The Central East Regional Cancer Program and Peterborough Regional Health Centre call on all residents to learn how to reduce their risk of kidney cancer and melanoma with My CancerIQ
World Cancer Day 2016 marks the first anniversary of My CancerIQ. To mark the two events, today Cancer Care Ontario is introducing two new cancers to its online cancer risk assessment tool. Now, in addition to breast, cervical, colorectal and lung cancer, residents can also assess their risk for kidney cancer and melanoma at MyCancerIQ.ca.
Based on data from the Ontario Cancer Registry, for the period 2011 to 2012, the incidence rate for melanoma was 17.7 for every 100,000 people and the rate for kidney cancer was 11.8 for every 100,000 people*.
Since the launch of My CancerIQ in early 2015, more than 146,000 Ontarians have learned about their cancer risk and how to lower it. With these new additions, Cancer Care Ontario wants to help Ontarians better understand kidney cancer and melanoma and how to reduce their risk. It is more important than ever for Ontarians to think about reducing their risk of these cancers, as incidence rates for both are rising in Ontario. It is estimated that as many as half of all cancers in Ontario could be prevented by eliminating known risk factors.
To reduce the risk of kidney cancer, Ontarians should maintain a healthy blood pressure and weight and avoid smoking. To reduce the risk of melanoma, Ontarians should enjoy the sun safely, avoid tanning equipment and know their skin so they can recognize changes or the need for a skin examination.
“Since its launch, My CancerIQ has proven to be a successful cancer assessment resource for our patients and the community,” says Dr. Onye Nnorom, Regional Primary Care Lead, Central East Regional Cancer Program. “I encourage the community to visit MyCancerIQ.ca today and assess their personal risks for melanoma and kidney cancer.”
To find out more about kidney cancer and melanoma risk factors, residents are encouraged to visit MyCancerIQ.ca to complete the cancer risk assessments, get their personalized action plans and share and discuss their plans with their families and healthcare providers. My CancerIQ can be accessed from a smartphone, tablet or desktop.
For more information, follow Cancer Care Ontario on Twitter and Facebook and join the conversation using the hashtag #MyCancerIQ.
*Age-standardized incidence rates for melanoma and kidney cancer, by LHIN, 2011-2012.
About My CancerIQ
My CancerIQ is a confidential online tool that allows Ontarians to determine their personal risk factors for melanoma, breast, cervical, colorectal, kidney and lung cancer. At the end of each My CancerIQ assessment individuals receive a personalized risk assessment and action plan with tips and resources based on their individual risk factors. My CancerIQ was created by Cancer Care Ontario – a division of CCO and the Ontario government’s principal cancer advisor – in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
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For more information, please contact:
Rebecca Kerrivan
rkerrivan@prhc.on.ca
705-743-2121 x. 2234
