For immediate release--
2007-12
OTTAWA (March 9, 2007) -Colorectal cancer is one of the most fatal forms of cancer in Canada, killing approximately 163 Canadians each week.
"It is estimated that 20,000 men and women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year, and an estimated 8,500 will die from the disease" states Dr. Philip Branton, Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Cancer (ICR) based in Montreal. "We need more research to improve colorectal cancer screening in Canada."
Several known risk factors are associated with colorectal cancer. These include hereditary factors, age, diet and smoking. Knowing about these risk factors and more screening can help to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer.
The CIHR-ICR has made the early detection of cancer one of its strategic research priorities. Colorectal cancer screening falls within this priority.
Dr. Branton and several CIHR-funded researchers are available to comment on different aspects related to colorectal cancer as Canada marks Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
What are we doing to address this important health issue?Dr. Branton, Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Cancer
An overview of colorectal screening in CanadaDr. Heather Bryant, Chair of the Institute of Cancer Research Advisory Board, Alberta Cancer Board (Calgary)
CIHR-funded researchers
DNA testing for colorectal cancer?Dr. Steven Gallinger, CIHR funded researcher & Senior Investigator of the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute (Toronto)
Colorectal Cancer Screening in OntarioDr. Linda Rabaneck, CIHR funded researcher, Regional Vice President of Cancer Care Ontario & Vice President of the Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre (Toronto)
Examining the impact of genetic and non-genetic factors on Colorectal Cancer riskDr. John McLaughlin, CIHR funded researcher from the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute and Cancer Care Ontario (Toronto)
Gender differences in colorectal cancer screeningDr. Paul G. Ritvo, CIHR-funded researcher from University Health Network (Toronto)
Looking into Colonoscopy: is it worth the invasion?Dr. Nancy Baxter, CIHR-funded researcher from the St. Michael's Hospital (Toronto)
Genetic breakthrough for colorectal cancerDr. Sean Cleary, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine (Toronto)
Improving colorectal cancer care Dr. Eva Grunfeld, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Dalhousie, Faculty of Medicine (Nova Scotia)
Canada's preferences for a colorectal cancer screening program Dr. Robert Hilsden, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Calgary, Faculty of Medicine (Calgary)
Nutritional influence on colorectal cancer Dr. Young-In Kim, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine (Toronto)
Research training program to develop innovative and supportive cancer care interventionsHow health information technology impacts people's adjustment to a new cancer diagnosisDr. Carmen Loiselle, CIHR-funded researcher from McGill University, Faculty of Medicine (Montreal)
How Vitamin B deficiency increases the risk of colon cancerDr. Rima Rozen, CIHR-funded researcher from McGill University-Montreal Children's Hospital. (Montreal)
How understanding chemotherapy resistance may improve prognosis and survival of patients with colorectal cancerDr. Isabella Tai, CIHR-funded researcher from the University of British Columbia, Faculty of Medicine (Vancouver)
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The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For an interview, please contact:
David CoulombeCIHR Media Specialist Office: 613-941-4563 Mobile: 613-808-7526E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
