Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada

About Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada:

Founded in 1998, Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada (CCAC) works to increase awareness of colorectal cancer, support patients, and advocate for population-based screening and timely access to effective treatments.

Donor Update: Effective June 30, 2017, the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada and Colon Cancer Canada have amalgamated and will now be known as Colorectal Cancer Canada. Read Charity Intelligence's report on the merger.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Canada, accounting for 13% of all cancers. Based on Canadian Cancer Statistics 2016, created by the Government of Canada, survival rate ranges from 60% to 62% in all provinces besides Ontario, where it is 67%. Not surprisingly, Ontario has the highest screening rates of 35%-40%.  Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest death rate and incidence rate for men and women (PEI is tied with NL for women’s death rate).

CCAC emphasizes the importance of screening and early detection to improve outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer. Survival rates for colorectal cancer are 80%-95% for Stage 1. Since most Canadians do not get screened, only 40% of colorectal cancers are found in these early stages. Colorectal Cancer Association's goal is to get screening rates to 60%-70%. Screening rates at these levels would save an estimated 2,050 lives each year. 

CCAC’s three core programs are awareness, support and advocacy.  Awareness and education events occur throughout the year to spread knowledge and awareness of colorectal cancer. CCAC reports that it participates in health forums and conferences, distributes educational materials, holds free information sessions, and produces public service announcements. CCAC’s support groups connect colorectal cancer patients, survivors and their families – the charity’s website reports on groups in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec. Through its advocacy program, CCAC works to inform key decision-makers on the issues of nation-wide screening and patient access to effective medical treatments.

Financial Review:

Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada is a small-cap charity with total donations and special events fundraising of $948k in F2015. Administrative costs are 13% of revenues and fundraising costs are 12% of donations and special events fundraising. Per dollar donated to CCAC, $0.76 goes towards its programs, which falls within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending. CCAC’s funding reserves of $185k can cover only 26% of annual program costs, indicating a funding need.

In addition to reported salary information, for 2015, 2014, and 2013, CCAC paid consulting fees of $264k to a director.

Ci used government funding figures as reported in the charity’s T3010 CRA filings. Ci also adjusted for changes in deferred contributions of ($265k) in F2014 and $265k in F2013. Ci recognizes that deferred amounts may include some government funding, but was unable to determine accurate amounts and, as such, adjusted for deferred contributions completely in donations.

Ci's financial analysis is based on the most current information received after making a formal request with the CRA for CCAC's audited financial statements.

This charity report is an update that is currently being reviewed by Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. Comments and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on July 6, 2017 by Katie Khodawandi.