- What makes Canary different from other cancer cause organizations?
- Is there a precedent for this kind of approach?
- Why early detection?
- Does screening really work?
- Does an early detection initiative take funding away from research into therapeutics?
- Shouldn't we focus on treating people who are living with cancer?
- Is Canary accepting new funding applications?
- Why the name "Canary"?
- How can I help?
- How will my donation be put to use?
- How can I learn more about Canary Foundation and early detection?
What makes Canary Foundation different from other cancer cause organizations?
Canary Foundation is the world's first non-profit organization dedicated solely to the funding, discovery and development of tests for early cancer detection. We have assembled teams of cancer researchers recognized by their peers as leaders in their disciplines from across multiple institutions and disciplines to attack the problem of early detection in a new, collaborative, action-oriented manner with the foremost objective of translating research into clinical applications. Canary differentiators include:
- Dedication to early detection
- Leaders in collaborative science
- Focused and managed research
- Best-in-class talent
- 100% of donations goes to research
More detail can be found in What's Different? page.
Is there a precedent for this kind of approach?
Most major achievements like the Human Genome Project and the Internet
have come about through collaborations across multiple disciplines.
Canary Foundation supports efforts by collaborators who are willing to
share results and to standardize their approaches where appropriate.
Recognition of the value of collaboration is evidenced by major
investment in new centers and projects emphasizing institutional and
cross-disciplinary areas. The National Cancer Institute (NCI)
exclusively awarded eight multi-institutional hubs more than $144
million over five years to create Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology
Excellence (CCNE) to develop and apply nanotechnology and nanoscience
solutions to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Why early detection?
Despite large investments in cancer therapies, none have shown great success in patients with late stage cancers. Sadly, when cancer has spread throughout a patient's body there is not much that even our best doctors and scientists can do. However, existing therapies have shown remarkable success when cancers are diagnosed and localized in early stages. Surgery and radiation therapy can extend patients' high-quality lives for years and even decades in some cases. Earlier detection of cancer gives patients a better chance to be cured and to enjoy a long, healthy life.
More detail can be found in Why Early Detection? page.
Does screening really work?
Yes, but screening tests must be accurate, economical and non-invasive before they have a chance to succeed. The screening program must be designed and implemented effectively. One example of a successful screening program is the broad application of PAP tests in North America. The incidence and cost of cervical cancer has been greatly reduced because of this screening program and the simple treatments for pre-cancer and early stage disease.
There are also examples of screening programs with less than stellar results, sometimes this is due to tests that are not accurate or are uncomfortable, at other times it may be due to programs without sufficient follow-up counseling or treatment.
Canary Foundation is committed to pushing forward work in all areas to ensure the successful deployment of screening tests and programs
Does an early detection initiative take funding away from research into therapeutics?
Less than 15% of cancer research funding goes to early detection even though early intervention is far more effective than late stage treatment. All of the research funds granted by Canary Foundation go to early detection projects. Other organizations are involved in supporting ongoing research into cancer treatments.
Shouldn't we focus on treating people who are living with cancer?
We need to do both, and the majority of cancer research and funding is dedicated to treatment therapies. It is absolutely necessary for our healthcare systems, doctors and scientists to offer the best that they have to today's patients. At the same time, we have to take steps to make sure that we are best able to take care of future patients as well. The best way to take care of those future patients is to prevent the disease entirely. When cancer cannot be prevented, it can be fought best when it is found early and treated with conventional, current therapies.
Is Canary accepting new funding applications?
All donations are directed to designated programs set by the board of directors and the science team. Please review Funding Model page for the research award process.
Why the name "Canary"?
Canary Foundation was named after the "early detection" role canaries once played by alerting coal miners of hazardous fumes.
How can I help?
Join us in our effort to raise funds and awareness for early detection research. Visit Support Us for options on how you can help.
How will my donation be put to use?
Canary Foundation is committed to being a transparent non-profit organization, and will clearly report how funds are being used. When you contribute, you can choose a general fund which helps support overall research activities or you can support specific research programs listed on the donate page.
Please note that 100% of your investment in the Canary Foundation is applied to actual research activities since all administrative and overhead costs are covered by operating grants.
How can I learn more about Canary Foundation and early detection?
Please check out all of the information on this website, and follow links to recent articles and talks on early detection research. You can also sign up here for Canary Foundation's Newsletter.
If you have more questions you can contact Canary Foundation at info@canaryfoundation.org.
Copyright © 2008 Canary Foundation. All rights reserved.