The Canadian Cancer Society has released its 2011 study on cancer statistics, a study that has found that B.C. has the lowest cancer incidences and death rates in Canada again.
The reason?
A healthier lifestyle and the high quality of cancer research, they say.
In 2011, there will be 22,100 new cases of cancer diagnosed and 9,300 deaths related to cancer in B.C. alone; while considered low in Canada, there is more that can be done both here and nation-wide, which is why supporting the Canadian Cancer Society is so important: by supporting the agency you’re supporting the initiatives and funding the research that has caused the lower rates in our home province.
“We are greatly encouraged by this data, which suggests our cancer prevention strategies are having an effect,” Said Cathy Adair, Vice President Cancer Control in a statement. “The greater the commitment to cancer prevention by individuals, communities and governments, the greater the potential to reduce the risk of cancer.”
Total donations for the Smithers Relay for Life is $30,615, with donations still rolling in. The relay takes place this Saturday starting at 1 p.m. and goes to 1 a.m. June 5, with the Chandler Park field to bear the message “HOPE” all night long until 7 a.m. because cancer never sleeps.
For 12 hours, team participants will line the track to show their support, with the survivors lap leading the way.
Head shaving, children’s activities, a silent auction and musical and entertainment acts will go on throughout the day, until the luminaries ceremony at midnight. Luminaries, still available from the Canadian Cancer Society office on Fourth Avenue or at the Relay, celebrate the survivors and honour those who didn’t make it. Each year, they’re lined up to surround the Chandler Park track, while people holding candles walk the candle-lit track.