Leading with Impact: BC Cancer Foundation President & CEO Sarah Roth on the Evolving Role of Cancer Philanthropy in B.C.

After a decade at the helm, Sarah Roth has helped transform how cancer research and care is funded, delivered and advanced across the province — but far from settling in, she sees an even greater opportunity to drive impact in the years ahead. 

How has the role of the BC Cancer Foundation evolved over the last 10 years?   

A decade ago, we were primarily a Vancouver‑based organization focused on funding a small number of major research programs at BC Cancer. Since then, we’ve dramatically expanded our investment in research to include areas such as radiation oncology, clinical trials, basic science and population health.   

We’ve also broadened our support to reach every stage of a patient’s cancer journey — from diagnosis and treatment through to supportive care such as rehabilitation, nutrition, counselling and other mental health services.   

Today, donor support plays a crucial role in cancer care in every region of B.C., through the development of four new BC Cancer centres, but also through advancing leading-edge areas like immunotherapy in Victoria, brachytherapy in Kelowna and a radiation clinical trial hub in Prince George. 

These regions are emerging as leaders in their respective fields — thanks to the strength of the donor community behind them.  

What feels most important to focus on in terms of what comes next? 

Right now, it’s ensuring that the investments we make have the highest possible impact on the cancer system — especially at a time when government resources are more constrained than ever before. 

This reality requires us to be extremely intentional about where donor dollars go.  

I’ve worked in fundraising for over half my life, and I’ve learned that philanthropy can’t be everything to everyone. Instead, we need to focus on where we can meaningfully move the system forward, fill gaps and accelerate solutions that might not otherwise be possible.

Where do you see the greatest opportunities for the Foundation to help drive progress?  

I’m particularly interested in expanding our support for cancer prevention and early detection, and supportive care. These areas have historically been under resourced yet they have an outsized impact on improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.  

 We’ve already seen the life-saving power of investing in early detection — including two first-in-Canada, donor-supported screening programs. 

Since launching in 2022, BC Cancer’s province‑wide lung cancer screening program has diagnosed 71% of cancers at an earlier, more treatable stage. And in 2024, supported by Foundation-fuelled early research, B.C. was the first province to implement an HPV-based self-screening option for cervical cancer.  In the first year, 132,901 kits were requested from people across B.C., including 22,893 (17.2%) from people who had never been screened before. 

The Foundation works at the intersection of donors, clinicians, researchers and provincial healthcare. What role do you play in bridging those partnerships? 

Cancer can’t be solved by a single institution, organization or scientist. It’s a global challenge — and even within B.C., where we benefit from a rare province-wide system, we have extraordinary pockets of expertise that don’t always come together organically. 

I see the Foundation as a convener. We are bringing together clinicians, researchers, industry, government and a dedicated donor community to help solve complex problems in creative ways. When you align the right people around a shared challenge, you can accelerate progress in ways that simply aren’t possible in isolation. 

I’m proud of the role the Foundation has played in leveraging our relationships and credibility to align partners around a shared vision. In many ways, we’ve helped create the conditions for collaboration to thrive. 

What has the past decade taught you about leading within such a complex ecosystem? 

The cancer system is multifaceted, with many competing priorities and perspectives to balance. What’s become clear to me, though, is that beneath that complexity is a genuine willingness to come together around a shared purpose: improving outcomes for people facing cancer in B.C. 

That insight has shaped how I lead. Progress doesn’t come from any one organization acting alone — it comes from aligning the right partners, building trust and creating the conditions for collaboration to take hold.  

I’m proud of the role the Foundation has played in bringing people together and using our relationships and credibility to help move a shared vision forward.  

What do donors increasingly expect from cancer charities and foundations today? 

Donors today are more informed and intentional than ever. They expect professionalism and transparency, but above all, they want accountability — clear, tangible evidence of how their contributions are making a difference. 

I understand that personally. Early in my career, I donated part of an inheritance from my grandfather to a university to purchase a piano in his honour, as he was a musician. I always hoped to hear how that gift was used — whether students were benefiting from it — but to this day, I don’t know if it was ever fulfilled. That perspective is central to how I approach my role today. 

Donors are looking for both immediate and long-term impact, and reassurance that their support is directed to the right priorities. At the Foundation, we’re committed not just to raising funds, but to showing — clearly and consistently — the real, measurable and meaningful difference those funds are making for patients. 

What gives you confidence about the future — for the Foundation and for people facing cancer across B.C.? 

I have deep conviction in the sustainability of our organization. Over the past 10 years, we’ve more than doubled our revenue, and completed a historic $500 million campaign — which is a reflection of the trust we’ve built across the province.  

I’m also inspired by the dedicated teams at BC Cancer — some of the most renowned experts in the world, who are advancing cancer care not just here in B.C., but globally. 

And finally, I also have confidence in British Columbians. Even in challenging economic times, communities continue to rally around cancer care as it impacts all of us — and that collective commitment will carry us forward. 

Looking ahead, what do you hope defines your legacy in nonprofit healthcare leadership — and the Foundation’s role — in the years to come? 

My hope is that the BC Cancer Foundation is seen as a leading driver of cancer solutions in British Columbia — not just a funder, but an organization that helps shape priorities, convene partners and move the provincial cancer system forward. 

After 10 years in this role, I’m far from done. In fact, in many ways I feel like I’m just getting started, but what I want to carry forward is the idea that philanthropy can, and should, help lead — thoughtfully, responsibly and collaboratively — to deliver real solutions for families across B.C.