March 31, 2014
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in Canada, and a leading cause of cancer deaths. In many cases, the disease in its earliest stages shows no signs or symptoms, and can grow undetected long before a problem is noticed. If detected early through screening, there is a 90 per cent chance of successfully treating the disease. Making healthy lifestyle choices, like regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding smoking, may also decrease your risk.
Our country is making solid progress in the fight against colorectal cancer. We’re fortunate to have some of the world’s best cancer researchers, not-for-profit groups, treatments, and screening programs. As a result, colorectal cancer rates have been declining since 2000. But the battle is far from over. An estimated 23,900 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in Canada in 2013, and approximately one in thirteen Canadian men and one in fifteen Canadian women will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime.
The Government of Canada is committed to reducing the burden of cancer on Canadians, including colorectal cancer. Since 2006, we have invested up to $50 million per year in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer for the implementation of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. Specifically, the Partnership created the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network to improve colorectal cancer screening rates across Canada.
Through the Public Health Agency of Canada, we are also investing in the Multi-Sectoral Partnership Approach to Promote Healthy Living and Prevent Chronic Disease to help address common risk factors, and we continue to support the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care, which provides guidance to health care practitioners.
Finally, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Government of Canada has invested $51 million since 2004 to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer.
As Minister of Health, and in my personal life, I am committed to helping raise awareness of colon cancer prevention. There is a history of colon cancer in my family, so I have been screened and I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising regularly and not smoking.
I encourage all Canadians to make healthy lifestyle choices to help decrease your risk of developing cancer, and to talk with your doctor - especially if you are 50 years or older. And I thank all cancer partners across the country for their incredible efforts.
This month, take the opportunity to think about what you can do: we all play a role in the fight against cancer.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
