Cancer Prevention Without Barriers

Screening & Access Information Session

Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Venue: 52 Regina St N, Waterloo

Event Overview

The Alliance for CancerCare Equity (ACCE), in partnership with the Waterloo Wellington Regional Cancer Program (Ontario Health: Cancer Care Ontario), hosted a special community event dedicated to cancer screening, prevention, and early detection. This event was hosted by the Centre for Mutual Wellbeing, Kitchener.

Goal

Increase cancer awareness, encourage early detection and screening, and educate minority communities about cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

Target Audience

• New immigrants and Newcomers

Guest Speakers

• Sofia Herrera — ACCE
• Dr Ernest Osei — ACCE
• Dr Neil Naik — Regional Primary Care Lead
• Barb Wildman — Regional High Risk Breast Screening Navigator

Why Attend?

Cancer is not an equal opportunity disease. Systemic barriers, cultural stigma, and lack of access to the right information continue to negatively impact outcomes for minority communities in Canada. Many are diagnosed late or unaware of the services available to them. Thus, cancer outcomes remain significantly worse for racialized and immigrant populations in Canada, often due to misinformation, cultural stigma, and lack of access to prevention and screening resources. However,

• Early detection saves lives.
• Access to information changes outcomes.
• Together, we can build a future where everyone has an equal chance at cancer prevention, treatment, and survival.

Key Messages

• Importance of screening and early detection. Screening guidelines and access
• Access to screening services
• Available resources
• Navigating the Canadian healthcare system
• Addressing cultural myths, misinformation and barriers to equitable healthcare
• Reducing systemic barriers to care

What Attendees Learned

• Why cancer screening and early detection matter
• Who should get screened and when
• How to access screening services in Ontario
• Available healthcare and community resources
• How to navigate the Canadian healthcare system
• Common myths and facts about cancer
• How to overcome barriers to healthcare

Event Format

• In-person and online community cancer education event
• Mix of presentations, Q&A sessions, and resource materials

Together, we empower communities. Together, we save lives.