Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Message from the Minister of Health and Minister of State (Public Health)

In Canada, and in many countries throughout the world, October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year an estimated 21,600 Canadian women will develop breast cancer. In recent years we have seen a decline in the number of breast cancer deaths. Nevertheless, in 2005 an estimated 5,300 Canadian women will lose their battle against this deadly disease.

We know that by following a healthy lifestyle which involves eating well, exercising regularly, avoiding smoke and avoiding diets high in saturated fats, we can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Half of all new breast cancer cases are diagnosed among women aged 50 to 69. So it is vitally important for women in this age group to take advantage of organized breast cancer screening programs. We encourage them to do this not just once, but every two years as part of their routine visit to the doctor. Younger and older women should also discuss early detection options with their doctors and other health care providers. Prevention coupled with early detection are some of the best defences we have against a disease that has touched so many of our lives. This is why the Government of Canada is providing $300 million over five years for an integrated strategy to encourage healthy living, and prevent and control chronic disease.

In Canada, organized breast cancer screening programs are in place in every province and in two territories. The Public Health Agency of Canada also invests $3 million annually in the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance to support high quality research on all aspects of the disease; research that is improving prevention, detection and treatment options for breast cancer.

All of these efforts have mobilised an unprecedented array of committed stakeholders in the fight against breast cancer. As Minister of Health and Minister of State (Public Health), we would like to take this opportunity to recognize all those Canadians who fight against this disease: those who have been personally affected, caregivers, researchers, health professionals, and the thousands of volunteers.

We encourage Canadians of all ages to get involved in the many activities that are planned for October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Together we can defeat breast cancer.