Colon Cancer Canada kicked off its Colon Cancer Awareness campaign in Toronto with the support of both the OPFFA and the Toronto PFFA.  March is colon cancer awareness month and firefighters are more prone to contract colon cancer due to the number of toxins that burn in fires.  Paul Atkinson, a member of the OPFFA's Occupational Disease Committee and Kevin Ashfield of the Toronto PFFA were on hand along with several Toronto firefighters to make people aware that screening and early detection of colon cancer can save lives.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of both male and female cancer-related deaths in Canada.  This year alone, over 20,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with colon cancer.  Although this is a startling statistic, even more startling is the fact that almost 50% of those diagnosed will die. This even though colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.  If caught early, over 95% of these cases could and should result in a full recovery.

"We believe it is critically important to have a "front-end" strategy that recognizes the need for effective screening and monitoring of colon and other cancers" states Fred LeBlanc, President, Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association.   "Past experience has been that physicians are reluctant to recommend screening for cancers at an earlier age for firefighters despite the evidence that shows firefighters are not only at a higher risk for contracting certain kinds of cancers but are afflicted with these at much younger ages.  Early detection and screening for cancers that disproportionately affect firefighters means better treatment of the disease, a healthier life, peace of mind for the firefighter and her or his family and a longer time on the job.  Early detection through screening for colon and other cancers is common sense and good policy. "

The "Put Your Butt On The Line" Challenge will coincide with a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign launching in March by Colon Cancer Canada.  The spot, created by The Collective, is a provocative, straight-forward PSA that will air on radio and television as well as print media and will promote the hard-hitting message that silence is deadly and people need to "talk about it". 

To view the press release and media coverage in the Toronto Sun, click on the links below.

For information about colon cancer, visit www.coloncancercanada.ca