On February 26, 2009 the American Institute for Cancer Research released an important report, Policy and Action for Cancer Prevention.

This report complemented an earlier report published in 2007 entitled, Food, Nutrition, Physical Activity and Prevention of Cancer - A global Perspective.

These reports, taken together, make a more than convincing case for cancer prevention. They help us all appreciate that cancer prevention is not just about educating the public about how they can make healthy  “lifestyle choices”. We know that simply telling people that they should be lean, physically active and eat lots of fruits and veggies does some good, but to really have an impact, we need a comprehensive approach involving such groups as governments, schools, workplaces, industry, health professionals, and the media.

About 30% of cancers in Canada can be attributed to a combination of poor diet, sedentary living and being overweight or obese. Another 30% can be traced to tobacco.

We know that if nothing changes, the predictions for the future are staggering - as much as a 60% increase in the number of new cancer cases over the next 20 years!

But in the Canadian Cancer Society, we absolutely refuse to accept these projections as inevitable. While we will continue to fund leading edge research and find more cures for the some 200 different diseases called cancer, we will also continue to emphasize the important role in cancer prevention.

So, what does the policy report say about how we can make healthy choices, easier choices? Here are a few examples for us here in BC and the Yukon to consider in order for us to address “the causes of the causes” of cancer.

• Governments - Give greater priority to research on, and programmes to improve, public health, including the prevention of cancer and other diseases
• Industry - Ensure accuracy, uniformity, and availability of product information in all advertising and promotion on food labels
• Media - Emphasize news, features, and campaigns designed to promote public health and to prevent cancer, and put health coverage in context
• Schools - Incorporate food and nutrition (including food preparation and cooking skills) and physical education into the mandatory core curriculum.
• Health and other professionals - Include food, nutrition, physical activity, and cancer prevention in core professional training and continuing development.

We recognize that uptake on prevention is easier for some people than others.

We all know, for example, that we need to be more physically active - at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, most days a week. So, for those who can afford it, they might choose to join a gym and work out regularly. If you can’t afford a gym membership, that’s okay - you don’t need a gym. You can just take brisk walks. But what if you live in a neighbourhood where you don’t feel safe walking outside? Your “choices” are more limited.

So, the bottom line is that many cancers are due to preventable factors, and we all have a responsibility to do our part in reducing cancer rates. If we do this with cancer in mind, we will also have a beneficial impact on other diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Prevention - the power is ours!

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In the Canadian Cancer Society, we have come a long way in controlling cancer.  Just think!  When the CCS was formed in 1938, a person diagnosed with cancer had only a 20% likelihood of becoming a cancer survivor.  Today it is better than 60%, and for certain cancers like childhood leukemia, the statistics are closer to 85%.

But, clearly, this isn’t good enough.  We know that if nothing changes, in the next 20 years, the number of new cancer cases will increase by as much as 60%, mainly due to the growth and aging of our population.

In the Canadian Cancer Society, we refuse to accept these dire projections as inevitable!  On the contrary, we are resolved to do everything we can to reduce the incidence of cancer, improve survival rates still further, and improve the quality of life of people who get cancer.

And how will we do this?

On January 23, 2009, our Board approved a new five year strategic plan–and not a moment too soon.

These uncertain financial times demand, more than every before, a clear vision for the future in funding excellence in cancer research, and in providing important support programs and innovative prevention initiatives.

The title of our new plan says it all.  MANY VOICES, ONE MISSION describes how we developed the plan with extensive consultation, and how we will implement it with the help of our donors.

There are numerous highlights in the plan.  Some of my personal favourites include:

-INSTITUTING A CENTRE FOR CANCER PREVENTION–A number of organizations talk bout the importance of prevention.  In the Canadian Cancer Society, we do more than talk.  We will add to our already strong track record in prevention by making a substantial financial commitment to creating a world-class Centre for Cancer Prevention right here in Vancouver.  As many of you know, at least 50% of cancers could be prevented.   The sooner we can make the centre a reality, the better.

-HELPING CANCER PATIENTS BECOME POST CANCER THRIVERS–Many cancer patients have told us that they want to do more than just survive cancer.  They aspire to become post cancer thrivers.  Many of our prevention and support initiatives can help cancer patients do just that.  We want to assist cancer patients in empowering themselves to be as proactive as possible in their own health and wellbeing.

-REACHING UNDERSERVED POPULATIONS IN BC AND THE YUKON–For both our prevention and support programs we need to extend our reach to better serve such groups as First Nations, immigrants, residents of the North, etc.  Unfortunately, cancer affects us all.

-DEVELOPING A RESEARCH INVESTMENT PLAN IN COLLABORATION WITH OTHER PARTNERS–Several different organizations fund cancer research in BC.  It’s time we all got together and agreed upon a co-ordinated strategy.  Many of the partners have already agreed to this concept in principle.  So, let’s do it!

In the coming weeks, we will have more detailed information on our website regarding our full strategic plan.  We are excited about the future we wish to create and trust we can count on your continued support.

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