada, the five-year average survival rate for all cancers combined has increased
  from 50% in the early 1980s to approximately 63% today. This marks a significant
  improvement since the 1940s when survival rates were around 25%.
• While most cancers predominantly affect older individuals, cases among those under 50 have increased by nearly 80% since the early 1990s.
• More than one million people under 50 die from cancer each year, and experts predict that this number will rise by 21% by 2030.

"Seeing an increase in younger patients at the cancer centre is a global reality that we must
address urgently," according to Dr. Keith Stewart, Director, Princess Margaret Cancer
Centre and Vice President, Cancer, UHN. "Our physicians, researchers, and staff work
tirelessly on the most challenging and rarest forms of cancer in the country, developing
personalized treatment plans along with the necessary medical and emotional support for
every patient, while also improving standards of cancer care everywhere through our world-
leading research."