National control strategy needed, cancer experts warn CMAJ 1997;157:865 © Canadian Medical Association Cancer experts have rung the danger bell about the increasing impact the disease is having in Canada, warning that a national control strategy must be put in place because cancer incidence is expected to double by 2010. "Cancer should continue to have distinct status among human diseases, given the staggering demographic trends of this disease and the enormous challenges of reducing the burden it imposes," said Dr. Barbara Whylie, director of medical affairs and cancer control for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC). "There has been steady progress in the battle against cancer, which is reflected in the stability of incidence and mortality rates for most types of the disease. However, new cases and deaths continue to rise steadily because of an increase in the size and aging of the population. This has resulted in an increase of more than 30% in the number of new cancer cases from 1987 to 1997." Whylie made the comments as the NCIC and CCS released a report on the impact health care reform is having on cancer control and cancer-related services. About 130 000 Canadians will be diagnosed with cancer this year and some 60 000 will die. In calling for a national strategy, the report noted that even though the provinces are responsible for health care in Canada, a common framework concerning cancer should be developed. The report was produced following a meeting last March. That workshop, the first of its kind in Canada, brought together representatives from governments, cancer agencies and people with cancer, and produced 11 recommendations. For additional information call the CCS, 416 961-7223 x319, x318. Send a letter to the editor responding to this article Envoyez une lettre à la rédaction au sujet de cet article | CMAJ October 1, 1997 (vol 157, no 7) / JAMC le 1er octobre 1997 (vol 157, no 7) |