Message from the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March 2012

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the fourth most-commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, and the second leading cause of cancer death. If colorectal cancer is detected early, there is a 90% success rate for treating the disease. Diagnosis of cancer in its early stages, when it is less likely to have spread to other parts of the body, often results in simpler and more effective treatment.

You can lower your risk of developing colorectal cancer by eating healthier foods, increasing physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and second-hand tobacco smoke, and having regular screening tests.

The Government of Canada is working to reduce the burden of cancer on Canadians, including colorectal cancer.  Last year, we renewed our commitment of $250 million in funding over five years to the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer. This independent, not-for-profit corporation works to reduce the number of new cancer cases, to enhance the quality of life of those living with cancer, and to lessen the chances of Canadians dying from cancer. The Partnership created the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Network, which works with its partners to implement colorectal cancer screening in jurisdictions across Canada. The Partnership also developed the  Colonversation program to encourage Canadians to have potentially life-saving conversations with their doctors about colorectal cancer screening.

Canada's cancer researchers are among the best in the world. In 2010-2011, alone, the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, invested over $6 million in colorectal cancer research. Over the last decade, we have invested a total of $50 million to support a wide range of research projects  to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer.

During National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to commend the Canadian Cancer Society and the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada for their ongoing work in raising awareness of prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer.

I encourage all Canadians to make healthy lifestyle choices to help decrease your risk of developing cancer. You should also consider having a " colonversation" with your doctor, especially if you are 50 years or older.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada