In This Issue
Quick Fact: Promoting Cancer Prevention and Screening in the Workplace
Resources
Mark Your Calendars - Upcoming Events
Promoting Cancer Prevention and Screening in the Workplace
Quick Facts
- Cancer is a leading health issue in Ontario.
- The number of new cancer cases is expected to increase by 2/3 or 66% by 2020.
- Over half of all cancer cases can be prevented. There are a number of genetic and lifestyle factors that may affect a person’s chance of developing cancer.
Promoting Cancer Prevention and Screening in the Workplace
The Canadian Cancer Society reports that tobacco use, an unhealthy diet, and a lack of physical activity account for approximately half of all cancer deaths. Occupational factors, family history, alcohol and drug use, unsafe sexual activity, infections, and Ultra Violet (UV) radiation also play a role in the risk of developing cancer. While there are actions we each can take to reduce our risk, it is also important to know how to find cancer early and keep it from spreading throughout the body. (Region of Waterloo Public Health)
At least half of all cancers can be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians. Workplaces can promote awareness of risks for cancer and educate employees about screening strategies. Take action to reduce the risk.
Resources
www.cancercare.on.ca
www.cancer.ca
Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Network of Waterloo Region
The Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Network of Waterloo Region is made up of health professionals, organizations and individuals who are involved in and/or interested in cancer prevention and early detection issues and activities in Waterloo Region. Check their website for upcoming events, resources and links.
Cancer 2020 Action Plan and Targets
Cancer 2020 calls for action in key areas such as diet and nutrition, healthy body weight, physical activity, alcohol consumption, ultraviolet radiation exposure, reduction in tobacco use, environmental and occupational carcinogens, and screening. Cancer 2020 established targets in each of these areas, and created a framework to monitor provincial results. On this site you will find links to:
Be Aware, Be Screened, Toronto Public Health
Cancer screening is the regular examination of a person who does not have any symptoms. Breast, cervical, colorectal and prostate screening tests can find cancer early, before it has had a chance to spread. Cervical and colorectal screening tests can also find abnormal cells before they become cancer. When cancer is detected early and treated, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival.
Checkup List, Canadian Cancer Society
Reducing the risk of cancer involves making healthy lifestyle choices and being proactive about screening and early detection. The Canadian Cancer Society has put together a set of questions which when answered will provide you with a personalized "Checkup Checklist" that you can take to your next doctor’s appointment.
Seven Steps to Health, Canadian Cancer Society
Take the following steps to reduce your risk of developing cancer.
Ontario Breast Screening Program, Cancer Care Ontario
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) is a comprehensive breast cancer-screening program. Its mission is to reduce mortality from breast cancer by delivering high quality breast screening to Ontario women between the ages of 50 and 74.
Be Breast Aware, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Current scientific evidence supports a broad “be breast aware” approach. This approach is an attempt to provide tools for people to check their breasts and know what sorts of changes to look for. Breast awareness encourages people to think about their breast health, to know their own bodies and breasts, and to report any changes to a doctor.
Ontario Cervical Screening Program, Cancer Care Ontario
The goal of the Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP) is to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. OCSP is operated by Cancer Care Ontario and funded by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care.
Colon Cancer Check Program, Cancer Care Ontario
The ColonCancerCheck program is an Ontario-wide, screening program aimed at reducing deaths from colorectal cancer by increasing early detection of the disease. The program provides access to colorectal cancer screening through the use of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT), and for those at increased risk access to a colonoscopy procedure.
Additional colorectal cancer resources:
www.coloncancercheck.ca
www.colorectal-cancer.ca
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
Within the past decade, researchers have found that some types of a common virus, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cause cervical cancer. The virus is found in and around the genitals. It is most often passed between two people through sexual activity, but this can also happen through other close skin to skin contact. About 3 out of every 4 people – males and females – who have had sex have been exposed to HPV. While most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, some persistent infections lead to cancer.
For more information on the HPV Vaccine including a recent webcast, please see the links below.
www.hpvontario.ca
www.hpvinfo.ca
Region of Waterloo HPV Clinics and Information
Prostate Cancer, Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends that men over 50 should talk to their doctor about getting tested for prostate cancer.
Mark your Calendar: Upcoming Events
Together 4 Health Workplace Wellness Group One Day Skill-Building Workshop - January 21, 2009
Supportive Management and Engaged Employees in Wellness Programming: A Winning Combination!
Project Health Networking Session-Cancer Prevention and Screening - March 5, 2009
More details to come on the Project Health website after January 21, 2009.
January 2009
National Non Smoking Week, January 18 to 24, 2009
Weedless Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Driven To Quit Challenge 2009
New “Smoking in Motor Vehicles with Children Present” Legislation coming into effect January 2009
As of January 21, 2009 the Smoke-Free Ontario Amendment Act 2008 will prohibit persons from smoking or having lighted tobacco in a motor vehicle if another person who is less than 16 years old is inside the vehicle. Read more about the legislation by visiting the Government of Ontario website or locally, call the Tobacco Information Line at 519-883-2279.
The fact sheet, "Smoking in Motor Vehicles with Children Present" can be downloaded from the Ministry of Health Promotion . It gives a concise, bulleted outline of the law, purpose, rationale (children/SHS), enforcement and link to Smokers Helpline.
February 2009
Winteractive, January 15, 2009 - February 27, 2009
WinterActive is a national annual initiative promoting physical activity and healthy eating to Canadians during the winter months. This site provides registration information and resources/tools for a variety of populations and settings.
Heart Health Month, February 2009
March 2009
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, March 2009
National Nutrition Month, March 2009
April 2009
Daffodil Month Canadian Cancer Society
September 2009
Prostate Awareness Month
Men’s Cancer Health Awareness Month
October 2009
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
www.cbcf.org
Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
November 2009
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
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