(STONY PLAIN, ALBERTA) – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, today encouraged Canadians who may be at risk for cancer to talk to their physician about screening.
“Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada,” said Minister Ambrose. “If you are at risk of cancer or have a personal or family history of the disease, talk to your physician about whether you need testing. Many forms of cancer can also be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity, healthy eating and not smoking.”
In 2013, about 187,000 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in Canada, and about two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. In many cases, the disease in its earliest stages shows no signs or symptoms and can grow undetected long before a problem is noticed.
“Each year, more Canadians are being diagnosed with various forms of cancer, including colorectal cancer,” said Barry Stein, President of the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada. “Early detection has been proven to save lives, and by working closely with the Government of Canada and its provincial and territorial counterparts, we are helping to raise awareness and advocate for screening programs.”
In 2009, the Public Health Agency of Canada established the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care to provide guidelines and recommendations to family doctors and other primary care practitioners. Since 2006, the Government of Canada has been investing up to $50 million per year in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. One of the five priority areas is the development of high impact population-based cancer screening and early detection programs.
“In my family, there is a history of colon cancer,” said Minister Ambrose. “I have been screened and strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle - not smoking, eating well and exercising regularly.”
Media Enquiries:
Health Canada
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
(613) 957-2983
