February 4, 2014
February 4th marks World Cancer Day and this year's theme is "debunk the myths." It is a fact that cancer is the leading cause of death here in Canada. In keeping with this year's theme, I want to challenge three myths that may keep Canadians living with cancer from seeking the support or treatment they need and deserve.
One myth we hear often is that there is nothing (or little) you can do to prevent it. The truth is leading a healthy lifestyle can go a long way in helping to prevent certain forms of cancer. For example, you can take action to improve your health through exercising regularly, eating well, and choosing not to smoke.
Another myth suggests that cancer never shows any symptoms. However, we sometimes receive warning signs. For example, fatigue that will not go away, unexplained pain, cough, weight loss, skin changes, or lumps beneath the skin should all be taken seriously. Finding cancer early through screening, even when there are no symptoms, is also important. Early detection has been proven to save lives, and that's why our government has made significant investments to promote screening and early detection through participation in organized screening programs.
Finally, another myth we hear is that we don't need to talk about cancer, but the truth is nobody should suffer in silence. It is important to discuss your questions and concerns with your healthcare provider, a trusted partner, family, friends, or a colleague. It can be especially comforting to talk to someone who has gone through a similar experience.
I'm proud of Canada's work to address cancer, including the significant investments we've made through the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. The work in partnership with cancer experts, researchers, charitable organizations, governments, national health organizations, patients and survivors to implement Canada's Cancer Control Strategy is unprecedented in Canada. The Canadian Partnership for Tomorrow project, in particular, is a landmark study that's following 300,000 Canadians over their lifetimes to learn more about the causes of cancer. The patterns and trends identified through this study will provide information to develop new strategies in the fight against cancer and related chronic diseases.
In addition, our efforts in the areas of prevention, detection, screening, and quality research are adding up to address this global epidemic.
As Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to recognize World Cancer Day by learning more about cancer prevention and early detection, and by helping to dispel the myths.
For more information please visit the Canadian Cancer Society of Canada
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
