Pauktuutit gets money for a cancer awareness project

Pauktuutit, the National Inuit Women’s Association will receive $629,576 for a cancer awareness project among Inuit women, Leona Aglukkaq, Nunavut MP and federal health minister, announced Nov. 26 at Pauktuutit’s Ottawa office.

The project is one of nine community-based schemes that will address cancer screening and early diagnosis among First Nations, Inuit, Métis and immigrant populations.

“The Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada is committed to health promotion initiatives among Inuit women at the community level, especially in the area of cancer screening,” Rebecca Kudloo, the current president of Pauktuutit, said in a Nov. 26 news release. “The support we are receiving from the cancer program will help us meet this commitment.”

The money comes from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Cancer Program for projects that address removing barriers, raising awareness and promoting participation in cancer screening and early detection.

“Cancer is a disease that touches many of us, either because we have been diagnosed with it or we know someone who has. Our government is working with provincial and territorial governments, as well as cancer organizations, on cancer prevention, early detection and surveillance,” Aglukkaq said. “It is important that all Canadians understand how cancer screening and early diagnosis can help save lives.”

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada.

Early diagnosis of cancer, when it is less likely to have spread, results in more effective and simpler treatment, increasing the chances of surviving the disease.

One-third of all cases of cancer may be prevented by improving diets, increasing physical activity and maintaining healthy weights, the news release said.