GNWT recognizes World Cancer Day February 4

News Releases

YELLOWKNIFE (February 3, 2016) – The Department of Health and Social Services in partnership with community governments and non-governmental partners will recognize World Cancer Day across the Northwest Territories (NWT) on February 4.

The primary objective of World Cancer Day, a global event led by the Union for International Cancer Control, is to spark discussion and raise awareness around the world about cancer. This year’s theme is We Can. I Can.

A variety of activities will take place in Yellowknife and throughout the territory to share information about cancer and facilitate open conversation among families, communities, and the health care system. NWT residents are also encouraged to wear the colour lavender, the colour of cancer awareness, on February 4.

A two-day cancer sharing circle will be held in Yellowknife for participants from Yellowknife, Dettah, N’dilo and Behchoko on February 4 and 5. Media are invited to attend the event at the Prince of Wales Heritage Centre on February 5 at 3 p.m. to meet participants.

In collaboration with Winter Walk to Work Week, organized by the City of Yellowknife and Ecology North (Transportation Issues Committee), the Yellowknife Fieldhouse will offer free admission to the walking track on February 4. Dr. André Corriveau, Chief Public Health Officer, will be present at the walking track on February 4 at 3:00 p.m. and invites media and the public to bring their walking shoes and join him on a lap around the track.

The Department of Health and Social Services is also pleased to announce the launch of a new website, Let’s Talk about Cancer, on February 4. Cancernwt.ca was designed specifically for NWT residents; it contains information and resources relevant to NWT cancer patients, their loved ones and health care providers, as they navigate the cancer journey.

Media Inquiries:

Damien Healy
Manager, Communications
Department of Health and Social Services
Tel:          (867) 767-9052 (Ext. 49034)
Email:   damien_healy@gov.nt.ca