Cancer  

Cancer is the leading cause of premature death in Canada and is responsible for more Canadian deaths than strokes; COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), pneumonia, diabetes, suicide, unintentional injuries, liver disease and HIV/AIDS combined1. These numbers continue to rise despite advances in health care and research.

• What is it?
• Causes of Cancer
• Incidence of Cancer
• Cancer Awareness Months
  
  

It is estimated within the next 30 years:

• Almost 6 million Canadians will develop cancer
• Approximately 3 million will die from the disease2

  Some cancer facts to consider:

• Cancer is the leading health issue in Ontario
• 40% of Ontarians will develop cancer in their lifetime and close to half will die from it
• 1 in 9 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime
• Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women worldwide
• Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in men and women in Canada
• Over half of all cancer cases can be prevented
• Cancer screening can detect the disease early and increase the rate of survival

The Early Detection of Cancer Program, encourages early and regular screening for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers based on provincial screening guidelines. There are also valuable resources and prevention information available to help you stay healthy.