The CCS is a national community-based organization of volunteers whose mission is the
eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of cancer patients and
survivors. With the mandate to look at environmental and occupational exposures, the CCS
focuses on informing Canadians so they can adopt behaviors for better health, avoid
exposures to environmental and occupational carcinogens, and participate in organized
screenings.
Scientific evidence is insufficient on its own to change population behavior—a combination of evidence, key messages, and public policy are required to instill change that is successful.
The media influence cancer policy, prevention, and action, but it is not well known how to
leverage this influence to the advantage of public health.
Indianapolis, IN
11
October 21, 2008
According to Canadian cancer statistics, the risk of developing cancer in both males and
females has remained relatively stable for the past 10 years, indicating that the efforts of
public health officials have not made a dramatic impact on cancer incidence.
In 2001, the CCS adopted a position on cosmetic pesticides calling for a ban on cosmetic
uses, which includes personal lawns, gardens, and parks. There are currently provincial bans
on the sale and use of pesticides in Quebec and Ontario, and bans in 145 communities across
the country. Pesticide exposures in noncosmetic situations may be higher and involve more
vulnerable situations, and the CCS is committed to community engagement, public dialogue,
and the engagement of experts from around the world to address these potentially hazardous
situations.
The CCS’s interpretation of the precautionary principle is that when an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if
scientific cause-and-effect relationships are not fully established.
The CCS is supporting a state-of-the-science conference in November on pesticides and
cancer. The objectives of the conference include: presenting the evidence on adults and
occupational pesticide exposure at work, in communities, and in food and water supplies and
its association with cancer risk; presenting precautionary-based policy alternatives to
minimize exposures; building a knowledge exchange network for public health care
professionals, advocates, and decision makers; and identifying gaps in current research.
Science studies exposures substance by substance and does not take into account the
multitude of exposures experienced daily and over a lifetime. Potential risks associated with extremely low-level exposures may be underestimated or missed entirely. Gestational
exposure and windows of vulnerability also require more focused research. The current risk
paradigm needs to be transformed to include these exposures.
Communication of health risks to the public is a challenge—there are competing demands on message clarity, community engagement, and understanding. It is difficult to disseminate
complex and often controversial scientific issues in an atmosphere of strong public influence and polarized opinions.
The CCS’s continued investment in occupational and environmental exposures will entail a
new toxicological approach to look at multiple routes of exposure, multiple substance
exposures, and windows of vulnerability. It will also work to attain a better balance between investment in research and public policy action.
DR. MARION MOSES:
PROTECTING FARM WORKER FAMILIES FROM PESTICIDES