Cancer Statistics Report Released

Twenty-three Nova Scotians are diagnosed with some form of cancer every day, according to a report released today, Dec. 12.

Cancer Care Nova Scotia's Surveillance and Epidemiology Unit released the report, titled Understanding Cancer in Nova Scotia, a focus on 2000-2004.

The report includes information on Nova Scotians diagnosed with cancer, the number of new cases each year and patterns of change in the types and number of cancers seen over time. It also provides projections for the future, an overview of the increasing number of Nova Scotians living with cancer and survival rates for major cancers in this province.

In addition, the report identifies prevention and early detection as essential to comprehensively addressing the cancer challenge.

"Collecting, monitoring and analyzing patterns of cancer provides health professionals, administrators and government with critical information about the impact of cancer on our province," said Theresa Marie Underhill, chief operating officer, Cancer Care Nova Scotia. "This information enhances our understanding and helps guide our program planning to improve cancer prevention, treatment and care. It helps predict the need for cancer services and identify topics for future research focus."

Health Minister Chris d'Entremont said having the right information is essential to making the best decisions for Nova Scotia cancer patients and families.

"We will use this kind of data, for example, as we plan and develop satellite oncology services across the province so that patients can receive treatment closer to home," said Mr. d'Entremont.

Key findings from the report include:

• In 2004, 23 Nova Scotians were diagnosed each day with some form of cancer.
• One in 34 Nova Scotians are living with an invasive cancer.
• Prostate, lung and colorectal cancers accounted for 59 per cent of cancers diagnosed in males between 2000 and 2004.
• Breast, colorectal and lung cancers accounted for 57 per cent of cancers diagnosed in females between 2000 and 2004.
• The rate of invasive breast cancer, the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, has declined 13.5 per cent since 1998.
• Lung cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths between 2000 and 2004 for both males and females, accounting for 31 per cent and 24 per cent of deaths, respectively.
• Male mortality from cancer has decreased significantly since 1992, largely because of a 24 per cent decline in mortality associated with lung cancer.
• Nearly 50 per cent of all cancers are preventable through the adoption of healthy eating habits, active and tobacco-free lifestyles, and by avoiding exposure to ultraviolet rays and known environmental carcinogens and infectious agents.

"Policy-makers need relevant data to make informed decisions," said Dr. Robert Strang, medical officer of health, Capital Health. "This data is crucial for planning and monitoring cancer prevention initiatives.

"For example, good data was crucial in creating and monitoring Nova Scotia's successful Tobacco Control Strategy, which has seen our smoking rate fall from 30 per cent in 2001 to 21 per cent in 2006. Surveillance data tells us this decline will result in reduced lung cancer rates."

Cancer Care Nova Scotia is a program of the Department of Health, created to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families and the health care system through prevention, screening, education and research.