1i8--me Canadman Champion, Tuesday, October 21, 2003 ... Canada's first organization dedicated solely to lung cancer aims to raise the profle of the disease (NC)--Tbis sumrmer, the first organization dedicated solely ta lung cancer, the Alliance for Lung Cancer Awareness, Support and Education (ALCASE Canada), announced its inception in Canada. As a new charitable orgaliain ALCASE Canada, made up of health care professionals, private citizens and faniily members whose lives have been affected by king cancer, was established to Halton His j~J Speech Centre Communication is Vital * Language *Stuttering " Articulation *Swallowing * Voice *Reading " Stroke Rehabilitation a Tutoring a Accent Improvement Providing therapy to Children and aduits in Halton, Peel and Wellington Counties Evening and Saturday appointments available Ph: 90-873-8400 Fax: 905-873-7291 www.haltonspeech.com Only Northvlew Centre 15 minutes te 211 Guelph St., Suite S 1 "«w Georgetown increase awareness about lung cancer, fill the void that currently exists in support for people living with lung cancer and individu- ais who care for themn, and to educate the public about the disease. As part of the launch, ALCASE Canada also unveiled its new website, www.alcasecanada.ca, which provides information regardmng support groups, resources, treatments and smoking ces- sation, helping patients and familles cope with titis illness. "When I lost my wife to lung cancer three years ago, it sparked in me a passion and determination to help others who, are dealing with this terrible diseaae and to bring lung cancer to the attention of thse Canadian public," explained Ralph Gouda, ALCASE Canada founder and president. "'he resuit of my resolve is the Alliance for Lung Cancer Awareness, Support and Education." Lung cancer, the leading cancer killer in the country, exacts a devastating toil on Canadians. TIbis year in Canada, more than 21,200 people will be dlagnosed with lung cancer - 75 to 85 per cent of these with advanced disease i - and 18,800 will die. iThe death rate for lung cancer in Canada is more than breast, prostate and colorectal cancers combined iii - yet the disease remains poorly understood and there is a severe lack of resources and sup- port for people living with the disease. 1I was devaatated when I found out I had lung cancer, especial- ly since I had just bast my best friend to the disease," explained lung cancer patient Gail Tonino "Added to, my disbelief was the terrble knowledge that very few people survive the disease. ALCASE Canada gives me hope that thinga will improve for peo- ple with lung cancer and now we will fmnally have access to the kind of networks and support that have been so helpful in imnprov- ing tise lives of people with other diseases," she added. Thus far, ALCASE Canada has been instrumental in developing one of the firat lung cancer support groupa in Canada and has planned and iniplemented t',So very succesaful lung cancer aware- ness campaigna. In 2003, ALCASE is planning to introduce a peer support programn, where lung cancer patients and their caregivers from, anywhere in Canada can connect with trained, knowledge- able peers for private and confidential discussions about their dzr- cumstances and concemas. In addition, ALCASE Canada is plan- ning a variety of awareness and educational activities, such as a clear ribbon camnpaign and seminar series in November to mark Lung Cancer Awareness Month. "Unfortunately, for people diagnosed. with lunýg cancer, treat- ment is limited and support is minimal. People who have been touched by lung cancer cail it the 'invisible kiler' because il receives such little public attention and litte funding when comn- pared to research dollars spent on other types of cancer,' explained Magdalene Wintehof oncology social worker and member of the ALCASE Canada board of directors. "This is why we are so excited about the advent of ALCASE in Canada. People living with lung cancer have long nccded an urganization, a voice, dedi- cated solely ta their cause,' added Ms. Winterhoff. One in 18 women, and one in 1l men will develop lung cancer during their lifetimes. "Lung cancer can strike anyone, even non-smokes, stated Dr. Yee Ung, Radiation Oncologist, Toronto-Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre and Board of Directors, ALCASE Canada. "Since 1988, lung cancer incidence rates have risen by 30 per cent and death rates have increased by 46 per cent among Canadian women, despite the fact that smoking rates have actually gone down. This should underscore that we have a serious health prob- lem in this countsy that urgently needa ta be addressed. There ils urgent need for increased ftsnding ta conduct more research inta the disease and for better treatments - maly of the current treat- ments, mncluding chemnotherapy and radiation often have debilitat- ing aide effects for patients," added Dr Ung. "ALCASE Canada is going ta help bring the plight of our lung cancer patients ta the forefront. " "Everyone is entitled ta the best medical treatment and acceas ta resources, helping ta, promote the beat care and treatment out- cames. ALCASE is dedicated ta ensuring that a continuum of sup- port services are given the priority that is warranted for Canada's number one cancer killer," concluded Ms. Winterhoff. How You Can Help ALCASE Canada welcomes volunteer support from patienta, caregivers, health care professionals, students or anyone who bas tine and wishes ta, help. For more information about volunteer opportunities, please contact Holly Bradley, Executive Directar at 416-785-3439, email ALCASE Canada at alcasecanad bl - net.ca or visit the website at www.alcasecanada.ca. i Simon GR and Bunn PA. Taxanes in the treatment of advanced (stage LU and IV) NSCLC: Recent developments. Cancer Inveat 2003; 21(l): 87-104. ü Canadla Cancer Society, Canadil Cancer Statistica 2003 iü Canadian Cancer Society, Caniadian Cancer Statistica 2003 "ffl1CanlDoft-M You CanDolt" Mury At Deverly Riles they aude It aisy TownaendWUIMAEEN BeforeeRegistered Nutritional Consultant on staff * Lose weight eating real food e Boost metabolism, feel healthy and energized * Focusing on a lifestyle change TONIQM TEUT *Reduce: *Bulid mu of celluli * Condens exercise i *Firm up 20 lbstone are figher î 10Townsend Guara teed , J531bs flglteii B&ed on luN pi'ognam, exclude pfodUC *New clients OnlY Cal for a FUIE Conauflaon I_ý5 ON A I ST S. 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