April 22, 2014
Daffodil Month, held every April, is the Canadian Cancer Society’s national fundraising campaign. This month, we will see their volunteers getting involved in numerous activities across the country to raise funds for the fight against cancer.
Cancer, the leading cause of death in Canada, has touched many of us in one way or another. Approximately two in five Canadians will develop cancer in his or her lifetime and one in four Canadians will die of the disease.
Since one-third of all cases of cancer may be prevented by improving diets, avoiding tobacco, increasing physical activity and maintaining healthy weights, we, with the help of our partners, are encouraging Canadians to embrace healthier lifestyles.
We are working with various segments of society – communities, academia, the charitable and not-for-profit sector, the private sector, and individual Canadians - to invest in initiatives that show real promise for change. For example, through our partnership with Air Miles for Social Change and the YMCA, we are seeing Canadians become more active, achieving important physical activity milestones with the help of Air Miles Reward Miles.
Just this month, we also announced a partnership with various breast cancer organizations to help raise awareness and understanding among women, health care providers and the general public about the factors that place women at high risk for developing breast cancer, including hereditary breast cancer.
We have also renewed our commitment to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC), with a total investment of up to $241 million over 5 years. CPAC is bringing governments, academic institutions and NGOs together to expand successful initiatives across Canada.
By joining forces, we are fostering innovation, making the most of our resources, amplifying the impact in our communities, and creating environments that help make the healthier choice the easier choice.
On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the work of the Canadian Cancer Society and similar organizations that are dedicated to battling cancer. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about what they can do to support those living with cancer.
Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
