Sudbury fired up for Partners in Prevention campaign

In northeastern Ontario, 30,000 women are screened yearly for breast cancer — 10 per cent higher than the provincial rate.

“It demonstrates women are benefiting from an organized screening program,” said Natalie Aubin, administrative director with the Northeast Cancer Centre of Health Sciences North.

She said knowledge is the key to increasing that number.

“The more awareness, the higher number of women we reach.” Aubin said.

And, it's initiatives such as the Partners in Prevention campaign, launched Oct. 1, that help get the word out.

The campaign is in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. During Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7–12, Greater Sudbury Fire Services will be hosting information displays with the Ontario Breast Screening Program at the New Sudbury Centre.

Fire Chief Danny Stack is so committed to the campaign, he announced that he would be available to help out next year even though he is set to retire at the end of February 2014.

Stack first came up with the idea of an in-service pink fire truck to promote breast cancer awareness and prevention about five years ago. He said he was happy to be in a position to do something to help when he became chief since he knows firsthand that early detection saves lives.

“You can’t help but look at the pink truck,” said Aubin.

Stack’s sister, Heather Pilon, was on hand to support the launch. She said thanks to early detection in 1996, she has been cancer free for the past 17 years.