Raising Awareness for Cancer - September 2016
Statement
As the leading cause of death among Canadians, cancer touches many of us in some way. Based on Canadian Cancer Statistics, two out of five Canadians are expected to develop some form of this disease during their lifetimes. The number of new cases continues to rise steadily as the Canadian population grows and ages.
This month, as we recognize a number of campaigns - Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Men's Cancer Health Awareness Month, and Blood Cancer Awareness Month - I would also like to highlight some of the work being done to support those living with this disease.
As a partner in your health, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting prevention, early detection, treatment and support for those living with cancer through the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer.
The Public Health Agency of Canada is investing $20 million per year to support coordinated action among communities, academia, and the charitable, not-for-profit and private sectors to promote healthy living and prevent chronic disease, including cancer. The Agency also monitors trends in incidence, mortality, survival and prevalence to inform public health action, and develops clinical practice guidelines, including recommendations for cancer screening, that support primary health care providers.
Additionally, over the past five years the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, has invested over $820 million in research into preventing and treating cancer and improving the health and quality of life of cancer patients. CIHR continues to be one of the leading cancer research funders in Canada, and currently has a special focus on targeting high-fatality cancers, health economics and health services research for cancer control, addressing cancer risk-factor disparities and achieving a healthier future through preventive action.
The importance of prevention and healthy living cannot be overstated. Take care of yourself. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating healthier foods and increasing physical activity--can help decrease your risk of developing cancer. Screening and early detection are also important because they can lead to better outcomes, and save lives.
I am personally committed to raising awareness about cancer prevention, and would like to extend my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all those who strive to reduce the incidence of cancer in this country.
This month, let's bring attention to the many forms of this disease that affect us and our loved ones, and help promote prevention, research and support.
The Honourable Jane Philpott, P.C., M.P.
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