The local health unit is reminding Ontarians that the province provides free cancer screening programs.
According to the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (HKPR) District Health Unit, two in five Canadians can expect to develop cancer during their lifetime.
“Studies show regular screening greatly improves the survival rates for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers,” says HKPR Public Health Nurse Karen Taylor. “Spending a few minutes to be screened for these common forms of cancer can be a valuable investment of time and energy.”
The health unit says although colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death and breast cancer is the most-common form of cancer in Ontario’s women, both can be fully cured if detected early enough.
Officials advise checking with your health care provider to see what type of test is best for your age group and family history.
For more information on screening, go to www.cancercareontario.ca.