Funding Announced to Support Prostate Cancer Research and Education

The Williams Government is continuing to demonstrate its commitment to investing in cancer prevention and treatment in the province through the investment of $30,000 for the Avalon Chapter of Motorcycle Ride for Dad. The funding was recently presented by the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services, and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works, in St. John's.

"Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador with over 500 new cases estimated in the province this year, and early detection is critical for treatment and makes education and awareness so important," said Minister Kennedy. "Our investment in the Ride for Dad will support a public information campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of regular prostate examinations for men in the province. I commend the organizers of the Ride for Dad for their continued efforts in raising funds and creating awareness of prostate cancer."

The Motorcycle Ride for Dad is the largest annual motorcycle event in Canada, which raises money for prostate cancer research and education. This year marks its 10th anniversary. Participation at this year's event in the province reached a record high of 700 motorcycles and raised a total of $62,000 from riders' pledges to support prostate cancer research and awareness initiatives in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Avalon Chapter of the Motorcycle Ride for Dad was formed in 2006 by former Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Constable and current MHA for Topsail, Paul Davis. Since then, the local chapter has raised over $250,000 for prostate cancer research, education and awareness.

"Our government is the first in the country to step up to the plate in support of the Motorcycle Ride for Dad's fight against cancer," said Bob Pike, Co-Chair of the Avalon Chapter of Motorcycle Ride for Dad. "With government's support, we hope to double the successes we've had thus far. Together, we are setting an example for the rest of the country to follow."

Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future includes an investment of approximately $8.8 million to enhance cancer care services in the province including $5 million to continue implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on Hormone Receptor Testing Report; $3.2 million to cover the cost of new cancer drug therapies under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program; an initial investment of $240,000 for the implementation of a new Provincial Colorectal Cancer Screening Program; $197,000 in operational funding for a radiopharmacist and program director to begin planning for the new Positron Emissions Tomography (PET) scanner; and, $119,800 to enhance an accredited stem cell transplant program for patients in the province.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2010 07 05                                                   10:05 a.m.