News Release                              For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                         April 23, 2009

An Ounce of Prevention… The Roaming Scope Project

The Roaming Scope Project is an innovative undertaking that allows surgeons to offer colorectal cancer screening throughout Grey Bruce. Lead surgeon Dr. Jon Caulfeild will present an overview of the project at the annual public forum hosted by the Community Advisory Committee for the Grey Bruce Health Services - Southampton Site.

The forum, in recognition of April as Cancer Awareness month, takes place Wednesday, April 29, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., at the Bruce County Museum, 33 Victoria St. N., Southampton.

Ontario has the highest incidence of colon cancer in the world. Locally, the overall incidence of colon cancer is 10% higher in Grey Bruce than it is in Ontario for the years 1986 – 2004 (Cancer Report for Grey Bruce, 2008). Residents of Grey Bruce are encouraged to come out and learn more about this screening opportunity.

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, at least one half of all cancers could be prevented through healthy living and policies that protect the health of Canadians. Healthy living includes eating well, decreasing alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, being smoke-free and having regular screening. Screening for the early detection of cancer increases the chance for successful treatment. There is no one test that works for all types of cancer, but there are valid screening tests for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. 

For further information call Public Health at 519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 or visit our web site at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments: CAC Public Forum Flyer 

For more information:

About cancer screening:
Karen Croker RN
Public Health Nurse with the Chronic Disease Prevention Team
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1413

About the Public Forum
Kathryn Forsyth RD
Public Health Dietitian
Grey Bruce Health Unit
519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 1407