While cancer continues to be the leading cause of death in the country, new data from the Canadian Cancer Society shows the battle against the disease is being fought vigorously.
The rate of Canadians dying from lung, colorectal, breast and prostate cancer is down, which accounts for nearly 60% of all cancer diagnoses. Between 1988 and 2007, overall death rates dropped by 21% in men and 9% in women.
“Investments in research, better screening and treatments and Manitobans making healthier choices — including giving up cigarette smoking — have saved the lives of more than 3,000 Manitobans,” said Will Cooke, tobacco advocacy coordinator with the Canadian Cancer Society’s Manitoba Division.
“However, with 6,100 families expected to face a cancer diagnosis this year we cannot be complacent. We need to continue to fight.”
Progress in the fight against cancer has saved nearly 100,000 Canadians over the last 20 years as the rate of people killed by the disease continues to decline.
The Canadian Cancer Society report was released Wednesday in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada.
