Three aspects of Cancer screening programs were identified as tools for effective early detection of tumours: cancer screening technologies, the costs and benefits of Canadian cancer screening programs, and serious complications of colonoscopy in Canada.

Early Detection of Tumours is one of ICR's six research priorities. The selection of these priorities was made by the Institute Advisory Board, in May of 2002, and was based on information presented in the Ling Report which was then used as a basis for two national consultation efforts-the Large Working Group meeting held in May 2001 and a Web-base Delphi process-A Delphi Process for Setting Cancer Research Priorities in Canada-that reached over 700 cancer control stakeholders from October 2001 to August 2002. To develop this strategic priority, the Institute established the ICR Working Group on Early Detection of Tumours with the mandate to propose appropriate research funding programs in early detection.

The intent of this program is to stimulate Canadian cancer screening research and assemble a body of evidence that will guide the development and implementation of new Canadian cancer screening programs.

A total of three applications were submitted in January 2004. The applications were reviewed by an ad hoc peer review committee, resulting in two applications being approved for funding.

For further information about this competition, please contact:

Mrs. Amal Baldwin
Program Delivery Coordinator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
410 Laurier Avenue W., 9th Floor
Address Locator 4209A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9
Telephone: (613) 946-6568
Fax: (613) 952-2277
Email: amal.baldwin@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For further information on this initiative, please contact:

Dr. Benoit Lussier
Assistant Director
Institute of Cance Research
Room 706
3655 Promenade Sir-William-Osler
Montreal, QC H3G 1Y6
Telephone: (514) 398-4964
Fax (514) 398-8845
Email: benoit.lussier@mcgill.ca