The Canadian Provinces with the Highest Rate of Cancer
Which Canadian province or territory has the highest cancer rate? From prostate cancer to lung cancer, we break down where and which cancers are the most prevalent across Canada and why.
Cancer in Canada
The latest cancer research suggests 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime.
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, causing more deaths among Canadians than the other three major cancer types combined. (If you haven’t quit yet, read this.) It also results in more than 51 percent of all new cancer cases. Despite this large impact, there has been a substantial drop in the lung cancer death rate (especially for men) over the past 25 years, which has driven a decline in the overall cancer death rate.
The next most common cancers in the country are breast, colorectal and prostate cancer, in that order. Males are diagnosed with cancer (51 percent) slightly more often than females (49 percent), with prostate cancer and breast cancer being the most frequently diagnosed.
Read on to find out which provinces and territories have the highest risk and the lowest.
Yukon: Lowest new cancer rate in Canada
Estimated new cancer rate: 340.1 per 100,000 people (140 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 237.4 per 100,000 people (85 deaths)
Top 3 causes of cancer death:
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Prostate cancer
While this territory has the lowest rate of new cancer in Canada the mortality rate in the Yukon is the second highest in the country. The top three causes of cancer death in this territory-lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and prostate cancer-are generally higher than Canadian averages but there are not a lot of reliable statistics for this territory. Because of the small population numbers in the territories, only five-year averages were available. Access to specialist medical care and screening likely has an impact on cancer diagnosis and survival rates in more remote regions of the country.
Alberta: Second lowest new cancer rate in Canada
Estimated new cancer rate: 365.7 per 100,000 (17,000 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 139.4 per 100,000 (6,500 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (96 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (57 per 100,000)
• Lung (50 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (96 per 100,000)
• Lung (44 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (37 per 100,000)
This province has the second lowest estimated rate of new cancer cases. Alberta also has one of the second lowest lung cancer mortality rates for females in Canada and one of the lowest prostate cancer rates for males. But Alberta may soon see a rise in cancer cases (along with the Territories) as statistics predict an increase in people over the age of 65 in the future. There’s also a prediction that esophageal cancers in Alberta will dramatically rise, perhaps due to the aging population.
British Columbia: Third lowest new cancer rate in Canada
Estimated new cancer rate: 367.6 per 100,000 (25,400 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 136.8 per 100,000 (10,100 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (111 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (51 per 100,000)
• Lung (46 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (100 per 100,000)
• Lung (41 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (36 per 100,000)
The mortality rate for lung cancer in British Columbia is lowest for both males and females. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, B.C. has historically lower cancer rates due to its citizens smoking less, being more active and eating healthier. This western province has one of the leading cancer diagnosis programs and they are a leader in early detection.
Northwest Territories: Fourth lowest new cancer rate in Canada
Estimated new cancer rate: 372.9 per 100,000 (160 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 200.9 per 100,000 (75 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (22% *of all cancers)
• Colorectal (21%)
• Lung (13%)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (33%)
• Colorectal (18%)
• Lung (12%)
Northwest Territories has the fourth lowest estimated rate of new cancer cases in Canada but the third highest cancer death rate in the country. The territories are also projected to have an increase in population over the age of 65 so this will increase their cancer rate moving forward. According to the government report Cancer in the Northwest Territories 2001-2010, the incidence of colorectal cancer was 1.6 times higher in NWT males compared to males in the rest of the country but prostate cancer was 24 percent less common compared to Canadian males. Colorectal cancer rates among NWT females are also double that of Canadian females. While the rates may seem high, reports say that overall, the risk of cancer is not necessarily higher in this territory.
Related: 11 Things Your Doctor Can Tell Just By Looking At You
Saskatchewan: Fifth lowest new cancer rate in Canada
Estimated new cancer rate: 376.3 per 100,000 (5,500 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 151.4 per 100,000 (2,400 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (98 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (62 per 100,000)
• Lung (51 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (96 per 100,000)
• Lung (51 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (42 per 100,000)
Saskatchewan has the fifth lowest estimated rate of new cancer cases in Canada. It has one of the highest prostate cancer mortality rates. It is also estimated to have a lower than average aging population which may positively affect cancer rates in the future. Saskatchewan has an increasing rate of one of the most preventable cancers, melanoma, but the province has recently passed laws in regards to tanning bed usage for minors which may reduce risk factors.
Related: 3 Cancers on the Rise and What You Should Know to Protect Yourself
Nunavut: Sixth lowest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 381.1 per 100,000 (80 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 318.9 per 100,000 (55 deaths)
Top 3 cancers for males:
• Lung
• Colorectal
• Oral
Top 3 cancers for females:
• Lung
• Colorectal
• Breast
Nunavut may have the sixth lowest new cancer rate, but this territory also has the highest estimated cancer deaths. Their low cancer survival rate may be attributed to demography, health services, heredity, environmental exposure, and lifestyle patterns. The life expectancy of Nunavut is 8.5 years lower than the rest of Canada as of a 2011 report. Death rates can be attributed to a number of factors such as the remoteness of communities and thus their access to healthcare facilities. Generally, there is no diagnostic equipment for things like mammography or specialists such as oncologists so for cancer diagnosis or treatment, patients must travel to larger communities. Sixty percent of the population smokes, according to Nunavut’s Department of Health. Nunavut also had the highest rate of food insecurity as of 2012, over four times that of the average Canadian.
Manitoba : Seventh lowest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 394.7 per 100,000 (6,700 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 153.0 per 100,000 (2,800 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (91 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (67 per 100,000)
• Lung (54 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (100 per 100,000)
• Lung (49 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (44 per 100,000)
Like many other places in Canada, Manitoba’s aging population is estimated to be growing and thus their cancer rate will also increase by nearly 50 percent in the next 15 to 20 years, according to the Manitoba government. Manitoba has high colorectal cancer rates for females and high prostate cancer mortality rates. Many Manitobans also do not have a family doctor – an estimated 10 to 15 percent do not have a primary care provider and in addition, a government report has found that public awareness of cancer signs, symptoms and risk factors is relatively low so people may delay seeking help which can affect clinical outcomes and reduce survival rates. A 2010 report also showed that 55 percent of people are overweight or obese, 45 percent are considered inactive and 27 percent smoke, all of which can increase the risk of cancer.
Related: 6 Things You Probably Don’t Know About Heart Health
PEI: Sixth highest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 402.6 per 100,000 (910 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 155.2 per 100,000 (380 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (126 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (60 per 100,000)
• Lung (71 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (95 per 100,000)
• Lung (45 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (44 per 100,000)
Lung cancer mortality rates are amongst the highest in the Atlantic provinces, due to a traditionally higher rate of smoking. Bladder cancer predominantly affects Canadians over the age of 70 years and occurs more commonly in the Atlantic provinces. According to a 2012 report, cancer incidence in males in P.E.I. is 12 percent higher than the national average and is 10 percent higher for women. More people on P.E.I. will die of lung cancer than prostate, breast and colorectal cancers combined. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women and according to the report. While the incidence rate for breast cancer is 6 percent lower than the national average, the mortality rate is 21 percent higher than the national average. Getting screened regularly for cancers such as colorectal, breast and prostate cancers can help to identify cancers earlier and hence start treatment earlier. Experts also recommend getting regular exercise and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables to reduce your overall risk.
Ontario: Fifth highest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 404.2 per 100,000 (76,000 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 140.9 per 100,000 (28,500 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (107 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (57 per 100,000)
• Lung (51 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (101 per 100,000)
• Lung (42 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (39 per 100,000)
Ontario has one of the lowest lung cancer mortality rates in Canada, which is connected to a lower rate of smoking in this province. Ontario also has a relatively high survival rate for both colorectal and prostate cancers. Uterus cancer is expected to see an increase in new cases in Ontario and B.C. moreso than other provinces, which may have to do with an expected increase in population. A report from March of 2016 via Cancer Care Ontario shows that First Nations, especially those living on reserves, have a much higher prevalence of cancer risk factors than non-Aboriginal Ontarians due to risk factors such as smoking, higher obesity rates, poor nutrition and a lack of screening participation in things like mammography.
Quebec: Fourth highest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 412.6 per 100,000 (50,100 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 162.2 per 100,000 (20,900 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (79 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (65 per 100,000)
• Lung (75 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (101 per 100,000)
• Lung (60 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (41 per 100,000)
Smoking prevalence in the province of Quebec has led to higher lung cancer rates. The lung cancer mortality rates in this province, along with the Atlantic provinces are higher than the national average. But Quebec has the lowest rate of prostate cancer incidences among the provinces and one of the lowest prostate cancer mortality rates.
Nova Scotia: Third highest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 420.6 per 100,000 (6,300 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 168.5 per 100,000 (2,700 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (95 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (71 per 100,000)
• Lung (67 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (102 per 100,000)
• Lung (56 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (49 per 100,000)
Nova Scotia has a high colorectal cancer rate in females-the second highest incidence rate of colorectal cancer, second only to Newfoundland. But it does have a high relative survival rate for prostate cancer. Nova Scotians also have some of the highest rates of melanoma among males and females in the country. Increased screening programs and awareness can lower the risk of some of these cancers, which are treatable if caught early on.
New Brunswick: Second highest new cancer rate
Estimated new cancer rate: 426.6 per 100,000 (5,100 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 150.2 per 100,000 (1,950 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (130 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (65 per 100,000)
• Lung (74 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (93 per 100,000)
• Lung (56 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (39 per 100,000)
Smoking is a major preventable cause of cancer and New Brunswick residents average a smoking rate of 22 percent slightly more than the national average of 20 percent. Only 36 percent of New Brunswickers reported having the five servings of fruits and vegetables daily recommended by the World Health Organization. (The Canadian national average of this consumption is 40 percent.) The activity level of New Brunswickers was 25 percent, one of the lowest activity levels reported in the country and this province has one of the highest reported obesity rates at 59 percent. New Brunswick does has a lower than average mortality rate for prostate cancer.
Newfoundland & Labrador: Highest rate of new cancer in Canada
Estimated new cancer rate: 435.8 per 100,000 (3,500 new cases)
Estimated cancer deaths: 180.9 per 100,000 (1,500 deaths)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for males:
• Prostate (133 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (85 per 100,000)
• Lung (70 per 100,000)
Top 3 incidences of cancer for females:
• Breast (86 per 100,000)
• Lung (42 per 100,000)
• Colorectal (53 per 100,000)
Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest incidence rates of cancer per capita in Canada. Colorectal cancer rates are the highest in this Atlantic province and the mortality rate is also the highest for both males and females. The lower rate of breast cancer in this province may be due to a lack of registration of the rates. The Canadian Cancer Society expects rates of esophageal cancer to rise substantially in the next twelve to fifteen years. Atlantic provinces also historically have a high rate of smoking, which can contribute to the lung cancer cases. The cancer rates in Newfoundland are expected to rise, partially due to the aging population in this province.
How to Reduce Your Risk of Cancer
There are things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends reducing your alcohol consumption, getting regular physical activity, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, protecting yourself from the sun and avoiding tanning beds and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Smoking causes an estimated 85 percent of all lung cancers-either by directly smoking or from exposure to second-hand smoke. Taking measures to quit, such as signing up for a program or encouraging your loved ones to do the same can positively influence your overall cancer risk.
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