The Government of Yukon has released the Yukon Cancer Incidence Report, 2013–2023, offering a detailed picture of cancer trends in the territory over an 11-year period.
The report brings together the most up-to-date information on cancer incidence in the Yukon, including the number of new cases, trends over time and patterns by age, gender and cancer type. The data is drawn from the Yukon Cancer Registry, a population-based system that tracks cancer diagnoses among Yukon residents.
Between 2013 and 2023, 1,923 new cancer cases were diagnosed in the Yukon, with an average of 79 cases per year among females and 96 among males. Overall, cancer incidence rates in the territory remain broadly consistent with national trends, with some year-to-year variation due to the Yukon’s small population.
The report shows that four cancers account for more than half of all diagnoses in the Yukon: breast, colorectal, prostate and lung. This pattern mirrors what is seen across Canada and reinforces the importance of targeted screening and prevention efforts.
Screening and early detection remain critical. Programs such as breast cancer screening and the ColonCheck colorectal screening program help identify cancers earlier, when treatment outcomes are often better. The report also highlights the role of risk factors such as smoking, which remains more common in the Yukon than the national average and is a leading contributor to lung cancer.
This report will help guide ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and care across the territory.
Understanding cancer trends in the Yukon helps us make informed decisions about prevention, screening and care. This report provides valuable insights that will support planning and improve health outcomes for Yukoners.
This report highlights the importance of early detection, screening and reducing risk factors such as smoking. These findings will help guide our efforts to improve cancer outcomes and support Yukoners at every stage of care.
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The report supports ongoing efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, screening and care across the territory.
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88 per cent of cancer cases were diagnosed in people aged 50 or older.
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While cancer rates have historically been higher in rural areas, the gap between rural and urban communities appears to have been narrowing over time.
Tim Kucharuk
Press secretary, Cabinet Communications
867-335-2419
[email protected]
Ayodeji Awobamise
Communications, Health and Social Services
867-334-8342
[email protected]