Victoria, B.C. – Premier Christy Clark has issued the following statement acknowledging October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

“There is almost no one who hasn’t been touched by cancer and, in particular, breast cancer. Women, men, children, families young and old, parents, sisters, brothers, husbands and wives – we’ve all dealt with the pain of losing someone and the joy of survival.

“As we watch the doctors and nurses take care of loved ones battling breast cancer, many ask, what can I do? This Sunday, thousands of people across the country are going to do something – they will unite to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure.

“It’s a great way to begin Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising funds for research and innovation, raising awareness of the disease and its prevention, and most importantly, raising the spirits and hopes of those living with breast cancer.

“I believe that a cure for breast cancer will be found during our lifetime and I’m proud that B.C. is helping to lead the way. Earlier this year, researchers in B.C. made a major discovery and breakthrough in the fight against triple negative breast cancer, and also this year they identified 10 breast cancer genes that will allow doctors to pinpoint treatment for specific tumor types. Thanks to these advances, we have moved closer to a future without breast cancer.

“There are still challenges, as breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women, with one in every nine women developing breast cancer in her lifetime. However, it’s been proven that early detection has a huge impact on overall breast cancer survival rates. Regular screening has been shown to reduce the number of deaths by 25 per cent.

“So as people get ready to run or walk at the Run for the Cure, or to sponsor a participant, I ask them to keep in mind the strength and courage of all the women in B.C. who are currently being treated or have been treated for breast cancer, and to think of the courage of all these cancer fighters and cancer survivors, because they embody the hope that together we will see a future free of breast cancer.”