Latest news with #CancerActionPlan
Edmonton Journal
30-07-2025
- Health
- Edmonton Journal
Canucks: B.C. cancer initiative hits home for Kirk and Genevieve McLean
Article content Kirk McLean was adept at saving the day for the Vancouver Canucks and is a Ring Of Honour member. Article content Now the franchise icon, along with wife Genevieve, are lending support for the biggest save in the game of life. Article content Article content They both have a history with cancer — Kirk lost his parents to the disease, and Genevieve is a three-time survivor — so supporting the Vancouver General Hospital and UBC Hospital Foundation's 'Greater Than Cancer' provincewide initiative really hits home. Article content Article content It was one thing for McLean to endure the NHL career disappointment of losing Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup Final. Suddenly losing his parents to cancer in a short span of time was much harder to process, but a path to help others inflicted by the disease is always there. And he's happy to help. Article content Article content 'I was just freshly retired and it happened so quick,' McLean recalled Tuesday. 'They were both diagnosed, and then gone six months apart. My mom was 65 and dad was 67 and they had just retired. It was extremely tough because I was very close to them. Article content It could have changed McLean, but he has always championed causes, and works tirelessly as a Canucks ambassador. Adding his support to the 'Greater Than Cancer' initiative was a no-brainer. Article content 'I was always brought up to give back and appreciate every day to the fullest,' stressed McLean. 'And this is an extra nudge to use my so-called celebrity status and connections for charities. Cancer is right there at the top for obvious reasons, and this campaign is awesome. There's an urgent need to expand capacity and better diagnosis, treatment, and advanced care. Article content Article content 'As much as money is thrown at this disease, there as diseases within the disease, and we have to kick this in the butt.' Article content Article content Article content The initiative focuses on advancing state-of-the-art cancer diagnostics, surgery, and research at Vancouver General Hospital. It's where the most-complicated cases in B.C. are treated, and timing of this campaign is imperative. Cancer cases in the province continue to escalate, with more than 30,000 expected to be diagnosed with the disease this year. Article content One in two British Columbians will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, so ensuring specialists and superior resources are present to combat the disease is of paramount importance. VGH is the largest and most advanced hospital in the province, but there is an urgent need to expand capacity to better address cancer cases. Article content The campaign has a goal of raising $35 million to produce treatments for patients across B.C. The initiative aligns with the provincial government's 10-year Cancer Action Plan announced in 2023. Community support and donations are also essential to help deliver world-class care and drive the next generation of cancer-fighting technology and treatments.
STV News
23-06-2025
- Health
- STV News
Only one in six Scots feel comfortable talking about alcohol, survey finds
Only one in six (17%) adults in Scotland feel comfortable talking about their relationship with alcohol, according to new research. A poll carried out by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) of 2,000 UK adults shows it is one of the least talked-about topics, less than money (32%) or sex (19%). The survey to mark Cancer Prevention Action Week found many people still do not understand the health risks of drinking alcohol. Across the UK, one in four adults say alcohol has no health risks. In Scotland, this dropped to one in six. Meanwhile, only one in 14 UK adults mentioned cancer as a risk when asked about alcohol. Laura Mahon, deputy chief executive of Alcohol Focus Scotland, said: 'Every day in Scotland three people are diagnosed with an alcohol-related cancer, yet the alcohol industry continues to keep the public in the dark about the health risks of their products by choosing not to provide us with the clear information we need to make informed choices. 'The Scottish Government must empower consumers in Scotland by introducing mandatory health warning labels on alcohol products. This should form part of a refreshed and robust alcohol strategy focused on strong preventative measures to reduce alcohol harm.' Since Scotland introduced Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) in 2018, alcohol deaths have dropped by 13.4%, and overall drinking fell by 3%. But the Covid pandemic caused a rise in risky drinking and more alcohol-related deaths. iStock Minimum unit pricing was introduced in Scotland in 2018 World Cancer Research Fund CEO Rachael Gormley said: 'Alcohol is pervasive in our lives, from celebrations to after-work drinks and social gatherings. But do we truly understand the risks involved? 'Our findings show that most people are unaware that any amount of alcohol elevates the risk of seven types of cancer. 'It's essential that we engage in more discussions about alcohol and cancer, empowering individuals to make informed health choices.' With Scottish elections coming up, WCRF urges politicians to build on the success of MUP. They want a new National Alcohol Strategy that focuses on prevention and includes a fresh Cancer Action Plan. World Cancer Research Fund executive director of research and policy, Dr Panagiota Mitrou, said: 'While a coordinated approach across the UK would undeniably be most effective in tackling alcohol harm across the country, we urge the next Scottish government to make full use of their devolved powers which will allow them to make progress in key areas such as mandatory health warning labels and marketing restrictions. 'We also urge the UK government to work with the devolved administrations to take bold and collective action to reduce consumption. 'Crucially, the policies set out in a revised alcohol strategy must be developed in conjunction with a new plan for cancer, given that the Scottish government's current Cancer Action Plan expires in 2026. 'Ultimately, both renewed strategies must place prevention at their core.' Breast cancer survivor Nikki Bednall said: 'I always thought drinking a few times a week was fine. I never knew it could raise my cancer risk. 'If I'd known earlier, I might have made different choices. Though hindsight is easy, my perspective has changed with the knowledge that came after my diagnosis. 'For example, I now drink very little alcohol to stack the odds in my favour as much as possible. Now, my motto is: 'Look after your body like you have nowhere else to live because the reality is you don't.' Health Secretary Neil Gray said: 'The Scottish Government is working to reduce alcohol-related harm and deaths. Our world-leading Minimum Unit Pricing policy and the decision to uprate the unit price to 65 pence per unit is a key part of our approach to tackling alcohol harm. 'We want every person experiencing harm from alcohol use to be able access the support they need. That is why we have allocated £112m to local Alcohol and Drug Partnerships for treatment and support services. 'The forthcoming UK Clinical Guidelines for Alcohol Treatment are anticipated to further support the improvement of alcohol treatment in Scotland. In addition, the recently published Population Health Framework sets out a 10-year plan for population health, including addressing the harms caused by alcohol.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
