Ontario Fire Fighters Put Butts on the Line for Cancer Awareness

February 28, 2008 – Ontario’s professional fire fighters have agreed to “put their butts on the line” and take part in a bold initiative that’s designed to raise awareness about one of the most common and deadly cancers among fire fighters and all Canadians.

During March, which is Colon Cancer Awareness Month in Canada, the Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) will join with Colon Cancer Canada to raise awareness about the importance of screening and early detection of colon cancers, especially among fire fighters.

The OPFFA announced its support for the initiative at a press conference February 28 in Toronto, with fire fighters and surviving family members who have been affected by colon cancer in attendance.

Called the “Put your butt on the line challenge,” the campaign includes a series of events and will coincide with a series of new Canada-wide public announcements to be launched in March that use a hard-hitting message to encourage Canadians not to stay silent about the need for colorectal cancer screening, but instead to “talk about it.”

“We believe it is critically important to have a ‘front-end’ strategy that recognizes the need for effective screening and monitoring of colon and other cancers” says OPFFA President Fred LeBlanc.

“Past experience has been that physicians are reluctant to recommend screening for cancers at an earlier age for fire fighters despite the evidence that shows fire fighters are not only at a higher risk for contracting certain kinds of cancers but are afflicted with these at much younger ages.”

Early detection and screening for cancers that disproportionately affect fire fighters means better treatment of the disease, a healthier life, peace of mind for the fire fighter and her or his family and a longer time on the job, LeBlanc adds. “Early detection through screening for colon and other cancers is common sense and good policy.”

In May 2007, the OPFFA won provincial legislation declaring colorectal cancer and several other cancers to be linked to the occupation of fire fighting for the purpose of workers compensation benefits.

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of both male and female cancer-related deaths in Canada. This year alone, more than 20,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with colon cancer. Although this is a startling statistic, even more startling is the fact that almost 50 percent of those diagnosed will die, even though colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. If caught early, more than 95 percent of these cases could and should result in a full recovery.

Colon Cancer Canada was started in 1996 with a mission to raise public awareness of this deadly disease. Click here for more information.

FAST FACTS on Colorectal Cancer:

Colorectal Cancer by the Numbers:

• It is the second leading cause of male and female cancer-related deaths in Canada
• Colon cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. If screened and caught early – the chances of survival increase by 95 percent
• Unfortunately, as it stands today, nearly half of those diagnosed find out too late
• Colorectal cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer
• In 2007, it was estimated that 20,800 Canadians would be diagnosed with colon cancer – and that 8,700 would die.
• 367 Canadians are diagnosed with colorectal cancer every week
• 160 Canadians die of this disease every week
• One in 16 Canadians has a chance of developing colorectal cancer
• One in 28 Canadians will die from it
• Those 50 and older should be screened regardless of family history, and earlier if at higher risk.

Risk Factors:

There is no “single cause” for developing this disease, but there are several risk
factors that include:
• A family history of colorectal cancer
• Increasing age (risk increases from the age of 50)
• Polyps present in the colon or rectum
• A diet high in fat
• An inactive lifestyle
• Obesity
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Signs and Symptoms:

• Change in bowel movements
• Blood in stool
• Abdominal discomfort
• Weight loss for no apparent reason
• Feeling that the bowel is not emptying completely
• Narrower than usual stools
• Feelings of weakness or feeling more tired than normal