The Department of Oncology, McMaster University, located at the Juravinski Cancer Centre was officially launched on September 21, 2006. It is the first new department to be established in the Faculty of Health Sciences since 1989 and has an outstanding multidisciplinary group of faculty dedicated to excellence in research and education

Cancer is a major health concern in Canada. Currently, one in three Canadians can expect to develop cancer in their lifetime. It is expected that the number of cancer cases will have increased by 70% by the year 2020 compared with 1990. Given the magnitude of the anticipated burden of cancer, the need for research across the spectrum of cancer control has never been more urgent. To meet this challenge, the Department of Oncology will actively seek out research and education opportunities for intra-faculty collaboration across departments, schools, institutes, faculties and teaching hospitals. As a result of the partnerships formed, the lives of patients and families at risk for suffering from cancer will be enhanced.

By meeting the challenge of cancer through a greater investment in oncology, McMaster University will raise the bar in scholarship, inquiry and education and will be seen as a centre of excellence and an international leader in cancer care, education and research.