As this concept spread to other provinces, the CMA backed the original committee's proposal to establish a national organization called the Canadian Society for the Control of Cancer.

At that time, many people did not seek medical help until their cancer had advanced past a treatable stage.

[3] The Canadian Cancer Society consists of: Public accountability for the organization rests at the national level.

Each year, CCS raises funds to help those affected by cancer through daffodil pin and live flower sales, canvassing and galas.

The 12-hour relay brings teams of 10 people together to take turns walking, running or wheeling around a track from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Main events include a Survivors' Victory Lap, a luminary ceremony to remember loved ones lost to cancer as well as anything from karaoke to bingo to help keep people energized throughout the night.

[5] Introduced in 2005, the Thing-a-ma-boob is an educational keyring made of four different sized beads, each indicating the various sized lumps that can be detected through regular breast self-exams, physical exams by a healthcare professional, first mammogram, to regular mammograms.

Money raised from the sale of the Thing-a-ma-boob will go towards funding breast cancer research, providing support services for victims and their families, as well as prevention and advocacy initiatives.

Issues the Society advocates for include tobacco control, ornamental use of pesticides, health systems reform, occupational carcinogen exposure, cancer screening and gene patenting.