Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, June 4 the Canadian Cancer Society is encouraging everyone to celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day.
It is the 13th anniversary of the event in North America and is a day when we honour survivors who are living with and beyond cancer. It is a day to acknowledge the important role family and friends play in the lives of cancer survivors, and also to recognize the professionals who are helping fight the battle against cancer. In doing so we communicate to all Canadians the message that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality.
Cancer touches almost all of us. One in three Canadian women and 50% of men will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. Today, thanks to improved detection methods, more available information and enhanced methods of treatment, more than half of all people diagnosed will go on to achieve a full recovery in terms of work, recreation and family life.