Save Your Skin Foundation Submits Recommendations Ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget

Earlier this month, Save Your Skin Foundation submitted recommendations as part of the federal government’s pre-budget consultations ahead of the 2026 Budget, alongside several patient and healthcare advocacy organizations across Canada.

At the heart of the submission is a call for continued investment in Canada’s healthcare system, with a particular focus in cancer care, research, innovation, and equitable access to treatment.

Investing in Cancer Care Benefits Everyone

As an estimated 42% of Canadians expected to receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, the submission emphasizes that supporting cancer care is not only a healthcare priority, but also an economic one. Investments in prevention, research, treatment, survivorship, and mental health support can help improve quality of life, reduce strain on the healthcare system, and support Canadians in returning to work and daily life after treatment.

Strengthening Canada’s Cancer Care Infrastructure

The submission also highlights the importance of reducing barriers and inefficiencies within Canada’s healthcare system. Recommendations include creating a national ethics review board for clinical trials, streamlining regulatory review processes, modernizing health data systems, and improving access to innovative medicines and testing.

Specific cancer-related recommendations focused on improving access to precision medicine, genomic testing, clinical trials, and timely treatment across the country. The submission also called for continued support for organizations and initiatives advancing cancer research and prevention, including the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and Genome Canada’s Canadian Precision Health Initiative.

Additional recommendations included:

• Expanding equitable access to HPV prevention and vaccination programs

• Reducing delays in cancer testing and diagnostics

• Supporting virtual care and interoperable healthcare systems

• Addressing financial toxicity faced by people living with cancer

• Establishing a National Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Strategy

  
  

The submission was supported by several patient advocacy and healthcare organizations across Canada, including All.Can Canada, Myeloma Canada, Canadian Immunocompromised Advocacy Network, Colorectal Cancer Resource & Action Network, BioCanRx, and Quebec Cancer Coalition.

Save Your Skin Foundation remains committed to ensuring patient voices are represented in conversations that shape the future of healthcare in Canada. Read the recommendations HERE.