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November 4, 1999
(Health and Community Services)


Buehler Report into cancer at Westport shows rate of cancer slightly less than Newfoundland and Canada average

Dr. Sharon Buehler, Associate Professor of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, today released the results of her investigation into the number of cases of cancer in Westport from 1975 to 1995. Her report found that the rate of getting cancer in Westport is no greater than that for the rest of Canadians. In fact, Dr. Buehler found that the incidence of cancer in Westport is slightly lower than both Newfoundland and Canada's rate.

Over two decades, there have been 32 new cases of cancer and 20 deaths due to cancer in residents of Westport. This averages out to one death due to cancer each year in Westport.

In her report, Dr. Buehler says she did find a slightly higher than expected number of cancer related deaths and she says there is a higher than expected number of cancers of the pancreas.

"There can be several reasons for the slightly higher death rate due to cancer," said Dr. Buehler. "It may be due to the unusual rate of pancreatic cancer, or it may be because people in Westport are getting diagnosed at later stages of their disease. As for the cases of pancreatic cancer, further work with family members may be needed to help find an explanation."

Dr. Buehler said she finds nothing of concern in the total cancer incidence of Westport, but does recommend monitoring the rates because of the small number in the population and because of the concern of the community. She also recommends looking further at the incidence of pancreatic cancer in particular. "This process would involve the families of the affected individuals who could work with genetics staff to look at family history and personal risk/life style/occupation factors," said Dr. Buehler.

"It is very difficult for families and communities to deal with the fact that their friends and relatives have cancer. This is especially so in a small community where people know each other well, and where they know everyone who has cancer or diabetes or heart disease. In larger areas where we don't know everybody, we would be surprised and concerned to know how many people with heart disease and cancer were living in our neighborhoods," said Dr. Buehler.

"Cancer is one of the most common diseases we face. It is estimated that over 2,000 Newfoundlanders will be diagnosed with cancer this year and about 1,200 people will die from the disease. I hope that my report about cancer in Westport will help the people of the community by knowing that their rates of getting cancer are no greater than those of the rest of Canadians."

Media contact: Dr. Sharon Buehler, (709) 737-6219, skb@morgan.ucs.mun.ca

NOTE TO EDITORS: Copies of Dr. Buehler's report are available by calling 737-6219.

1999 11 04 7:10 p.m.


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