Prince George, B.C.- The new stats on incidence of cancer in the country indicate the incidence and mortality rates from all types of cancers are lower in British Columbia than any other province or territory in the nation.

The statistics, released by the Canadian Cancer Society, show that while the incidence rate per 100 thousand of all cancers among men in Canada is 456, that rate is 413 in B.C. Among women, the national incidence rate of all cancers is 368, in B.C. it is 324.

B.C. is projected to have more cases of melanoma than the national average, with 17 cases projected to be diagnosed among men in this province in 2012, compared to the national mark of 15. It is projected there will be 14 new cases of melanoma this year among B.C. women compared to the National average of 12.

While the statistics released today do not break down cancer rates region by region, however, in Northern B.C., it is known the rate of tobacco use remains higher than the provincial averages particularly among Aboriginal communities, and the rates of tobacco related cancers in Northern B.C. are higher than the provincial average.

The most common cancer in BC, ( based on new cases ) is prostate cancer as some 3,700 men in this province will be diagnosed with the disease this year. Lung cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in BC, in women (1,500 cases) and men (1,550 cases).   Some 2,400 people in B.C. are expected to die from lung cancer in B.C. this year.

The statistics   have been released just three days before the annual 24 hour Relay for Life in Prince George. The event, which celebrates cancer survivors, remembers those who lost their battle with cancer, and empowers participants to fight back, is celebrating it’s 20^th anniversary this year.

There are 142 teams with a total participant level of  1633 people, scheduled to take part in the 24 hour event which will kick off Saturday morning at 10 at Masich Place Stadium with a victory lap.

From that moment on, participants will share their stories, and show support for those on a cancer journey as they raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. Last year, the event raised more than $400 thousand dollars.