Working Together in the North

The Canadian Cancer Society, the BC Cancer Agency and Northern Health along with researchers at the University of British Columbia and Athabasca University are collaborating on an exciting new program and research initiative funded by the Canadian Cancer Society.

The goal is to reduce the incidence of cancer through strengthening and advancing cancer prevention programs in northern British Columbia.

The Harmonization team will use a new approach in working together to reach more people and improve cancer prevention. Two innovative projects will be conducted by the team:

• Stop Smoking Before Surgery is an initiative to increase awareness of the benefits of stopping smoking and to support patients in their decision to stop smoking before surgery. This project will be implemented in Prince George and Prince Rupert.
• Men’s Healthy Eating and Active Living is an initiative that will be implemented at four worksites in three communities (Prince George, Prince Rupert, and Terrace) and include activities to promote healthy eating and active living tailored for northern men.

The team will evaluate the success of these initiatives, and the strategies used to work together to deliver the programs. The findings will inform and guide the Canadian Cancer Society’s future work to promote cancer prevention.