Health and Community Services
Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
November 4, 2015

Supporting the Health of Families and Communities

Lung Cancer Awareness Month Recognized in Newfoundland and Labrador

The Provincial Government is recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. During the month, events and activities will be held to raise awareness and generate funds in support of lung health programs, education and research.

"Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in our province for both men and women; however, it is also the most preventable. Our government continues to work to increase awareness through public education, as well as enhance services for the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador."
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health and Community Services

In October 2014, the Provincial Government launched the Provincial Smoking Cessation Program for Individuals with Low Income. The program has already provided more than 1,700 eligible adults with access to two smoking cessation medications (Champix or Zyban) to help them quit.

"Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it's never too late to quit. Our government supports several specific programs and services designed to help people quit smoking, and to prevent them from ever starting. A healthier population today means a reduced burden on the health care system tomorrow - but more importantly, it means an increased opportunity to live a longer, happier, healthier life."
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development

The province also supports the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association's Provincial Smokers' Helpline (1-800-363-5864), which hears from about 1,400 individual callers each year. Services can also be accessed via www.smokershelp.net .

"Avoiding and/or quitting smoking is the best way to prevent lung cancer. Thanks to support from the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, our Smokers' Helpline assists hundreds of people quit smoking every year for free."
- Greg Noel, President and CEO, Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association

The Provincial Government continues to implement initiatives under the Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework including the introduction of a ban on smoking in vehicles with a passenger present that is under the age of 16 and an expanded colon cancer screening program for residents throughout the province.

"This year, about 470 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in our province and 400 will die from the disease. We fight to improve the lives and health of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians through public policy changes. As well, thanks to support from the Provincial Government, we offer a variety of programs and materials that focus on prevention."
- Matthew Piercey, Executive Director, Canadian Cancer Society

Next to smoking, exposure to radon - a radioactive gas that is formed naturally by the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water - is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. For more information on radon exposure and safety, visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/radon/index-eng.php .

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is recognizing November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada to raise awareness in support of lung health programs, education and research.
• The Provincial Government launched a Provincial Smoking Cessation Program for Individuals with Low Income in October 2014.
• The province also supports the Alliance for the Control of Tobacco and the Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association's Provincial Smokers' Helpline (1-800-363-5864). Services can also be accessed via www.smokershelp.net .
• The Provincial Government continues to implement initiatives under the Provincial Cancer Control Policy Framework including the introduction of a ban on smoking in vehicles with a passenger present that is under the age of 16 and an expanded colon cancer screening program for residents across the province.
• Next to smoking, exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in Canada. For more information on radon exposure and safety, visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/radiation/radon/index-eng.php .

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Media contacts:

Tina Williams Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 728-2837 tinawilliams@gov.nl.ca	Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Matthew Piercey Executive Director Canadian Cancer Society - Newfoundland and Labrador Division 709-757-8527 mpiercey@nl.cancer.ca	Greg Noel President and CEO Newfoundland and Labrador Lung Association 709-726-4664, Ext. 213 greg.noel@nf.lung.ca

2015 11 04                              2:25 p.m.