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Our History 100% Research for Over 80 Years

Since 1945, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) has been proud to accelerate scientific discoveries and research impact across Canada.

Seniors couple smiling and dancing outdoors.

Staying True to Our Mission

A Long Tradition

It’s in the 1940s that Betty Caplan, faced with her mother’s cancer diagnosis, realized that this disease impacts everyone in some way. At a time when no Canadian organization was dedicated exclusively to funding cancer research, she decided to act. Alongside her friends, Etta Kastner, Hattie Rolbin, and Mildred Singer, she founded the CRS in 1945. From the very beginning, the CRS had a clear and unwavering mission: to exclusively fund research on all types of cancer to better prevent, detect, and treat the disease.

By 1946, the CRS had awarded its first four research grants of $600 each, amounting to an equivalent of more than $40,000 today. This initial step, driven by a steadfast determination to make a difference, gave rise to an organization that, over eight decades later, continues to push the boundaries of science. Today, the CRS is recognized as a leader in funding for cancer research.

The Story Behind Our Mission

Julia Gersovitz, niece of Betty Caplan, one of the four founders of the CRS, shares how a family loss led to the creation of the organization. She honors the vision and determination of the founders while emphasizing the enduring strength of the mission, over 80 years later.

Portrait of Julia Gersovitz during an interview.
Cancer Research Society Challenge participants posing with a banner on a dirt hill against a backdrop of green mountains.

Making a Lasting Impact

Over the years, the CRS has created different initiatives to ensure the lasting impact of its mission, such as signature events, annual campaigns, and much more.

In 2010, the Challenge Against Cancer program was created. This program offers its participants the chance to support cancer research while discovering the world and surpassing themselves through a variety of sporting activities. In 2025, this program has grown into an initiative that now includes the Challenge rose, a challenge dedicated to breast cancer research.

*Photo from our 2025 Vietnam Challenge. Our participants raised $173,000 net for cancer research.

Discover Our Challenge Against Cancer Program
Historic photograph of Betty Caplan, founder of the Cancer Research Society, presenting a cheque to Professor Judan Quastel in Montreal around 1945. The photograph was taken by Montreal photographer David Bier.

Breakthroughs that Change Lives

Over the decades, research has led to remarkable advancements, improving survival rates for cancer patients. These breakthroughs stem from progress in prevention, more effective and less invasive detection techniques, and increasingly targeted treatments. These scientific advancements define our purpose and drive us to pursue our mission every day.

Learn More About Our Funding Programs

Funding Research Excellence

Hear from a former grant recipient, Leonardo Salmena, about the importance of funding cancer research, and the impact that every dollar has on the lives of those affected by the disease.

Portrait of Leonardo.

A Message from Our President

Manon Pepin, President and CEO, reflects on the essential role of research and highlights the impact of our donors’ generosity, which has advanced science and improved the lives of people affected by cancer for over 80 years.

Portrait of Manon Pepin during an interview.

Together, We Can Continue to Outsmart Cancer

Join us in writing the next chapter of our story. With your support, we can go even further and deliver new scientific breakthroughs for future generations.

Together, help us accelerate discoveries and accelerate the impact of research.

Learn About the Different Ways to Donate
Group photo for the cheque presentation of the Urban BBQ 2025. A group of hikers pose at a summit with the Cancer Research Society's "CHALLENGE against cancer" banner. 1948 archival newspaper ad from The Herald for the Cancer Research Society, featuring a woman with a bow and arrow and the slogan "Aim to SAVE LIVES!". 1948 archival advertisement calling for donations to a $1,000,000 goal for the Cancer Research Fund, showing medical equipment. Dr. Mark Basik conducting a choir on stage during the Christmas Carols fundraising event for the Cancer Research Society. Archival announcement for a charitable baseball game at the Montreal Stadium on August 28th, benefitting the Cancer Research Society, featuring a town crier illustration.