A cancer expert will be visiting Fernie on Friday, September 30, to teach residents how to protect themselves from the disease that affects nearly all of us in some way.
The expert will be talking to residents as part of an informative evening covering cancer facts, recent research and much more, hosted by the Canadian Cancer Society on Friday, September 30 at the Best Western Fernie Mountain Lodge. The evening will be opened by Fernie Mayor Cindy Corrigan, who says, “Half of all cancers could be prevented. People do not have to be alone on their cancer journey. I’m pleased to be part of the community open house because cancer is a disease that affects almost every family and yet there is hope thanks to the research, services and efforts of the Canadian Cancer Society.” “Information is power. The more we can learn about the programs and supports that are available and the ways we can reduce our risk, the better we can fight back,” she says. Cancer researcher Dr. Marcy Winget will be guest speaker Friday evening as well at a CCS Kootenay Region volunteer summit being hosted by the Fernie volunteer unit the next day. This is the first time the annual regional conference is being held in Fernie. Dr. Winget, who graduated from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health with a PhD in epidemiology and an MHS in biostatistics, has 20 years of experience in the areas of clinical trials, cancer biomarker studies, and health services research. Her current research focus with colorectal and breast cancer patients is developing methods to measure and evaluate access to and continuity of care for cancer patients along the entire cancer care journey from pre-diagnosis to treatment to long-term follow up and end of life care. “As autumn is a time when the Canadian Cancer Society raises awareness about both men’s and women’s cancers, we are excited to have Dr. Winget in Fernie” says Bev Delyea, a volunteer the Canadian Cancer Society Fernie Unit. “Colorectal cancer is one that affects men and women across BC and in the Elk Valley.” During September, the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging all men to get a cancer Game Plan. The Game Plan is a prevention strategy focussing on three cancers below the waist – prostate, colorectal and testicular.
These three cancers account for more than 40 per cent of all new cancer cases in men. Volunteer Sher Pichler adds, “We encourage men to have a Game Plan because these cancers can have positive outcomes if detected and treated early. In October, we will be switching gears to raise awareness about women’s cancers – particularly breast, cervical and colorectal.” “To further raise awareness about these men’s and women’s cancers below the waist, the Society has created daffodil boxer shorts for men and hipster briefs for women which will both available by donation at the Open House” says Pichler. All residents of the Elk Valley and South Country are invited to the open house to talk to Canadian Cancer Society volunteers and staff. Doors open at 7 p.m. and refreshments will be provided.
Admission is free. For more information, contact Sher Pichler at 250-423-4708 or Patti Moore at 1-800-656-6426.