YELLOWKNIFE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES -- (Marketwired) -- 04/27/13 -- The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, today celebrated Daffodil Day at a lunch hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society in Yellowknife.
"The Canadian Cancer Society's Daffodil Day honours the thousands of people in Canada who live with cancer and those who have lost their lives to the disease," said Minister Aglukkaq. "It is also a day of hope, where Canadians work together to raise awareness about cancer and give generously in the fight against the disease."
In 2013, the Canadian Cancer Society marks its 75th anniversary. In Yellowknife, Daffodil Day is the highlight of Daffodil Month activities, which begin in late March and extend into April with a series of cancer fundraising and awareness events and activities.
"In the 1940s, the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined was 25%, but today it's over 60%," said Pamela Fralick, President and CEO, Canadian Cancer Society. "By working with Canadians, the Canadian Cancer Society will continue to fight cancer by funding promising research, promoting cancer prevention and supporting those living with the disease."
The Public Health Agency of Canada's healthy living and disease prevention programs are supporting partnerships that help Canadians reduce the risks for chronic diseases, including cancer.
In addition, since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested over $250 million in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. The Strategy addresses eight areas regarding cancer: primary prevention; screening/early detection; standards; cancer guidelines; cancer journey; health human resources; research; and, surveillance.
"Governments alone can't fight cancer," said Minister Aglukkaq. "All sectors have a role to play. I applaud the efforts of the Canadian Cancer Society, whose volunteers are making an invaluable contribution to our fight against cancer."
The Public Health Agency of Canada is committed to promoting and protecting the health of Canadians. For more information on cancer, please visit http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/cancer/index-eng.php.
Egalement disponible en francais
FACT SHEET
Daffodil Day
Cancer facts
-- Today, more than 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will
survive at least five years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, the
survival rate was 25 per cent.
-- While cancer death rates are dropping, it remains the leading cause of
death in Canada. Approximately one in two Canadians will develop cancer
in his or her lifetime and one in four Canadians will die of the
disease.
-- One-third of all cases of cancer may be prevented by improving diets,
increasing physical activity and maintaining healthy weights.
-- Finding cancer early through screening, even when there are no symptoms,
is important. An early diagnosis, when the cancer is less likely to have
spread, results in more effective and simpler treatment and improves the
chances of survival.
Investments in cancer prevention and control
- The Government of Canada works with provincial and territorial governments, as well as organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society, to reduce the burden of cancer in Canada through research funding, and cancer prevention and control programs.
- Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested over $250 million in the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer to implement the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. The Strategy addresses eight areas regarding cancer: primary prevention; screening/early detection; standards; cancer guidelines; cancer journey; health human resources; research; and, surveillance.
- Substantial investments in cancer research are made through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). In 2011-2012 CIHR invested $166 million in research areas such as prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment and cure research.
- The Public Health Agency of Canada invests in community-based cancer prevention programs. For example, investments have been made in the following projects in Northern Canada:
-- "Psychosocial Support for Northwest Territories (NWT) Breast Cancer Patients" led by NWT Breast Health/Breast Cancer Action Group. This project received $174,345 in funding (Oct 2010 - March 2013) and piloted a retreat model for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients in the NWT.
-- "Inuit Cancer Project" led by Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. This project is receiving $629,576.00 (April 2012-March 2014) and aims to increase Inuit knowledge about cancer prevention and cancer screening practices and improve the capacity of Community Health Representatives (CHRs) and health care providers working with Inuit populations.
-- "Cancer in Nunavut: Strengthening a Community-Based Support Network Organization" led by the Pulaarvik Kablu Friendship Centre. This project received $55,000 (Oct 2010-Sept 2012) and established a Nunavut Cancer Network which will work with Nunavut breast cancer survivors, other organizations, families, and communities to increase cancer awareness and access to information and support.
-- "Increasing Awareness and Education of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in the Yukon" led by the Arctic Health Research Network. This project received $264,412 (Aug 2011-Feb 2013) and sought to increase awareness and improve education about HPV so that Yukon residents will be better equipped to make informed, healthy choices.
Contacts:
Media Inquiries:
Public Health Agency of Canada
Media Relations
(613) 941-8189
Health Canada
Cailin Rodgers
Office of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq
Federal Minister of Health
(613) 957-0200
