Cancer affects everyone in some way. In Alberta:
- 1 out of every 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer sometime in their life
- 1 out of every 4 people diagnosed with cancer will die from it
- 43 people hear the words “you have cancer” each day in Alberta
Alberta's Tomorrow Project (ATP) was formed to do something about these high rates. It is the largest research study ever undertaken in Alberta. The goal of the study is to find out more about what causes cancer and other chronic diseases, so they may be prevented in the future.
Can I take part in the study?
At this time, recruitment is closed. The recruitment was open from 2000-2015, and about 55,000 Albertans signed up to take part in the study.
What is asked of study participants?
People who joined the study were asked to stay involved for up to 50 years. When they joined, people went to study centres to give blood, urine or saliva samples. Now they do diet and lifestyle surveys every 3-5 years. The study team is working on future surveys and reviewing all of the surveys and samples that have been completed. This will help show trends in cancer both in Alberta and Canada.
Is the study just in Alberta?
In 2008, Alberta’s Tomorrow Project joined other provinces to form
The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow Project (CPTP). Over 300,000 Canadians have joined the national study. The study hopes to learn how to prevent cancer and other long-term health problems.
The results from both the provincial and national studies will be used to help find new ways to prevent cancer and other long-term health problems that will benefit future generations.
Alberta's Tomorrow Project is funded by Alberta Health and the Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund, the Alberta Cancer Foundation, and the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and is based in CancerControl Alberta at Alberta Health Services.
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