The Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation have officially amalgamated, as the new unified organization tries to meet increased demands for support and research into the disease.

In a letter to donors, supporters and volunteers, Lynne Hudson, president and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society announced that effective Wednesday, the national charity had officially merged operations with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

“Together, we will continue to fund world-class researchers to discover life-saving advances in prevention, diagnosis and treatment,” Hudson said, adding the merged charity can “amplify the impact of every donor dollar.”

The two national charities announced merger plans last October, saying in a joint statement that they were coming together in order to have “greater impact” on cancer research and support programs.

In a statement announcing the merger plans, the organizations said the merger couldn’t come at a better time.

By 2030, the number of cancer cases in Canada is expected to rise by 40 per cent, largely due to the aging population.

The organizations will now operate under the Canadian Cancer Society banner.

“Our unified organization will increase our impact on the lives of Canadians living with breast cancer, while continuing to be the only national charity in Canada focusing on all types of cancer,” Hudson said.

Hudson was appointed in October as president and CEO in order to lead both Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society through the merger process.