Health Minister Terry Lake has issued the following statement in recognition of World Cancer Day:

"Cancer affects all of us.

"This year, an estimated 25,000 British Columbians will be diagnosed with cancer. These are our parents, siblings, spouses, children, friends, neighbours and co-workers. The impact of being diagnosed can be devastating for patients and families, but fortunately B.C. has the lowest overall cancer mortality and the second-lowest cancer incidence in Canada.

"I recently had the opportunity to tour the BC Cancer Agency's Centre for the North, as well as the Abbotsford and Victoria cancer centres. While there, I got to see these state-of-the-art facilities firsthand and meet some of the dedicated health-care professionals who are supporting the needs of patients. The BC Cancer Agency operates six regional centres throughout the province, all offering a variety of unique programs with the goal of ensuring patients receive the best possible cancer care close to home.

"We know that many cancers are preventable by making healthy lifestyle choices. Our Smoking Cessation program supports British Columbians in quitting smoking and our provincial regulations that ban the display and promotion of tobacco products help prevent youth from starting in the first place. We have also implemented provincial regulations that restrict British Columbians under the age of 18 from ultraviolet tanning as another way to encourage healthier choices and to reduce the occurrence of skin cancer.

"We recognize that early detection saves lives. Our comprehensive breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening programs each help to detect some of the most common forms of cancer in the earliest stages.

"The theme for this year's World Cancer Day urges us to 'debunk the myths' and the misinformation that currently exists about cancer. One of the best ways for us to do this is by raising our collective voices and sharing personal stories. I urge all British Columbians to take some time today to share how cancer has impacted your lives and how we can work together to continue the fight against this formidable disease."

Media Contact:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)