Mon 24 Jul 2006

Kingston Whig-Standard

Make a difference in fighting cancer by banning pesticides

Re: Rachael Melnik-Proud's letter "Ban pesticides and help fight
cancer" (July 13).

On behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, I wish to thank Melnik-
Proud for her letter. The society shares her concerns about
pesticides, and that is why its Kingston office is partnering with
Pesticide Reduction Kingston to push this municipality into passing a
bylaw similar to those adopted by London and Peterborough.

In communities across Ontario, the society has been, and will
continue to be, a strong voice in favour of banning the ornamental
use of pesticides on private lawns and gardens.

The society is acutely aware of the dangers posed by the use of
potentially carcinogenic substances, based on conclusions such as
those of the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Some
substances used in pesticides are classified as known, probable or
possible carcinogens.

Preventing cancer, in its 200 different forms, is a complex
undertaking. The Canadian Cancer Society has launched a host of
prevention initiatives. It is, for example, a leader among a group of
700 stakeholders who are behind the establishment of a Canadian
Strategy for Cancer Control. The Primary Prevention Action Group, a
key component of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control, has
designated environmental and occupational carcinogens as one of its
top priorities.

The Canadian Cancer Society has also worked closely with Cancer Care
Ontario on its signature strategy: Cancer 2020. This action plan has
set targets in key risk areas - tobacco, healthy eating and physical
activity, UV safety, screening - in addition to environmental and
workplace carcinogens, all in an effort to significantly reduce the
incidence of cancer by the year 2020.

We will continue our participation in the review of the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act.

We know there is much more work to be done on cancer prevention.
Recent Ontario studies show that almost one- quarter of the
population is obese, a major contributor to cancers of the breast,
colon or rectum, uterus, kidney, and esophagus.

We also know that significant strides have already been made. The
society is proud of its role in Ontario's recent enactment of smoke-
free legislation, a move that will only serve to further discourage
tobacco use in a province where smoking rates have declined a
dramatic 27 per cent in just the past six years.

While the Canadian Cancer Society is committed to a prevention
agenda, it is also committed to serving the tens of thousands of
Ontarians who are living with cancer, and supporting cutting-edge
research in prevention and treatment.

Donors should also be aware that they may direct their Canadian
Cancer Society gifts to prevention, research, or the support of those
living with cancer.

Together we can make a difference.

Cheryl Bird
Manager
Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Unit
Canadian Cancer Society

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