Raising Awareness for Cancer - September 7, 2018
Statement
As Minister of Health, I often meet individuals whose lives have been affected by cancer and I am always moved by the stories that they share. Living with cancer takes tremendous strength and courage. This September, we bring attention to the many forms of cancer affecting peoples’ lives, and remind Canadians to speak with their health care providers about making lifestyle choices that can help prevent this disease.
Managing risk factors and leading a healthy lifestyle—including eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy body weight, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake—can help reduce the risk of developing some cancers. I encourage all Canadians to talk to their doctor about cancer prevention, early detection and options for screening.
The Government of Canada is supporting cancer prevention, early detection and treatment through investments in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. Their recent report, Living with Cancer: A Report on the Patient Experience helps us to understand cancer from the patient’s perspective, by illustrating the experience of individuals and families living with the disease.
Over the past decade, the Government of Canada has invested $1.7 billion in cancer research. This includes a recent investment of $255 million for genomics research and technology to help increase cancer survival rates and improve patient outcomes by making cancer treatments more precise and effective. It also includes support for research to help optimize follow-up care for cancer survivors.
This month, please join me in recognizing Canadians who are living with cancer and the challenges they face. I cannot overstate my appreciation for the hard work and dedication of all those who provide support to the people fighting this disease and who continue to work to reduce the incidence of cancer in our country. I encourage you to get involved in the many inspiring campaigns happening over the course of the month that are aimed at preventing and fighting cancer.
The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
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