Prevent Cancer Now holds free public lecture Feb. 15

Posted Feb 9, 2012 By Tara Gesner

EMC Events - Nearly everyone knows someone with, or affected by, cancer.

Prevent Cancer Now (PCN) is a national, not-for-profit organization based in Ottawa, aiming to reduce/eliminate the preventable causes of the disease.

On Wednesday evening (Feb. 15), from 7 to 9 p.m., the group "proudly" presents 'Prevention is the Cure' at the Almonte Old Town Hall (AOTH) - created with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

The free public lecture includes a "lively" concert by Just Voices, as well as healthy snacks and beverages.

By reason of limited seating, participants are encouraged to register in advance for the session (613-755-0110 or info@preventcancernow.ca).

"Last-minute attendees will not be turned away," said Jake Cole, co-chair of PCN. "We want as many people as possible to hear what we have to say, and to take home our little booklet that provides a summary of the presentation, including 12 cancer prevention tips that people can start doing right away."

He said the message is simply that "cancer is a fearsome disease, but there is much we can do to help stop it before it starts."

A multimedia presentation (slides and video), 'Prevention is the Cure', will explain how prevalent cancer is in Canada, as well as what can be done by people - individually and collectively - to reduce the chances of contracting the "dreaded disease." A discussion period follows.

Cole said Just Voices is a talented group of singers, "entertaining and provoking the audience with good music and thoughtful lyrics."

"They do offer a lighter side in an evening primarily looking at cancer - something many might dread," he continued.

There will also be a special guest from the new Ottawa Integrative Cancer Clinic, naturopathic doctor Dugald Seely.

"He will speak about some new, whole body therapies that can be used in conjunction with the more conventional approaches to treat cancer," said Cole.

At this time, 'Prevention is the Cure' is being presented only in the Ottawa area, but PCN hopes to expand across the province later this year - and eventually the country.

In his professional life as an engineer and science manager, Cole has been involved in environmental management, renewable energy development, housing and health, and workplace health.

"I have long had a personal interest in human health, particularly in promoting good health rather than merely treating sickness," he said. "From 2006 to 2008, I was the federal Green Party's Health Promotion critic, trying to increase the national effort in sickness prevention."

The AOTH is located at 14 Bridge St.

tgesner@perfprint.ca