Reducing Nova Scotia's Cancer Rates

A provincial health agency is fighting back at Nova Scotia's high rates of new cancer cases and cancer deaths. Cancer Care Nova Scotia has launched a series of programs with the long-term goal of reducing these numbers.

"Our challenges include reducing the burden of cancer on individuals and families living with the disease, reducing cancer risks in the population while helping to restrain health care costs," said Dr. Andrew Padmos, commissioner of Cancer Care Nova Scotia.

Figures released on Thursday, April 13, by the Canadian Cancer Society, Statistics Canada and Health Canada show that Nova Scotia continues to have the highest rates of cancer deaths in males and females in Canada. As well, the province is projected to be in second place for new male cancer cases and third place for new cancer cases in females for 2000.

"Cancer rates in Nova Scotia are high, in part because of the aging population," said Dr. Padmos. "The proportion of Nova Scotians age 65 or older will rise from 15 per cent in 1999 to 25 per cent in 2025. Cancer is a disease of the elderly with 60 per cent of new cases diagnosed in senior citizens."

Cancer death rates and cases can be reduced through changes in an individual's lifestyle. High smoking rates in the Nova Scotia population are responsible for lung cancer deaths, which are preventable. Good food choices for better nutrition and increased physical activity could reduce the high rates of obesity in Nova Scotia, and over time reduce cancers related to diet.

Dr. Padmos said Cancer Care Nova Scotia is implementing programs to strengthen prevention, early detection and cancer treatment across the province.

"First, we want to make sure fewer people get cancer through co- ordinated provincial prevention and education programs targeting tobacco control and healthy weights," said Dr. Padmos. "Second, cancer deaths can be reduced through early detection programs such as those provided by the Nova Scotia Breast and Gynaecologic Cancer Screening Programs. New screening initiatives for hereditary cancers and colorectal cancers are under development. Third, cancer care standards must be consistent across the province and must focus on patient and family needs first."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a Department of Health program created in 1998. It works with QEII Health Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine, the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and other partners to improve cancer control by: -- Helping to recruit a full team of medical oncologists in the QEII and Cape Breton Cancer Centres; -- Forming Cancer Site Teams to review and develop patient- centred treatment standards and policies; -- Partnering with groups and institutions in cancer prevention and education conferences in Halifax and Sydney and collaborating with follow-up initiatives; -- Working with the QEII Health Sciences Centre to establish outreach cancer clinics in Yarmouth and New Glasgow; -- Making substantial contributions to cancer research in Nova Scotia.