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Cancer is a group of diseases that happen when abnormal cells in the body divide and spread without control. This overview looks at cancer in Niagara, including how many people are getting screened, how many are diagnosed each year, and how many die from cancer in the region. The purpose is to increase awareness of the impact of cancer across Niagara and support local planning for cancer prevention, early detection and care.
3,335
new cases of cancer diagnosed
1,365
deaths due to cancer
To diagnose and treat cancer at an early stage, three types of cancer screening are publicly funded: breast, cervical and colorectal. Participation in all three screening programs declined from 2018 to 2020, likely due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2022, screening rates may be starting to increase again.
57.8%
of Niagara females eligible for breast cancer screening had at least one mammogram in the previous 30 months (compared to 58.3 per cent in Ontario)
53.4%
of Niagara females eligible for cervical cancer screening had at least one Pap test in the previous 42 months (compared to 53 per cent in Ontario)
38.4%
of Niagara residents eligible for colorectal cancer screening were overdue for screening (compared to 38.8 per cent in Ontario)
Between 2010 and 2020, the rate at which new cancers are diagnosed (incidence rate) declined in Niagara. In 2020, Niagara has a significantly higher cancer incidence rate than Ontario. Over time, males consistently have higher incidence rates compared to females.
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Age-standardized rate of new cancer cases per 100,000 population, all cancers combined. The overall rate includes all residents and falls between the male and female rates. Since 2010, the overall rate has dropped by 102.5 cases per 100,000.
Overall, as age increases, cancer incidence rates also increase. Cancer cases between birth and 24 years are low, so these cases are combined.
15 to 29
30 to 39
40 to 49
50 to 59
60 to 69
70 to 79
80 and older
Rate of new cancer cases per 100,000 people in each age group, all cancers combined. The overall rate includes all residents in the age group and falls between the male and female rates. Rates rise sharply with age. Females have higher rates up to age 59, and males have higher rates from age 60.
The most commonly diagnosed cancers in Niagara are:
Top cancers diagnosed in males (2020)
Top cancers diagnosed in females (2020)
Between 2010 and 2020, the rate at which people die from cancer (mortality rate) did not change significantly, but it does appear to be slowly decreasing over time. In 2020, Niagara has a significantly higher cancer mortality rate than Ontario.
Overall, as age increases, cancer mortality rates also increase. Niagara residents 70 years and older have significantly higher mortality rates than other age groups. Males 70 years and older have significantly higher mortality rates than females of the same age.
Lung cancer has remained the leading cause of cancer-related deaths over time in males, females and the Niagara population as a whole. Between 2018 and 2020, the mortality rate for lung cancer is significantly higher in Niagara compared to Ontario.
Top cancers causing death in males (2020)
Top cancers causing death in females (2020)
Parts of this material is based on data and information compiled and provided in the Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) Ontario Cancer Profiles (2024). However, the analyses, conclusions, opinions and statements expressed herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario).
Breast cancer screening participation includes all eligible residents 50 to 74 years of age who have had at least one mammogram within 30 months.
Cervical cancer screening participation includes all eligible residents 21 to 69 years of age who have had at least one Pap test within 42 months.
Colorectal cancer screening participation includes all eligible residents 50 to 74 years of age who are up to date with a colorectal test.
Cancer incidence and mortality data is based on the Ontario Cancer Registry, which collects information from administrative databases, laboratory reports and clinical records.
Both incidence and mortality rates are per 100,000 of the total population and are standardized to the 2011 Canadian Standard Million Population (18 age groups).
Age-specific incidence and mortality rates are analyzed for combined males and females. Male and female refer to patient sex reported in the Ontario Cancer Registry that is based on sex assigned at birth.
Any deaths that occur outside of Ontario are not included in this report.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic changed health seeking behaviours and access to health services, impacting cancer incidence, mortality and overall survival.
It is expected that there will be an increase in new cancer cases, greater severity and more deaths from all causes among people with cancer due to the impacts of the pandemic that are not yet observed.
Data are updated as new data become available.
Last updated: May 2026
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