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MaRS and Merck Canada Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge Launch

January 20, 2021

Of the four most common cancers, lung cancer, has the lowest survival rate, regardless of stage at diagnosis. The five-year relative survival ratio is 60.8 percent when diagnosed at Stage 1, and only 3.3 percent when diagnosed at Stage 4. It is estimated that 29,800 new lung cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2020 across Canada, with almost 40 percent of those cases residing in Ontario alone.

This upcoming January 20, 2021, MaRS and Merck Canada are launching the Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge. The competition asks Ontario-based innovators to identify, implement and scale solutions that can enhance a lung cancer patient’s journey by seeking to reduce the length of time between diagnosis and treatment for lung cancer patients, and enable improved treatment outcomes.

Finalists will receive up to $100,000 for their submission with the potential for additional funding to scale their solution across Ontario.

The challenge’s virtual launch features a panel discussion on the barriers and opportunities associated with the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. Panelists representing a diverse range of perspectives across the healthcare system — including patients, healthcare providers and other innovators — will share their experiences, and speak to the additional challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.