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Opposition calls for a comprehensive cancer screening system
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Dwight Ball, MHA for the District of Humber Valley and Liberal Opposition Critic for Health and Community Services, is calling on the provincial government to implement an aggressive cancer screening program across the province in an effort to reduce the number of deaths from this disease. AThe clear message from the recent Canadian Cancer Society report is that early detection is helping to stabilize and even lower cancer deaths,@ says Ball. AHere in our province, statistics show that while people have a lower risk of developing cancer, the risk of dying from this disease is much higher.@ Ball points out that in some cases the tools already exist to curb deaths from cancer if the disease is identified in its early stages. Most types of cancers can be treated more effectively the sooner they are diagnosed. AWhile certain cancer screening programs are already in place and some have been broadened, including the recent expansion of the cervical screening program to St. John=s, what is required is comprehensive screening for all cancers. The number of women screened for breast and cervical however is not at the levels needed to reduce mortality. A fragmented system means there is a gap between what we can do and what is not being done in the control of cancer across our province, particularly in rural areas. AAnother area to focus on is the incidence of colorectal cancer which is the highest in the country and yet, there is a lack of an organized and co-coordinated cross-provincial screening program. A simple and inexpensive test is available that could save lives and is fairly accurate. The need is to increase the number of people taking this test. A provincial screening program, with an emphasis on increased public awareness and access to screening, would improve people=s chances of surviving from this form of cancer. AFurther, breast screening starts for most women at age fifty. Yet, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests that this cancer is becoming more prevalent amongst younger women. So, reducing the age recommended for women to be screened would be another area of improvement in this screening process. While Ball appreciates that a Cancer Control Strategy is in the works and is reported to include a full action plan to reduce the impact of this disease, he sees no reason not to kick-start the process now. AI am urging government to commit the necessary funds in tomorrow=s budget for the timely implementation of a comprehensive screening program for all cancers to help improve outcomes. We are basically sitting on the tools and knowledge needed to control cancer and yet, we are not moving fast enough to apply that knowledge and reap the benefits.@
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