Breast Cancer Awareness Month rallies communities

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation encourages Ontarians to get involved

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW/ - This October, thousands of Ontarians will be showing support for the many women, families and friends who have been deeply affected by breast cancer and finding out how they can reduce their own risk during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On Sunday, the nationwide Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will bring together more than 60,000 runners in 30 communities across the province. There's still time to register or make a donation at www.runeforthecure.com.

Throughout October, the Pink Tour 2013 will be making its final stops on its tour of 90 communities, inviting Ontarians to get on board the bus to learn more about breast health, the importance of breast cancer screening, and steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

This year's Pink Tour bus features new tools that are user-friendly, interactive and visually engaging to ensure everyone who comes on board will be able to learn something new. Print and digital health resources are available in several languages.

Next Tuesday, Oct. 8, the interactive experience will head to Queen's Park to invite members of provincial parliament to learn more about breast health and breast cancer screening.

"With one in nine women diagnosed in her lifetime, we're working to stop breast cancer before it starts, and there's still so much for us to learn. Funding innovative and relevant research is our top priority," said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region.

A panel discussion of leading experts will help demystify what it means to be at high risk for breast cancer and what can be done about it. The Café Scientifique, funded by Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, will take place Oct. 28 in downtown Toronto and is open to the public.

Also throughout October, the Foundation's breast health program will continue to engage women to make healthy behaviour changes to reduce breast cancer risk. Research has shown that one-third of breast cancers are preventable with a balanced diet, maintaining a healthier body weight, and regular physical activity. Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking, limiting use of combined hormone therapy during menopause, and reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens and hormone disruptors where they live work and play.

Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is encouraging women to take practical steps to help prevent breast cancer by trying just one new thing. Reduceyourrisk.ca is a place to share stories, photos, videos and articles about their #OneNewThing, and to inspire others. Visitors can also get to know some of the Canadian women behind the campaign as they talk about what #OneNewThing means to them and how it has changed their lives.

Across the province this month, supporters will be hosting and participating in many community events such as the new ICEd Pink hockey program, Paint Your School Pink! the Argos Pink Game, Trucking for a Cure and Concert for Cancer.

With all that is going on, Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to celebrate how much progress has been made and to acknowledge how much work remains. The good news is that breast cancer mortality rates have fallen by 42 per cent in just over 25 years. That means that more women are living longer and healthier lives despite a breast cancer diagnosis.

"Thanks to our supporters, from donors to volunteers, we have been able to fund innovative research, health education and advocacy programs that have reduced the incidence of breast cancer, lowered mortality rates and supported women and their families who have experience breast cancer," Palmaro said.

To learn more about the differences between made through research funded by Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, read CBCF's 2013 Report to the Community.

For more information on how to get involved or to learn more about improving breast health, visit www.cbcf.org.

About the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is the leading community -driven organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer.  Our investments in innovative and relevant research and education have led to progress in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. Since 1986, we have been at the forefront of a nationwide movement supporting and advocating for the breast cancer community. Join us at www.cbcf.org.

SOURCE: Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CBCF-ONTARIO OR TO SET UP AN INTERVIEW:

Megan Primeau
Manager, Communications
Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation - Ontario Region
Office :  416-815-1313 ext. 208   Mobile: [phone]   Email: [email protected]