News Release                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                     January 29, 2009

Cancer in Grey Bruce

The Grey Bruce Health Unit is releasing Cancer in Grey Bruce 1986 – 2004. This cancer report highlights five main cancer types based on screening, new cases and deaths per year well as examining overall cancer rates in Grey Bruce. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Grey Bruce after heart disease. The rates of new cancer cases diagnosed each year are increasing. Monitoring the number of new cases of and deaths due to cancer is an important part of the assessment of the health status of the community.

Using data from Cancer Care Ontario, this report details the rates of occurrence of each type of cancer and compares Grey Bruce with the provincial averages. This report also highlights the associations between risk factors and the major types of cancer, taking into account both non-modifiable factors such as age and genetics as well as modifiable factors such as diet and physical activity.

Over half of all cancer cases are preventable. Positive lifestyle choices such as eating a health diet and participating in regular physical activity decrease the risk for certain types of cancer. “Each of us can reduce our own risk by living a cancer healthy lifestyle and participating in the early detection screening programs.” says Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Hazel Lynn.

Once cancer develops, early detection is important. Early detection allows a wider range of treatments and in some cases a more favorable prognosis. Screening programs, such as the Ontario Breast Screening Program and the Fecal Occult Blood Test assist with early detection and help to reduce the number of deaths due to cancer. 

The Grey Bruce Health Unit encourages anyone with concerns regarding cancer screening to contact their doctor or, for further information, call Public Health at

519-376-9420 or toll free at 1-800-263-3456, or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca

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Attachment: Cancer in Grey Bruce 1986 – 2004 - Executive Summary

For more information:

Matthew Myatt MD, MPH

Associate Epidemiologist

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 x 1282

m.myatt@publichealthgreybruce.on.ca