April is Cancer Awareness Month

2 in 5 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime and about 1 in 4 Canadians will die of cancer.[1]

In 2014, it is estimated that 191,300 Canadians will develop cancer and 76,600 will die of cancer. [2] April is Daffodil Month. The daffodil is considered a symbol of strength and courage by the Canadian Cancer Society. Funds raised during Daffodil Month are used to lend a helping hand for families and those receiving treatment for cancer, fund lifesaving clinical trials, advocate for cancer patients and provide access to services in your community.

For more information on Daffodil Month, please visit: http://www.cancer.ca/en/get-involved/events-and-participation/find-an-event-near-you/daffodil-month/?region=mb

Prevention

There are a number of factors that contribute to whether you are susceptible to cancer. You can help minimize your risk by[3]:

1. Quitting smoking and limiting your exposure to second hand smoke.
2. Eating a healthy diet with lots of vegetables, fruit and fibre with little fat and sugar.
3. Keeping physical activity as an important part of your day with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity a day.
4. Be aware of your family genetics.
5. Reducing your alcohol intake.
6. Being safe in the sun by covering up, wearing sunglasses, using sunscreen and staying hydrated.
7. Getting the right amount of Vitamin D.
8. Monitoring environmental factors such as what household cleaners are being used and what residues are left behind especially if you have young infants and toddlers who spend an ample amount of time on the floor.

Screening

You know your body better than any one else as you will know what is normal for you. When cancer is found early, it is often easier to treat. Having regular checkups with your doctor will help reduce the risk of a health problem being ignored. Screening tests help find some types of cancer before you have any symptoms. Talk to your doctor to learn more about your risk of cancer and what screening tests you should have. Be sure to mention any family history of cancer.

Benefits and risks of screening[4]:

Benefits:

• Better survival rates
• Better quality of life

Risks:

• False positive results
• False negative results
• Over-diagnosis
• Increased exposure to harmful procedures

Upcoming Events

There are a number of events throughout the year all over Manitoba in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and the fight against cancer.

Relay for Life – numerous dates based on location from May to July across the province

River City Dragon Boat Festival – June 5 & 6 at the Manitoba Water Ski Park

Walk Because You Can – June 13 at Assiniboine Park

Manitoba Dragon Boat Festival – September 11 – 13 at The Forks

If you enjoy the intrinsic benefits of being a volunteer, consider supporting the Canadian Cancer Society and volunteering your time and skills to a wonderful cause. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available.

For more information about fundraising events and to access the volunteer application form, please visit www.cancer.ca.

Supporting Your Wellness

The LifeWorks website contains useful tools and articles to help you and your family. You even have access to seminars at www.lifeworks.com.

This month the recommended seminar is ‘A Personal Guide to Managing Change’. Learn how to thrive through change throughout your life!

Did You Know?

STRATA Select Blackline Safety (a division of Blackline GPS) offers the highest technology in worldwide personal safety devices.

The safety device will send an alarm when:

1. There is a fall or collision sensed by the device.
2. There is no motion sensed by the device (e.g. person is unconscious).
3. The user activates the silent Alert.
4. The user activates the audible alarm (used if there may be people near your vicinity to help).

Once the alarm is triggered:

1. A text and email are instantly sent to the people that have been identified or to 3rd party monitoring personnel.
2. An email will also be sent identifying the exact location the incident occurred and what triggered the alarm.

These safety devices can provide improved safety for:

• Outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, quading, cross-country skiing, etc.)
• Seniors living at home
• Anytime someone is alone

Log on to your STRATA Select website for more information.

Login: rrc              Password: voluntary

[1] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014. www.cancer.ca/statistics. 2014.

[2] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2014. www.cancer.ca/statistics. 2014.

[3] Canadian Cancer Society. Prevention & Screening. www.cancer.ca. 2014

[4] Canadian Cancer Society. Prevention & Screening. www.cancer.ca. 2014