April is Cancer Awareness Month

“About 2 in 5 Canadians will develop Cancer in their lifetime, and about 1 in 4 Canadians will die of Cancer.”[1]

The daffodil is considered a symbol of strength and courage by the Canadian Cancer Society. During the month of April funds raised from the sale of daffodils are used to lend support to families and those receiving treatment for Cancer, fund lifesaving clinical trials, advocate for Cancer patients and provide access to services in your community. The daffodil is considered a symbol of strength and courage by the Canadian Cancer Society.

For more information on Daffodil Month, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society website by clicking here.

Prevention

There are a number of factors that contribute to whether or not you are susceptible to various forms of Cancer. The Canadian Cancer Society website provides information and prevention tips to help reduce your risk of developing Cancer. Quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and keeping physically active are just a few lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk.

Screening

When Cancer is found early, it is often easier to treat. 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 ask about what screening tests you should have on a regular basis. Be sure to mention if you have any family history of Cancer.

There are benefits and risks to almost every test or procedure, such as: Better survival rates or false negative or positive results. It is important to be aware of these before you make your decision to have any test. Visit the Canadian Cancer Society website to review some of these benefits and risks.

Getting involved

There are a number of ways to get involved in support of the Canadian Cancer Society and the fight against Cancer throughout the year.

Relay for Life – numerous dates based on location from May to June across Manitoba

Arts & Technology Centre Cure-a-Thon – April 28^th in Winnipeg

For more details and more events click here.

If you enjoy volunteering, consider supporting the Canadian Cancer Society with your time and skills. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available such as: organizing an event or becoming a Door to Door Campaign Area Chair.

For more information about fundraising events and to access the volunteer application form, please click here.

Visit www.cancer.ca or www.cancercare.mb.ca for more information.

Did you know?

Time is of the essence when a serious illness strikes. Waiting on a list for a diagnosis or access to a specialist is particularly stressful. The process can be accelerated using the MyCare Health Benefit Option (HBO). MyCare HBO includes:

Initial diagnosis assistance

• Medical second opinions
• Complex or difficult diagnosis
• Specialist assessments
• Diagnostic scans
• Retest or pathology

MyCare HBO members are eligible to purchase insurance covering on-site treatment with the MyCare Advantage Insurance upgrade.

 Logon to your STRATA Select website for more information.

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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 podcast is ‘Finding a Counsellor, Therapist, or Coach’. Learn how to find help using the LifeWorks resources!

[1] Canadian Cancer Statistics 2015. https://www.cancer.ca/~/media/cancer.ca/CW/cancer%20information/cancer%20101/Canadian%20cancer%20statistics/Canadian-Cancer-Statistics-2015-EN.pdf. 2015.