June 16 - 22, 2014
As Minister of Health, I'd like to recognize Canada's first Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Week, which runs from June 16th to June 22nd.
Canadian legend Terry Fox died of osteosarcoma, just one of over fifty different types of sarcoma - a certain type of cancer that attacks connective tissue within the body, often causing tumours in muscles, bones, nerves, fat, and blood vessels.
Sarcoma affects individuals of all ages, but is especially common in children and young adults. Statistics tell us close to 1,200 Canadians will be diagnosed with sarcoma each year. Tragically, approximately 500 will also die from the disease.
Through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, our Government is supporting research that aims to develop new treatments for sarcoma cancer. These investments have already helped design better protocols of treatment for those afflicted with sarcoma and neoplasia.
Addressing cancer cannot be done by Governments alone. I'd also like to commend the Sarcoma Cancer Foundation of Canada for its ongoing work. The Foundation has worked diligently to make National Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Week a reality, and their patient education and support programs are invaluable to those afflicted with this disease.
On this first National Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Week, I encourage all Canadians to learn more about sarcoma by visiting: www.sarcomacancer.ca.
Sincerely,
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Minister Ambrose celebrates Canada's Sarcoma Cancer Awareness Week and announces funding for Sarcoma Cancer Research
