Nuclear Industry Joins Fight to Cure Cancer

OTTAWA (April 19, 2013) – The Canadian Nuclear Association has joined the Canadian Cancer Society’s campaign to find a cure for cancer.

“Our members play a key role in researching and developing the technologies that treat cancer,” said association president Heather Kleb. “Canada supplies a significant amount of the world’s medical isotopes for nuclear medicine, which are used every day in thousands of procedures here at home and around the world.”

“We are very pleased to partner with the Canadian Nuclear Association, and appreciate its members’ support in our fundraising activities,” said Scott Fairbairn, Director, Corporate Development at the Canadian Cancer Society. “Nuclear technology provides innovative ways to diagnose, monitor, and treat cancer, and we are proud to support research in this area.”

Nuclear medicine is used in targeted cancer treatments for a variety of conditions, including liver and brain cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The isotopes used in medical imaging enable physicians to diagnose and treat a multitude of diseases including cardiac and neurological conditions, in addition to several types of cancers.

A medical isotope is a radioactive substance used in safe, cost-effective imaging and treatment of disease.

“None of these advances would have been possible without research,” said Kleb. “We have come so far, thanks to the many studies and clinical trials funded by the Canadian Cancer Society. Our members look forward to a new era in cancer therapy and prevention.”

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, over 60% of Canadians diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years after their diagnosis. In the 1940s, five-year survival was about 25%.

The CNA will encourage its members to take part in the cancer society’s fundraising activities, including the Relay for Life and Golf Fore the Cure.

-30-

For more information:

Malcolm Bernard
Director of Communications
613-237-4262 ext. 110