Announcing the Rural and Remote Community Cancer Screening Challenge Finalists

MaRS and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) are proud to announce the five finalists of the Rural and Remote Community Cancer Screening Challenge.

Each finalist will receive $15,000 to begin implementing their solution in a rural or remote community as part of Phase 2 of the challenge in September 2025. One grand prize winner will be selected in April 2026 and awarded an additional $100,000 to scale their impact.

Here are the finalists:

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health, an Ontario-based non-profit organization, is launching the Integrated Rural Screening Initiative, which draws on its existing programming for firefighters, farmers and seniors to promote and educate them about cancer screening. By utilizing established relationships, it aims to close the rural-urban screening gap and reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses.

My Breast Day, an Indigenous-founded health technology company based in Alberta, has developed a  culturally sensitive, AI-powered mobile platform that combines education, personalized reminders and community support to empower individuals in taking charge of their breast health. This accessible app provides education, symptom tracking and post-diagnosis scheduling tools. The enhancement will integrate screening schedules, symptom tracking and local resources into one easy-to-use tool and prioritize inclusive care for rural and Indigenous communities.

Oncology Simplified, an on-demand telehealth platform, has developed a solution that aims to empower Indigenous communities in the Northwest Territories. The aim is to increase fecal immunochemical test (FIT) uptake through redesigned educational and community-led storytelling tools, as well as through cross-promotion with existing breast cancer screening initiatives and in collaboration with local health authorities.

In spring 2026, Praxus Health is launching a lung health mobile service. To prepare communities for this new initiative, the Alberta-based not-for-profit has developed a solution to raise awareness and bolster  informed decision making related to lung cancer screening in rural and remote parts of the province, in partnership with the Northwest Spirit Rotary club.

Virtual Health Hub, a national centre of excellence in virtual care and remote diagnostics based in Saskatchewan, is working to improve access to lung cancer screening. It’s bringing its mobile, remotely operated CT unit directly to communities, supported by local virtual care assistants and remote technologists. This solution removes the barriers of distance and workforce shortages that prevent timely screening, while building local capacity and working to provide culturally safe care.

Read the full press release here.