MONTREAL, May 29, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Following today's release of the Canadian Cancer Statistics 20131, the Cancer Research Society notes that, despite the expected increase in cancer cases in Canada, the situation has improved in several ways. For example, five years after a diagnosis of cancer, the relative survival rate continues to rise steadily from 56% in 1990 to 63% in 2006-2008. In addition, certain cancer treatments are obtaining excellent results. For example, the survival rate for thyroid gland, prostate and testicular cancers is over 95%.
The Executive Director of the Cancer Research Society, Andy Chabot, stated that "if cancer research has already led to several major advancements, the fight is still far from over. Only research can shed light on the mechanisms of disease development and risk factors. Basic research also leads to other significant developments in terms of screening and treatment. Supporting research is the key in strengthening the fight against this disease."
Responsible for 30% of all deaths, cancer remains the leading cause of mortality in Canada. The increase in the number of new cancer cases is largely due to growth in demographics and aging of the population rather than an increase in the risk of developing the disease.
About the Cancer Research Society
Established in 1945, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) is a national not‐for‐profit organization whose sole mission is to fund research on all types of cancer, thereby contributing to the advancement of science aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating this disease. The CRS supports basic research which is at the origin of many innovative discoveries as well as projects in environment-cancer, an area wherein the CRS is considered a pioneer in Canada. Over the past 20 years, the Cancer Research Society has granted more than $100 million to some 900 cancer research projects across the country, including close to $40 million over the past five years.
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1 Statistics compiled by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada
SOURCE: Cancer Research Society
Sylvie Bastien
Director of Communications
514 861-9227, ext. 283
[email protected]
www.CancerResearchSociety.ca
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