Home - PROMISE

Kid celebrating bravery in getting a needle

Our Challenge

Approximately 1 new pediatric cancer is diagnosed every week in Manitoba. Cancer particularly affects adolescents and young adults (AYAs) aged 15-39, with at least 1 new cancer diagnosis every single day in our province.

Each year, approximately 1,000 children 0-14 years of age and an estimated 9,000 AYAs are diagnosed with cancer in Canada. Despite improving outcomes, cancer remains the most common disease-related cause of death in young Canadians (aged 0-39). As more young people survive cancer, many will go on to live for decades after their diagnosis and treatment, which is overwhelmingly positive news! However, children and AYAs often face unique challenges, and many experience long-term side effects from current treatments that can significantly affect their quality of life.

About PROMISE

Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult (PAYA) Cancer

Our purpose is to accelerate translation of discoveries in Manitoba into better outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults living with cancer.

The PROMISE research theme was formally established at CHRIM in 2023, with the support of Madox’s Warriors. Launched in 2024, PROMISE stems from collaborative partnerships between CHRIM, CCMB, the University of Manitoba, the George & Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation (CHI), as well as Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids (TREKK).

As a central component of PROMISE, the Advocacy and Community Engagement in Research (ACER) program was established in 2024, with the ongoing support from the Community and Research Engagement (CaRE) program at the Monash School of Translational Medicine (Australia).

PROMISE’s Innovation Science and Excellence (ISE) Committee was established in 2025, with the mission of supporting initiatives and research focused on pediatric and AYA cancers led by Manitoba-based experts.

In Canada, more than 8600 children, adolescents and young adults are diagnosed with cancer each year

Cancer kills 8 children and adolescents and young adults every week in Canada

Two-thirds of children, adolescents and young adults are left with long-term side effects from current treatments

In Manitoba, about 800 new cases of PAYA cancers are diagnosed each year

Cancer is the most common disease-related cause of death in young Manitobans aged 0-39

PAYA cancers put significant psychosocial and economic burden on families

Our Partners and Funders

Partners

(opens in a new tab)

(opens in a new tab)

Funders

(opens in a new tab)

What we do

Pediatric Research in Oncology in Manitoba: Innovation, Science, Excellence (PROMISE) is the only inter-institutional research framework in Manitoba dedicated to improve outcomes for children, adolescents and young adults living with cancer. As a joint initiative between CHRIM and CCMB, the operating model of PROMISE is truly unique! Built on the principles of innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, PROMISE brings together fundamental scientists and clinicians, with individuals and families affected by cancer, for facilitating the translation of research findings from the laboratory to real-world clinical applications.

Together, we are building a brighter future, one innovation at a time.

Our Research