Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is February 4th , World Cancer Day. World
Cancer Day originated in Paris in 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer. Today organizations and health professionals around the world are taking this opportunity to raise awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
This year the campaign will focus on four key areas: choosing healthy lives, delivering early detection, achieving treatment for all and maximizing quality of life.
Canadian Cancer Society’s 2014 cancer statistics report that cancer is the leading cause of death
among Canadians, representing 30 percent of all deaths in Canada. Close to 200,000 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and about 76,000 Canadians are estimated to have died of cancer in 2014.
Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases as it claims many lives every year. In women, breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer are the most common, whereas men are more susceptible to oral cancers, intestinal and prostate cancer.
Although there is still a long way to go to providing a cure for cancer, we are grateful when we look at how much has been achieved in recent decades. Millions of people suffer with cancer and not all of them are lost, thanks to the ongoing dedication of those who fight for this cause.
The theme for World Cancer Day this year is Not Beyond Us. This theme highlights the fact that there are many practical ways that we as individuals and communities can reduce our risk of cancer. Most cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, early detection and treatment. These lifestyle choices include eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limiting our fat intake; avoiding tobacco in any form, as both smoking and chewing tobacco are linked to causing cancer; set moderate drinking limits when consuming alcohol; exercise by being physically active for at least 30 minutes every day; avoid direct sun for long periods of time and always use high SPF sunscreen; get regular medical care and check-ups.
Treating the early stage of disease could reduce your risk of developing cancer. A healthy lifestyle can’t guarantee someone won’t get cancer, but it certainly can stack the odds in your favour. Remember the lifestyle choices that you make every day, no matter how small they are, can make a big difference in your life and your future.
I believe that in our communities around the North today there will be activities going on to recognize World Cancer Day, and I believe here in Yellowknife, if I’m not mistaken, at the Prince of Wales Museum this evening at 5:00 – the Health Minister is giving me the sign language here – we will be able to share in the stories of the journey of some of the people in our communities, our friends, our neighbours, who have been diagnosed with cancer and have volunteered to share their very interesting stories with us. So that is on in Yellowknife tonight and I encourage everyone to attend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.