Toronto (May 10, 2008) - May 11 to 17, 2008 has been designated Esophageal Cancer Awareness week in Toronto, in honour and recognition of the life and career of former award-winning CBC journalist, Bill Cameron. Cameron died from the disease in 2005, at the age of 62. In a collaborative effort with Cameron’s family, Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation is working to increase public education and further research into surgery of this type of cancer, which has seen an overall increase in Canada of 350 per cent since 1970.
What:
Esophageal Cancer accounts for less than one per cent of all new cancer cases, but 2.3 per cent of all cancer deaths. Risk factors include obesity and severe gastroesophageal reflux, or heart burn, over an extended period of time.
Why:
Despite being one of the deadliest forms of cancer and with 1,500 new cases a year in Canada, Esophageal Cancer does not affect sufficient numbers to command large research funding. Knowledge and public education is integral to diagnosis and survival.
Who:
The following are available for media interviews;
- Cheryl Hawkes-Cameron, wife of the late Bill Cameron and founder of the Bill Cameron Fund www.billcameronfund.ca
- Dr. Gail Darling, Program Director, Thoracic Sugery and Director, Thoracic Surgery, Clinical Research, Toronto General Hospital
About The Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation
Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation raises funds for research, education and the enhancement of patient care at Toronto General Hospital and Toronto Western Hospital as well as for their respective research arms, Toronto General Research Institute and Toronto Western Research Institute. The Foundation’s vision is to enable global leadership and innovation in health by developing and sustaining strong relationships with University Health Network stakeholders.
