Gateway CERH Named Top 5 Finalist in the MaRS Cancer Screening Challenge
- Sage Milne
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) is thrilled to share that we have been selected as one of the top five finalists in the MaRS Cancer Screening Challenge, a nationwide initiative led in partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). The challenge is designed to identify and support innovative, community-driven solutions that will increase cancer screening participation across rural and remote communities.
Gateway CERH’s project, the Integrated Rural Screening Initiative, builds on years of trusted relationships and existing outreach with firefighters, farmers, and seniors. By connecting with these groups through programs already familiar in the community, Gateway is working to make cancer screening information clear, accessible, and relevant to rural residents. The goal is to help close the rural–urban screening gap, reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses, and ultimately improve health outcomes in Huron County and beyond.
At the heart of the initiative is a focus on Ontario’s four free cancer screening programs: breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung. Many rural residents face barriers such as travel, limited awareness of eligibility, or difficulty navigating online tools. Through educational events, hands-on demonstrations, and one-on-one support, Gateway CERH is committed to making it easier for people to learn about screening, check their eligibility, and feel confident in taking that important first step toward prevention.
Being named a finalist is both an exciting milestone and a reflection of Gateway CERH’s ongoing commitment to rural health innovation. It highlights the strength of local voices in shaping healthcare solutions and showcases how community-based approaches can drive meaningful change.
Gateway CERH is grateful to MaRS and the CCS for this recognition, and to the community partners and residents who make this work possible. We look forward to the next stage of the challenge, and to continuing to bring forward solutions that ensure rural Ontarians have the same access to life-saving screening as anyone else.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue getting involved, educating, and raising awareness in the ongoing fight against cancer!
About Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health
Founded in 2008 in the community of Seaforth, ON, Gateway CERH is a not-for-profit rural health research organization run by a community-based volunteer board of directors. Gateway CERH's main mission is to better the health and quality of life of rural residents through research, education and communication. Learn more on the Gateway CERH website at: https://www.gatewayruralhealth.ca/ and follow on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube
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