As cancer stakeholders from around the world unite to raise awareness on World Cancer Day, Islanders with a cancer experience are invited to become advisors on local cancer committees, says Minister of Health and Wellness Robert Henderson.
“World Cancer Day, February 4, is an opportunity to consider what each of us can do to reduce the impact of cancer on patients and families,” said the minister. “By working with health care providers on committees and sharing their knowledge and experiences, Islanders can improve the cancer experience for others.”
The theme for this World Cancer Day is ‘We can. I can.’ It encourages everyone – as a collective or as an individual – to do their part to reduce the global burden of cancer. To do its part, Health PEI is seeking Islanders who have had a cancer experience in the last 10 years to participate on various committees as advisors.
“We know that cancer affects many Islanders. Whether a person has had a cancer diagnosis or supported a family member or friend during their journey with cancer, that person had gained valuable knowledge and perspective about wellness, the healthcare system and quality of life,” said Provincial Cancer Coordinator Marla Delaney. “We are asking Islanders with a cancer experience to participate as a volunteer advisor on one of our committees. Their experience will support planning, guide decision making and encourage collaboration to improve cancer control and care in PEI”.
There are several cancer patient or family and caregiver advisor roles to be filled on committees such as the Provincial Cancer Coordination Steering Committee, Person-Centered Perspective Committee, Quit Smoking Project Committee and each of the four cancer action groups – lung, breast, colorectal and prostate. These committees currently include clinicians, health system leaders and community groups.
For more information on cancer patient or family and caregiver advisor roles and opportunities, visit www.healthpei.ca/cancercare.
For more information on World Cancer Day, visit www.worldcancerday.org.