Daffodil Day - April 27, 2013

April 27, 2013 is Daffodil Day and as Minister of Health, I encourage all Canadians to join in the fight against cancer. Each and every one of us can help prevent the development of this disease by following a healthy lifestyle.

As the leading cause of death among Canadians, cancer has touched many of us in some way. Approximately half of all Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime and about one in four will die from it.

You can reduce your cancer risk by eating healthy foods, taking part in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking and minimizing environmental and sun exposures. Screening tests may detect cancer at an early stage, even when there are no symptoms. The earlier cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.

April, known as Daffodil Month, is when volunteers from the   Canadian Cancer Society dedicate themselves to promoting awareness and raising money for the fight against cancer. This is also a time for Canadians to honor those living with cancer and those who have lost the fight by wearing daffodil pins.

The Government of Canada is committed to cancer prevention, reducing cancer-related deaths and improving the lives of patients living with this disease. For this reason, since 2006, the Government has invested over $250 million in the   Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, a group tasked with leading the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control in collaboration with governments, cancer experts, charitable organizations, patients and survivors. The Partnership's work benefits all Canadians as new knowledge and tools are shared, developed and used across the country.

In addition, substantial investments in cancer research are made through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). In 2011-2012 alone, $166 million was invested to develop treatments and search for a cure. CIHR builds on these funds by working in partnership with organizations like the Canadian Cancer Society who share the same goal: improving outcomes for cancer patients for the benefit of all Canadians.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the work of the Canadian Cancer Society and similar organizations that are dedicated to battling cancer. I encourage all Canadians to learn more about the Society and what they can do to support those living with cancer.

Leona Aglukkaq
Minister of Health
Government of Canada