Hope From Oncologists Across Canada: Looking Ahead to 2026
As this year draws to a close, we share messages of hope for our community. These reflections from oncologists across Canada speak to what matters most: access to effective therapies, the ability to live well for longer, and the strength of a community that refuses to give up. May their words offer comfort, encouragement, and a renewed sense of optimism as we look toward 2026.
Dr. Normand Blais, Montreal
On my behalf and the entire ALK community, I am pleased to take a moment to wish everyone a very happy Holiday season. May this be a special time to focus our energy on the things that matter most. May the year 2026, now fast approaching, be rich in new discoveries, lasting health, and moments of togetherness - so that, all together, we may carry even farther the torch of victory over that illness that affects us all.
Dr. Cheryl Ho, Vancouver
Thank you to all the members of the ALK community for your advocacy and encouragement! All the stories and joys that you share motivated us to do what we do every day. Looking forward to 2026 that will bring new discoveries and hope for the future! Wishing you the very best for the holiday season.
Dr. Kevin Jao, Montreal
To the ALK positive community, from the bottom of my heart to the ALK family (including patients, their families and their network of support helping to deal with the ups and downs with living with lung cancer), I wanted to wish you all the warmest of holidays and hope for the new year. We can only hope that fate brings people together in times of trial and despair, and nothing is better than being amongst friends and family. May 2026 be a source of renewed strength and positivity to all patients, old and new.
Dr. Rosalyn Juergens, Hamilton
2025 was a year of progress for ALK positive lung cancer. For the first time, ALK directed therapy is funded in the majority of Canadian provinces after surgically resected ALK positive lung cancer. We have multiple options for treatment of advanced ALK positive lung cancer and these treatments have led to incredible outcomes. The future for ALK positive lung cancer is so bright that we are now bringing experts together to focus not only on cancer treatment but survivorship. We want to support ALK positive lung cancer patients living well. I can’t wait to see what is over the horizon.
Dr. Geoffrey Liu, Toronto
I wish the best for all members of the ALK-positive community with immense hope that 2026 brings improved access to effective therapies, excellent quality of life, and more years of living well.
Dr. Nicolas Marcoux , Quebec City
On behalf of myself and my colleagues working with those living with ALK-positive lung cancer in the greater Quebec City area, I wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with peace and serenity in the company of your loved ones. I wish you a 2026 that is full of optimism and beautiful moments, despite the obstacles that life may put in our paths. Happy Holidays!
Dr. Joel Pearson, Winnipeg
I would like to wish the ALK+ lung cancer community peace and warmth this holiday season. Your strength, courage, and support for one another inspire hope for many people every day. I hope that 2026 brings you renewed energy, many meaningful moments, and more progress towards better outcomes for everyone affected by this cancer.
Dr. Paul Wheatley-Price, Ottawa
While lung cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, we have great hope. For ALK+ lung cancer in particular, we have some of the best drugs among all cancers, and people are able to live longer and better than ever. Let's now work to do even more!
Dr. Scott Owen, Montreal
In 2026, we stand at a historic vantage point, ready to take the next steps forward on a journey that has transformed a once-dire diagnosis into a manageable chronic condition. We have moved from the early era of chemotherapy and the first targeted breakthroughs to a landscape dominated by ultra-potent, third and fourth-generation inhibitors and combinations that effectively guard the brain and outmaneuver resistance.
The most profound achievement is no longer just the science itself, but the life it enables: today, patients have a realistic chance at a life in which they can plan for long-term goals and achieve milestones without shouldering the burden of finality. They are witnessing graduations, pursuing careers, and traveling - proving that through relentless research and the strength of the ALK Positive Canada community, we have replaced despair with the enduring promise of many more years of high-quality life.
Looking Ahead to 2026
These messages from oncologists across Canada give us reasons to remain hopeful for the year and years to come. Alongside patients, caregivers, and advocates, it reminds us we move further when we come together.
Thank you all for being part of this community. We wish you a happy holiday and a bright New Year filled with possibilities!