Progress is being made in the development of a new cancer control strategy for Newfoundland and Labrador. Representatives from the Department of Health and Community Services, the Regional Health Authorities, the Canadian Cancer Society and other key stakeholders gathered for a provincial stakeholder forum on February 19-20 to begin development of an action plan for a provincial cancer control strategy. The forum was attended by approximately 110 individuals.

"The time has come for our province to pull together our resources and our knowledge base to build a comprehensive strategy to reduce the incidence and impact of cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Health and Community Services. "This strategy, once completed, will encompass the views of key stakeholders and build on our Budget 2006 investment of $15.5 million in cancer prevention and treatment."

Following the first forum in April 2005, a committee was created to begin the process of developing a long-term, comprehensive approach to cancer control. The committee formed working groups to identify the current strengths and gaps in cancer control and their impacts. Ten directions for action were identified in nine areas including: surveillance and informatics, clinical practice guidelines, promoting a healthy population, identifying individuals and families at increased risk, access to services, coordinating care, living with cancer, education and training for cancer related issues, and a provincial cancer control collaborative.

It is estimated that approximately 2,300 people will be diagnosed with cancer and 1,330 people will die of cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador this year. Additionally, factors such as a rapidly aging population and high rates of obesity and physical inactivity will result in an increase in the incidence of cancer in the province. In the absence of a plan to stop the progressing trends in cancer prevalence, the current cancer rates may increase by as much as 56 per cent in 20 years.

"There is plenty of evidence from other countries that comprehensive strategies reduce the impact of cancer," stated Peter Dawe, Executive Director, Canadian Cancer Society. "We have the knowledge to improve our own outcomes, now we have to apply that knowledge."

"As a partner in this consultative process, we are glad to see a blueprint for cancer control under development and we are encouraged by the high level of commitment to the process from all the partners," said Patricia Pilgrim, Eastern Health's Chief Operating Officer with responsibility for cancer care.

"The next step is to take these 10 priority directions and develop a full action plan for cancer control in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Wiseman. "We anticipate having a provincial strategy developed by summer of 2007 to coordinate and sustain cancer control in our province over the long term."

In keeping with its commitment to cancer prevention and treatment, government invested $15.5 million in Budget 2006 in new funding for cancer screening and treatments. This includes $1.5 million to expand the Cervical Screening Program into the Eastern and Labrador-Grenfell regions and upgrade to Liquid Based Cytology; $750,000 for a new breast screening centre in Grand Falls-Windsor and to expand the existing breast screening centre in St. John�s along with program enhancements for breast and other cancers; $6.4 million to introduce three new cancer treatment therapies; and, $3.3 million for two new bunkers to house two new radiation machines at the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Centre in St. John�s. Additionally, government invested $3.7 million in Budget 2006 to implement the Provincial Wellness Plan.

- 30 -