The numbers tell a sobering story. Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada. An estimated two in five Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and about one in four Canadians will die from the disease.
Although significant progress has been made in treating many cancers, there is still much to be done to assist those living with the disease and to reduce the number of new cancer cases that are rising steadily as the Canadian population grows and ages.
Awareness is so important. This September join me and Canadians across the country as we recognize several cancer awareness initiatives, including childhood cancers, blood cancers, prostate and ovarian cancers among others.
Cancer is a complex disease, and though some factors are unavoidable or unknown, there are several ways we can reduce our risk of developing cancer. Making healthier choices such as being physically active, using sunscreen, getting good quality sleep on a regular basis, eating healthier, limiting alcohol consumption and not smoking can help reduce the risk for some types of cancer as well as some other chronic diseases.
I encourage you to speak with a health care provider on a regular basis and get timely screening for all types of cancer, and encourage your family and friends to do the same. Early detection is important and can save lives.
The Government of Canada is also taking action to address incidence rates of cancer. We provide $50 million annually to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC). With this funding, CPAC along with the Canadian Cancer Society were able to launch The Pan-Canadian Cancer Data Strategy in July 2023-Canada's first strategy to focus on cancer-specific data. This Strategy will guide efforts to enhance the collection, integration and use of cancer data with the goal of improving cancer outcomes and making cancer care in Canada better and more equitable, and complements the Public Health Agency of Canada's Pan-Canadian Health Data Strategy.
The Government of Canada also supports cancer research. In the last five years alone, we have invested more than $1 billion through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in research to advance cancer therapies, prevention, and detection. This funding helps support innovative research such as studies looking at the way immune cells work together to respond to ovarian cancer with the goal of developing more effective treatments.
I also recognize that almost everyone in Canada has been impacted by cancer in one way or another. I share my empathy and understanding and encourage you to make use of all of the support resources available to you, including Wellness Together Canada for access to free 24/7 professional services and mental health resources to Canadians.
Quick facts:
The month of September commemorates:
- Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- Blood Cancer Awareness Month
- Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month
- Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
- Uterine Cancer Awareness Month
September 15 also commemorates World Lymphoma Awareness Day.
The Honourable Mark Holland, P.C., M.P.
