The Canadian Cancer Society's website lists over 30 different types of cancer. In 2011, approximately 84,800 Canadian women were diagnosed with cancer, and an estimated 35,100 women died of cancer. Approximately 93,000 Canadian men were diagnosed with cancer, and an estimated 39,900 men died of cancer. On average, 487 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer every day and 205 Canadians will die of cancer every day. Other statistics:
• Lung, prostate, breast and colorectal cancer are the four most common cancer types in Canada and account for over 50 per cent of all new cancer cases.
• Lung cancer accounts for over a quarter (27 per cent) of all cancer deaths each year.
• Breast cancer accounts for over a quarter (28 per cent) of new cancer cases in women.
• Prostate cancer accounts for over a quarter (27 per cent) of new cancer cases in men.
• 40 per cent of Canadian women and 45 per cent of men will develop cancer during their lifetimes.
• An estimated one out of every four Canadians is expected to die from cancer.
Throughout the year, the Canadian Cancer Society supports a variety of initiatives to raise awareness and understanding for key health issues across Canada, and many of them relating to cancer.
During the first part of the year, there was: January 15-21 which was National Non-Smoking Week; January 18 - Weedless Wednesday; February 4 - World Cancer Day; and March - Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Every year April is Daffodil Month/Daffodil Days and over this past month in Clearwater, lots of daffodils have been seen around town, on lapels and in flowerpots.
Coming up during the rest of the year, there is: May 31 which is World No Tobacco Day (lung cancer); June 3 which is National Cancer Survivors Day; June 4 - 10 which is National Sun Awareness Week (skin cancer); September which is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Men's Cancer Health Awareness Month and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month; October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month; and November which is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month.
For those wishing to take a more active approach to joining the fight against cancer, why not join the Relay For Life? There are many locations organizing relays this year in the Interior:
100 Mile House - June 9 - Centennial Park 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Kamloops - June 9 - Riverside Park 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Kelowna - June 2 and 3 - City Park 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.
Merritt - June 2 - 3 - Rotary Park 5 p.m. - 5 a.m.
Osoyoos - June 23 - Gyro Park - 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Penticton - May 26 and 27 - Pen-Hi Track 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.
Revelstoke - June 9 - Mount View School Ball Field - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Salmon Arm - June 2 and 3 - RJ Haney Heritage Village - 7 p.m. - 7 a.m.
Vernon - June 2 and 3 - Polson Park 6 p.m. - 6 a.m.
There are many varieties of cancer, all of which there needs to be more awareness of. For more information about cancer in general, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Relay For Life Events, go to www.cancer.ca.