Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the month of October is the month to promote awareness of breast cancer and liver cancer. Today I'll use my Member's statement to talk about the presence of cancer in the lives of Northerners. We know that the Northwest Territories performs poorly on many health measurements when they're compared to the rest of Canada. This includes physical activity, daily smoking, heavy drinking and healthy eating. These factors contribute to other health issues, including cancer. In fact, cancer is one of the NWT's top three leading causes of avoidable death. Knowledge is power, Mr. Speaker. We need to talk about these things, we need to learn. For example, thanks to strong public awareness campaigns we know that smoke can seriously increase as a cancer risk. But did you know that alcohol, even drinking in moderation, also increases your cancer risk? Many people do not.
Mr. Speaker, we often speak of battling or fighting cancer. The problem with talking like this though is that it sets up winners and losers, when we know that all patients supported by our medical professionals are doing their best and fighting in difficult circumstances. Mr. Speaker, cancer can be beaten, but right now not all cancers can be beaten. But working together on research, prevention, screening and treatment, I hope to see us get there.
Mr. Speaker, finally I'd like to recognize all Northerners who are dealing with the effects of cancer on their lives and the lives of their friends and families. I hope they know that they are not alone and that as their representatives we will continue to support them. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.