Spotlight on Three Cancers in September: Understanding Childhood, Ovarian, and Prostate Cancer in Canada

Each September, Canadians observe awareness months for several cancers that affect children, women, and men: Childhood Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Prostate Cancer. These observances are more than symbolic, they’re a time to inform, act, and support. Understanding what each cancer involves, how it is affecting people here, and what can be done helps empower families, caregivers, and community members.

Childhood Cancer Canada focuses on your support for much-needed childhood cancer research funding.

Childhood Cancer

• In Canada, roughly 1,000 children under age 15 are diagnosed with cancer each year. Government of Canada+1

• The five-year survival rate is over 86%, a number that’s improved with better treatments and earlier diagnosis. Government of Canada+1

• Leukemia is the most common type among children, followed by brain and central nervous system tumours, lymphomas, etc. phac-aspc.gc.ca+1

• But survival is only part of the picture: many children who survive face long-term health issues (late effects) related to their treatment, such as organ damage, impacts on learning or growth. tfri.ca+1

“Five Canadian women die every day of ovarian cancer and yet it is so underdiagnosed,” said Cailey Crawford of Ovarian Cancer Canada on ovarian cancer awareness month. Brittany Henriques reports.

Ovarian Cancer

• In 2024, in Canada, about 3,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Canadian Cancer Society

• Approximately 2,000 of those will die from it. Canadian Cancer Society

• Survival rates are lower compared to many more common cancers. Ovarian cancer is often detected in later stages, partly because early symptoms are vague and there is no reliable screening test for low-risk individuals. PMC+2Canadian Cancer Society+2

• Research shows that genetics plays a role: inherited mutations are involved in a proportion of cases. Also, treatment options have not seen dramatic advances in some decades, so funding, awareness, and early symptom recognition are especially important. Ovarian Cancer Canada

The City of Ottawa has proclaimed September Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men: estimated to account for about 22% of all new male cancer cases in 2024. Canadian Cancer Society+2PMC+2

• About 27,900 men are expected to be diagnosed in 2024, and around 5,000 deaths. Statistics Canada

• The lifetime risk for Canadian men developing prostate cancer is approximately 1 in 8, while the risk of dying from it is lower (often because many cases progress slowly and are caught early). Statistics Canada

• When diagnosed in early stages, survival rates are very high, often near 100% for the first few stages. Statistics Canada

  
  

Why These Three Are Important Together

• Although they affect different populations (children, women, older men), they share key challenges: late detection, limited screening (especially ovarian), and long-term health impacts even for survivors.

• Awareness and education about symptoms, risk factors, and support systems can improve outcomes, for example, recognizing early warning signs in ovarian cancer, or addressing treatment side effects in childhood cancer survivors.

• Research funding tends to be uneven. Some cancers (like prostate) may receive more public awareness and funding; others (ovarian, childhood) may lag behind despite serious impacts. Awareness months help draw attention.

  
  

What You Should Know & Do

• Learn the risk factors and symptoms for each cancer type. Don’t ignore subtle signs: persistent abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, changes in urination, prolonged fatigue, or unusual symptoms in children. Early conversations with health professionals can matter.

• Support screening where applicable (e.g. prostate cancer discussions) and follow recommended check-ups.

• Support families and children navigating cancer treatment: financial, emotional, and physical support make a difference.

• Back research: funding for new diagnostics, better treatments, and survivorship care is vital—especially for ovarian cancer and paediatric cancers.

• Reduce stigma: talking openly, sharing stories, wearing awareness ribbons, helping neighbours or friends get help.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Awareness months aren’t just for visibility—they’re for impact. September reminds us of the real lives behind stats: children who deserve healthy futures, women whose symptoms need listening to, men looking for clarity and care. At APlus Homecare Services, we are committed to helping in whatever way we can—whether that’s providing compassionate daily care, assisting families through illness, or being a resource for comfort and understanding.

Let’s use this September to focus on knowledge, empathy, and action. Because when people are informed, supported, and cared for—every step forward matters.