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Cancer rates going down, but big picture still not in By BRAD REAUME The Champion A study of cancer rates in Halton shows the disease is generally less prevalent than it was from 1984-88. The investigation, ending in 1993, concluded there were no significant variations in cancer incidence among women from the provincial norm, except the rates of all cancers were slightly lower than expected. Among females during a 1984-88 study period, skin melanoma, leukemia and breast cancer were all signif- icantly higher in Halton than in the province as a whole. Halton regional epidemiologist Terry Delmore, speaking to members of Halton's health and social services committee, said these variations are likely just due to the short study length. It will take several studies to determine Halton's true rates of cancer, he explained. Less than average According to the most recent study among men there are fewer cases of cancer in Halton than the provincial average, with prostate and lung cancer sig- nificantly lower than expected. However, men have a higher incidence of skin melanoma in Halton than anticipated. 'The numbers fluctuate. We are looking for consis- tency by comparing different points in time," said Mr. Delmore, explaining that lifestyle factors take time to manifest themselves in the population. He speculated that with Halton being a more afflu- ent area than the province as a whole, increased skin melanoma is not surprising, as people absorb more sun on vacations. Mr. Delmore explained that 50 per cent of all cancer deaths can be attributed to tobacco or a poor diet. Cancer is the second leading cause of death behind heart disease and is definitely a disease of the aged, with incidence highest in those 65 years of age and older, and next highest among those in the 45-65 age group. Little more than one per cent of all cancers are found in those under age 19. Halton residents are younger than the provincial average, so cancer in the population is corresponding- ly reduced. Currently 40 per cent of Canadians will get some form of cancer in their lifetime and 25 per cent will die from the disease. In males prostate cancer accounted for 19.8 per cent of cases from 1989 through 1993. Lung cancer was second with 17.9 per cent of cases and colon cancer was third with 15 per cent. All other forms of the dis- ease, including bladder, skin, brain and kidney cancer have incidence rates under six percent. Breast cancer leads In Halton women breast cancer leads the way at 32.1 per cent of cases. Colon cancer is second at 12 per cent and lung cancer third at 10 per cent. Again al other cancers, including cancers of the uterus, ovary or cervix, have incidence rates of less than six per cent. According to the report the primary risk for lung cancer is smoking while for colon cancer it is a diet high in fat and low in fibre, fruits and vegetables. • see RATES on page 27 BAR-ByQ SAT. MAY 23RD Union Gas BAR-B-Q GAs GRILL & FIREPLACE INC. THIS SALE WILL MOT BE REPEATED IN '98. WHILE QUANTITIES LAST PARKING LOT 8015 4TH UNE 4dIMMn me la 207 Main St. E., Downtown Milton a. e The Canadian Champion, Friday May 22, 1998 - 17 ~4OO, TM~4,s INE'VE il OF COO HEILÛHOME COMFORT ADVANTAGE -O - 11111! -ALW CEDTHEPICE LING YOUR HOME When you buy from one of Heil's independent dealers, you're buying service you can depend on. All of our dealers are in business for themselves. So your year-round comfort is their sole con- cern. Heil dealers offer you the best designed and serviced indoor comfort systems in Canada. So, this Summer, beat El Nino's heat ... with a Heil air conditioner. The cost? Less than you'd pay for a month in cottage country. And just look at what you get with Heil: • Energuide rated up to 13 S.E.E.R. • Quiet operation, as low as 7.0 BELS • 2-speed fan motor • 10-year warranty on scroll compressor • Compressor sound jacket Free 5-year parts and labour war- ranty and defer your payment til September '98 on your Union Gas b-l when you buy before May 31, 1998• HEAI1nG àCOOUNG PROOUTS HilVeO bm keepngpoplecomfor « blor 110 yem Heating & Cooling Ltd. 103 Stwles Ave 6-7 Milt, Ont8 8 n Fý 1 Imc: Y-4 r, M RAN « M 1