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.

A quick blog to say congratulations to our Board Chair, Leonard Schein. He was recently recognized for his contribution to the BC film industry and received the Vancouver Critics Circle Achievement Award.

The award is well-deserved. He has made a great impact on the film community here, from helping to create the Vancouver International Film Festival to establishing his Festival Cinema chain of movie theatres. You can read about it here.

Congratulations Leonard!