Alcohol and Cancer – Recent Research and Prevention Opportunities

October 29, 2007 (Toronto) - Scientists working with the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have now added breast cancer and colorectal cancer to the list of pernicious cancers where alcohol is a contributing cause. Even moderate consumption can pose a threat—for instance, just one drink a day increases a woman’s breast cancer risk by 7%-10%.

In light of this disturbing trend, the Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will bring the two Canadian IARC contributors together with cancer experts from Cancer Care Ontario, the Canadian Cancer Society and representatives of over 50 organizations for a half day seminar on Alcohol, Cancer and Public Policy, to address the recent research and emerging prevention opportunities. Experts and stakeholders representing liquor control agencies, alcohol retailers, public health, Ministry of Health Promotion, and many NGO’s are expected.

Morning Speakers include:

Dr. Anthony Miller: Professor Emeritus, Department of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and Canadian IARC member of working group of scientists.

Dr. Jürgen Rehm, Section Co-Chair, CAMH; Professor and Chair, Addiction Policy, Dept. of Public Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto and Canadian IARC member of working group of scientists.

Dr. John McLaughlin, Vice President, Prevention Oncology, Cancer Care Ontario

Ms. Heather Logan, Director, Cancer Control Policy, Canadian Cancer Society

There will be a luncheon panel moderated by Ms. Denise DePape, Manager, Healthy Living, Toronto Public Health, which will include Dr. Rosana Pellizzari, Associate Medical Officer of Health, City of Toronto, Ms. Janet McAllister, Program Consultant, CAMH, and Ms. Fiona Nelson, Chair, Toronto Cancer Prevention Coalition.

Alcohol, Cancer and Public Policy

Date: Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King Street East (Corner of King and Jarvis),

3^rd Floor in the Great Hall, Toronto

The agenda will be available on site. The symposium is open to the media.

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Media Contacts:

Call Michael Torres, Media Relations, CAMH at (416) 595-6015.