February 4, 2015
February 4th is World Cancer Day – a day that provides Canadians with an opportunity to reflect about the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.
Organized by the Union for International Cancer Control, World Cancer Day is a global event that marks efforts being made around the world by governments, cancer organizations, cancer survivors, patients and their families.
This year’s theme is Not Beyond Us, which focuses on taking a positive approach to cancer, its detection, care and prevention, continues to raise awareness and promotes the fact that solutions are not beyond our reach.
As the leading cause of death in Canada, cancer is a major health issue for Canadians. There are more than 200 different types of cancer that are potentially deadly. In addition, approximately 191,300 Canadians are diagnosed with cancer each year, including nearly 200 children diagnosed with a brain or spinal cord tumour.
Today, the Government of Canada announced significant investments in the fight against cancer of over $60 million for over 80 innovative cancer research projects across Canada. Our government is contributing through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), as well as a partnership between Brain Canada and the Canadian Cancer Society. It is through these kinds of multidisciplinary research projects that we will advance our understanding of cancer, improve patient care and treatment, and reduce the burden on families and our health systems.
Every day, research brings us closer to finding a cure and the federal government is taking a leadership role in supporting advances in cancer treatment and control.
CIHR - the federal investment research agency - is funding research into improving prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment and support systems for cancer that will improve the lives of Canadians facing cancer.
But we can’t do it alone. Treating any disease is a challenge, especially a global one like cancer. That’s why the Government of Canada supports organizations like the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer and its work to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control - a strategy developed with a coalition of more than 700 cancer survivors, experts and advocates.
Together we have made great strides in cancer treatment and survival rates have improved dramatically.
Whether making significant investments, developing multi-sectoral partnerships or supporting important data collection and research, the Government of Canada is working to have a positive impact on the lives of Canadians.
The Government of Canada will continue to be determined in our efforts, value our partnerships, and look forward to further innovative progress in controlling this disease and reducing its impact on Canadians.
For more information please visit:
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
Government of Canada
