ABOUT US
Improving access to cancer screening. Demonstrating what physician-led innovation can achieve.
OUR STORY
CanScreen was founded in 2023 by two British Columbia family physicians, Dr. Stuart Bax and Dr. Cal Shapiro, in response to a simple but significant problem: too many people were struggling to access routine cancer screening because they did not have a regular family doctor.
Preventive screening is one of the most effective tools we have for detecting cancer early. Yet for many British Columbians, particularly those without ongoing primary care, navigating screening programs, accessing investigations and arranging appropriate follow-up presented substantial barriers.
We believed there had to be a better way.
Rather than simply highlighting the problem, we set out to develop a practical solution. CanScreen became a physician-led, virtual-first service designed to make publicly funded cancer screening more accessible across British Columbia.
Over three years, CanScreen helped thousands of patients access screening and follow-up, identifying numerous cancers along the way. The service demonstrated what could be achieved through a coordinated, accessible approach to preventive care.
Despite its achievements, CanScreen closed in 2026 after being unable to secure the broader system-level support needed for long-term sustainability.
We remain immensely proud of what was accomplished and grateful to the patients, healthcare providers and partners who made it possible.
THE VISION
Better access. Earlier detection. Better care.
Our vision was straightforward: access to appropriate cancer screening should not depend on whether someone has a family doctor.
CanScreen sought to bridge gaps in the existing healthcare system by connecting patients with screening services, coordinating investigations and supporting appropriate follow-up.
We believed that physician-led innovation, thoughtful use of technology and collaboration across the healthcare system could improve access while making better use of limited healthcare resources.
Although the clinic has closed, the lessons remain relevant.
CanScreen demonstrated the potential of practical, patient-centred solutions while highlighting the importance of sustainable funding, meaningful collaboration and system-level support to turn promising initiatives into lasting improvements.
We hope that our experience, findings and the voices of the patients we supported will help inform future improvements in cancer screening and preventive healthcare across British Columbia.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Dr. Stuart Bax and Dr. Cal Shapiro sought to demonstrate what can be accomplished when physicians take an active role in developing solutions to the challenges they encounter in everyday clinical practice.
Dr. Stuart Bax
Dr. Stuart Bax is a family physician with more than 16 years of clinical experience across the UK and Canada.
Following undergraduate studies at the University of Oxford, he completed his medical degree at the University of Warwick and specialist training in general practice in London.
His clinical and professional work has focused on preventive medicine, improving access to healthcare and developing practical solutions to gaps in service delivery.
As co-founder of CanScreen and Boundless Medical, he has sought to demonstrate how physicians can identify problems, develop innovative responses and contribute to meaningful improvements in patient care.
Dr. Bax has also been involved in physician leadership, healthcare service development and professional representation in British Columbia.
Dr. Cal Shapiro
Dr. Cal Shapiro is a family physician who completed his medical training at Western University's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and his family medicine residency at McMaster University.
His clinical experience includes providing comprehensive family medicine in rural and remote communities, as well as community-based care in British Columbia.
As co-founder of CanScreen and Medical Director of Boundless Medical, Dr. Shapiro has been committed to improving access to practical, patient-centred healthcare services, particularly for underserved populations.
Our Valued Partners
CanScreen's work would not have been possible without the contributions of patients, healthcare professionals, community organizations and partners across British Columbia.
We are grateful to everyone who supported the service, shared their expertise, helped patients navigate care and contributed to evaluating its impact.Although CanScreen has closed, we hope the knowledge gained through this work will support future innovation and improvements in equitable access to healthcare.
Learn more about our impact: Explore our patient survey findings, testimonials, research and media coverage.
