Breast Cancer Pink Tour to visit Emo

News Release
CBCF

EMO, ON – Sunday, August 18, 2013 – Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is going out on the road again this summer on the Pink Tour, letting women know that one third of breast cancers are preventable and that regular screening saves lives. This year’s tour is empowering women to make informed choices and take steps to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. It will be in Emo Cloverleaf Grocery Ltd on Sunday, August 18, 2013, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Mortality rates for breast cancer are declining, thanks to improved screening technology, earlier diagnoses and better treatments, but one in nine Canadian women will still be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. While women aged 50 to 74 can receive a mammogram without a doctor’s referral and at no cost, currently only 61 per cent of women in Ontario are being screened and research shows that women are not aware that they can take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer.
“Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation is thrilled to be once again visiting over 90 communities this summer,” said Sandra Palmaro, CEO, CBCF-Ontario Region. “We hope that women and their friends and families stop by to learn about how they can reduce their risk of breast cancer and the benefits of breast cancer screening.”
CBCF, with the support of CIBC and Shoppers Drug Mart, invites Ontarians to get on board the 46-foot Pink Tour bus to learn about steps they can take to help reduce their risk of breast cancer and about the benefits of breast cancer screening. The Pink Tour is an engaging, interactive learning experience about breast health and while on board visitors can take fun quizzes, use interactive videos and record personal video pledges to live well. Women who are eligible will also be able to sign up for a mammogram with the Ontario Breast Screening Program, a program administered by Cancer Care Ontario.
“As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of Canadians and our specific focus on women’s health, the Pink Tour represents a significant opportunity for Shoppers Drug Mart to help educate and empower women across the province on their breast health ,” said Domenic Pilla, President & CEO, Shoppers Drug Mart, co-sponsor of the Pink Tour. “Through our Shoppers Drug Mart WOMEN program, our Associates-owners and their store teams have embraced opportunities, like the Pink Tour, that can help women achieve their optimal health in body, mind and spirit.”
Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer and recurrence through diet, maintaining a healthier body weight, regular physical activity, drinking less alcohol, quitting smoking, limiting use of hormone therapy during menopause and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals at home and work.
“CIBC is proud to join the Foundation once again as co-sponsor of the Pink Tour to help get the important message out to as many women – and men – as possible in our communities that getting screened can save your life,” said Christina Kramer, Executive Vice-President, CIBC, a co-sponsor of The Pink Tour. “We are thrilled that the Pink Tour will stop at a number of CIBC branches across Ontario in the coming months so our clients and our employees can also benefit from this vital program.”
The tour will be travelling to cities and towns all across Ontario, including communities as far north as Kenora, as east as Ottawa and as south as Windsor, and is scheduled to visit health centres, workplaces, markets, festivals and local Shoppers Drug Mart stores and CIBC branches. All visitors are encouraged to sign the bus and make a video pledge to improve their breast health, and to share what they’ve learned with their friends, family and coworkers.
“We are excited to be a partner on the Pink Tour for the second year to encourage more eligible women to be screened for breast cancer through our Ontario Breast Screening Program. It is important for women aged 50 to 74 years to get regular mammograms because screening finds cancer earlier, when there are more treatment options and an improved chance of survival,” says Dr. Mark Henderson, CCO Regional Vice President Cancer Services, and TBRHSC Executive Vice President Chronic Disease Prevention and Management.
The Pink Tour will be making more than 90 stops in communities across Ontario, with a goal of having more than 30,000 people experience the tour. More information on the Pink Tour – including the schedule – can be found on www.cbcf.org/PinkTour and you can follow the tour’s progress on Facebook.com/CBCFOntario and Twitter @CBCF_Ontario #PinkTour.