May 4, 2012
Cancer Prevention and Awareness Grants Awarded
Community-based programs and research projects that focus on cancer prevention are receiving $170,000 in funding through the Provincial Government’s Cancer Prevention and Awareness Grants Program. An initiative of the Provincial Cancer Control Strategy, the grant program has been created to fund projects that encourage cancer prevention through the promotion of a healthy population.
“This grant program recognizes the value of partnering with community-based organizations and health care professionals to support cancer control efforts,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “Groups throughout Newfoundland and Labrador are demonstrating their commitment to help reduce the incidence and impact of cancer. We know that one-third of cancer can be prevented, and it is possible to detect and treat another third.”
Grants are being awarded in amounts ranging from $3,250 to $27,000. To be considered for funding, proposed projects had to complement the Provincial Cancer Control Strategy and focus on one or more of the cancer prevention priority areas: tobacco control, nutrition, physical activity, ultraviolet radiation, infectious diseases, and environmental and occupational exposure. Details on the grants funded through the program are listed in the backgrounder below.
The Provincial Cancer Control Strategy, released in 2010, focuses on a full range of activities to prevent cancer, detect cancer at an early stage, improve treatment and support the needs of individuals affected by cancer.
“We recognize that cancer continues to touch the lives of every Newfoundlander and Labradorian,” said Minister Sullivan. “Since 2004, the Provincial Government has invested over $140 million in cancer prevention and treatment. We are committed to making strategic investments to combat chronic disease.”
The Provincial Cancer Control Strategy was released in 2010 with the focus of reducing the prevalence and impact of cancer and to improve the quality of life of those living with cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2011 the Provincial Government released a complementary strategy, Improving Health Together: A Policy Framework for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management in Newfoundland and Labrador, that provides a long-term approach for addressing chronic disease in the province and to assist those living with or at risk for chronic disease.
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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Cancer Prevention and Awareness Grants 2011-12
Advocate Youth Services Cooperative
The Advocate Youth Services Cooperative in Baie Verte received $4,000 to promote nutrition, exercise, self-awareness, and increased physical activity to youth.
Allied Health Services, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Allied Health Services, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, Memorial University of Newfoundland received $14,150 to develop a pilot health improvement program to promote lifestyle changes for people who are at risk of developing chronic disease.
Booth Memorial High School
Booth Memorial High School in St. John’s received $4,000 to hold a mini-clinic to raise awareness of skin cancer, ultraviolet radiation.
Buckmaster’s Circle Community Centre
The Buckmaster’s Circle Community Centre in St. John’s received $7,500 to deliver sessions focusing on the prevention of skin cancer.
The Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland and Labrador in St. John’s received $7,500 to develop a healthy living program to teach children with cancer, cancer survivors and their families about exercise and nutrition.
Canadian Cancer Society
The Canadian Cancer Society received $25,000 to deliver educational sessions to increase awareness regarding the harmful effects of indoor tanning and promote sun safety.
Cancer Care Program, Eastern Health
The Cancer Care Program at Eastern Health received $27,000 to fund a research project: Knowledge and Awareness of Colorectal Cancer Screening and Intention to Engage in Colorectal Cancer Screening.
Eastern Health’s Cancer Care Program also received $5,000 for the Cancer Transitions – Wellness in Survivorship program. This is a six-week evidence-based program to support and empower cancer survivors as they transition from active treatment to post-treatment. The program includes education and support on exercise, nutrition, emotional health and well-being, and medical management.
Central Health
Central Health received $3,250 to support a men’s wellness clinic for the Lewisporte area led by the nurse practitioner. The clinic will offer cancer screening, and inform men about infectious diseases, nutrition, smoking cessation and healthy activities.
Hampton 50+ Club and Evening Breeze 50+ Club
The Hampton 50+ Club and Evening Breeze 50+ Club received $6,400 for the White Bay South Live Well Marathon. Participants in this program will take part in weekly workshops on topics including healthy eating, physical activity, and developing a health plan.
Northeast Avalon Regional DARE Committee
The Northeast Avalon Regional DARE Committee received $10,000 to implement a 10-week program for Grade 5 and 6 students. The DARE program is a drug abuse prevention education program designed to provide students with knowledge about drug abuse (including tobacco), and the consequences of this abuse, and the skills to resist peer pressure when it comes to experimenting with marijuana, alcohol and tobacco.
O’Connor 50+ Club
The O’Connor 50+ Club received $7,500 to provide healthy living workshops and exercise sessions to seniors in the Southern shore region. Participants will also develop an action plan for cancer prevention.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
The Prostate Cancer Support Group received $17,000 to provide an opportunity to recruit and train survivors to deliver prostate cancer awareness presentations.
Tobacco Free Network
The Tobacco Free Network received $26,420 to offer the Students Working Against Tobacco program to youth in the western region of the province.
2012 05 04 2:45 p.m.