To reduce the burden of cancer in Manitoba, we must first study the patterns of this disease in our province and work to understand the reasons behind the trends.

The collection, organization, and analysis of a variety of population-based cancer data is the mission of the Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Registry at CancerCare Manitoba. This dedicated team of highly skilled experts transforms raw data into useful information that is used to develop programs to prevent cancer, detect it earlier or improve treatment.

The Department of Epidemiology & Cancer Registry is part of the Population Oncology portfolio, which also includes screening programs and Aboriginal services.

The Department's main functions include:

• maintaining and constantly improving the Manitoba Cancer Registry's database with current up-to-date standards and coding classification systems
• providing cancer data and consultation on statistical analysis and cancer epidemiology to CancerCare Manitoba, Manitoba Health, the University of Manitoba, provincial, national and international agencies and to the private sector
• providing knowledge, data collection support, and analytical expertise to Manitoba Health, the Regional Health Authorities, and chronic disease stakeholders on cancer (and chronic disease) risk factors
• undertaking surveillance, analytical, and evaluative epidemiological research (including analyzing and interpreting data on cancer incidence, mortality and outcomes, and research into the causes and prevention of cancer)
• collaborating with health service providers and other researchers in risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome evaluations as well as in other health services research
• participating in the education and training of graduate students and residents

The Department also holds a variety of local, national and international research grants and contracts. Over the last five years, the Department has been involved in at least 50 of these vital projects bringing in $3,346,753 to CancerCare Manitoba and its research partners.

Funding has been provided by many national and provincial agencies including:

• Canadian Institutes for Health Research
• Health Canada
• Statistics Canada
• Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
• CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
• Manitoba Medical Services Foundation
• Manitoba Health Research Council
• Health Sciences Centre Innovation and Opportunities Fund
• American Cancer Society