Each year at this time we are reminded about cancer. It used to be – when the CCS was formed in 1938 – that cancer was a virtual death sentence, with only about a 25% survival rate.

Thankfully, times have changed. Now, more than 60% of those diagnosed with cancer will triumph over this disease.

How did this happen? Was there one “magic bullet” breakthrough that was responsible for such a huge improvement?

If only it were that simple.

Cancer is complicated. There are some 200 different diseases called cancer. Instead of finding “the cure”, we have found cures for specific types of cancer. We have made incremental but steady progress over time. Much as we would wish to conquer cancer in the very near future, this is probably more wish than reality.

So, in the Canadian Cancer Society, we won’t make promises we don’t believe in. Our credibility as the trusted voice on cancer issues is far too precious to squander on hyperbole.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t have high aspirations. Our mission – the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer – continues to transform the fear of this disease into hope for the future.

In the BC and Yukon Division of the CCS, we are especially optimistic about the future.

We have come to understand that one of the key elements toward eradicating cancer and a number of other diseases is prevention. At least 50% of all cancers could be prevented through a combination of healthy living and progressive public policies. So, we have taken the lead in this important aspect of cancer control.

But will we be able to prevent a majority of cancers in the very near future? Likely not. While, as a society, we are making progress in tobacco-related cancers through a reduction in smoking rates, we still have challenges in other risk behaviours and risk factors, such as sedentary living, overweight/obesity, poor diet, and over exposure to the sun. And then there is the area of occupational and environmental exposure to carcinogens, an area that needs a great deal more research and emphasis than it has received in the past.

We recognize, then, that cancer patients and their families will continue to require support. Some of this support is the appropriate responsibility of the government. But the public has also depended on the “value added” services of the CCS – services that not only help cancer patients become survivors but, more importantly, become post cancer thrivers.

Underlying both prevention and support, however, is the pillar of research. We will continue to advance both of these priorities through our ongoing investment in the best cancer research right here in BC and in other parts of Canada.

I invite you to explore our website in some detail to acquaint yourself with the breadth and depth of what we do in the CCS, and the positive difference we make every day in the cancer cause.

Before I sign off, let me also point out our commitment to collaboration and partnerships. Cancer is a bigger challenge than any single organization can handle. We are proud of our track record or teamwork with other non profit organizations, the corporate sector, and government.

But the most important partner we have is you – the public. Your financial support and volunteer assistance makes it all possible.

This month a volunteer canvasser may ask you for a donation and we hope you are home to respond. But if you are missed, do consider your option of donating on-line.

Each donation helps us continue to change lives and save lives. On behalf of cancer patients, their families, and all those of us who hope never to be diagnosed with this dreaded disease, my sincere thanks.

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