British Columbia continues to maintain the lowest incidence of cancer and lowest mortality rates in Canada, according to a statistical analysis released this week by the Canadian Cancer Society.
The top spot is attributed to the healthier lifestyle of province residents and the high quality of cancer treatment.
"We are greatly encouraged by this data, which suggests our cancer prevention strategies are having an effect," said Cathy Adair, Canadian Cancer Society vice-president of cancer control. "The greater the commitment to cancer prevention by individuals, communities and governments, the greater the potential to reduce the risk of cancer."
B.C. will have 22,100 new cases of cancer diagnosed in 2011 and 9,300 deaths. There will be 177,800 new cases of cancer in Canada in 2011 and 75,000 deaths.
Canada has an estimated incidence rate of 406 per 100,000 of population. When compared to the other provinces B.C. has the lowest incidence rate for males with 412 per 100,000 of population and for females with 324 per 100,000 of population.
B.C. has the lowest death rate, 171 deaths per 100,000 males and 130 deaths per 100,000 females. The estimated national mortality rate in Canada is 167 deaths per 100,000 of the population.
No breakdown for Northern B.C. was provided, but according to B.C. Cancer Agency projections, 413 northerners were expected to be diagnosed with cancer over the course of 2011.
