We have just put the finishing touches on our annual strategic plan progress report to our Board of Directors. It is an exciting snapshot of our achievements in 2009.

The fact that we were able to make huge strides on an ambitious agenda is all the more remarkable given resource constraints and the tough economic climate.

There are far too many activities to recount here so I will only mention the highlights:

Leadership in Advocacy — reducing or eliminating exposure to environmental carcinogens: In 2009, 10 more municipalities adopted bylaws banning the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes (now 28 in total), and another 12 are considering legislation. The Society and a coalition of health and environmental groups will continue to drive this initiative until we have safer homes, workplaces and communities in all parts of the province (Provincial government, are you hearing us?)

Cancer Prevention Centre at UBC: In 2009 some groundwork was done to establish the Cancer Prevention Centre, in association with the Canadian Cancer Society Chair in Cancer Primary Prevention. The university was enthusiastic and there is public support for additional prevention resources behind us.

What else is on the horizon?

• An emphasis on empowering individuals, families and communities affected by cancer to enhance their capacity to thrive. We’re shifting our emphasis to be more responsive to the needs of the growing number of survivors.
• A major commitment to construct a lodge in the Prince George by 2012, conincident with the opening of the new BC Cancer Agency clinic. 
• Progress in the development of a BC and Yukon research investment strategy with other key research stakeholders for a more efficient and effective approach to sharing resources.
• A focus on our volunteers and how they are critical to the delivery of services, fundraising activities and event logistics. We’re envisioning a broader role that will see volunteers become ambassadors.
• A refreshed approach to marketing that draws on our strengths as the cancer charity that makes the biggest difference will help us to boldly position the Canadian Cancer Society as the charity of choice.

So, how are we doing? We’d love to hear from you.

There’s been a lot of concern about H1N1 since the World Health Organization raised the alert level to Phase 6 (pandemic phase) back in June 2009. The virus was headline news for months and the word “pandemic” caused many to fear the worst.

In BC and across Canada the outbreak was given priority attention and an action plan (including the delivery of enough vaccine for every person in the province) was immediately put into action. The cost Canada-wide is estimated at $1.5 billion.

Here at the Canadian Cancer Society we encouraged our staff and volunteers to get vaccinated and we took extra steps to inform people with cancer about what they should do to protect themselves.

It was wonderful to see health organizations, governments and concerned individuals working together to fight against H1N1. But now that the pandemic seems to be under control, I can’t help but imagine what a difference that kind of concerted effort might make in the fight against cancer.

To get a sense of perspective, let’s look at the numbers:

Between April 2009 and January 19, 2010 there have been 1032 confirmed severe cases of H1N1 in BC. Tragically, 55 of those people have died.

As for cancer, in British Columbia during the same time frame there were about 15,500 new cases of cancer and 7,000 deaths.

Those are some numbers.

Can you blame me for wishing we could somehow take the same kind of action that’s been put in place for H1N1 and focus it on a killer that’s far more insidious and far more deadly?

“A Chemical Reaction” is an award-winning and thought-provoking documentary that looks at the town of Hudson’s 10-year fight to ban pesticides. Click here to watch the trailer.

The Canadian Cancer Society is hosting screenings of the film in Vancouver and Victoria this week. The events also include a conversation with pesticide activist, Paul Tukey, who contributed to the film.

If you are in Vancouver or Victoria, this is a must-see event. Admission is by donation.

Vancouver Screening: 7pm, Wed. January 20 @ the Park Theatre (3440 Cambie Street)

Victoria Screening: 7pm, Thu. January 21 at the David Lam Auditorium, University of Victoria

For more information about the screenings or about how you can help make BC pesticide free, click here.