The Canadian Cancer Society is calling for a ban on the use of pesticides in private gardens, lawns, parks, recreational facilities and on golf courses because of the potential cancer risks associated with the chemicals used in maintaining ornamental gardens and lawns. In a statement published at the cancer society website, "We base this concern on the conclusions of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC, that state that some substances used in pesticides are classified as known, probable or possible carcinogens. Since ornamental use of pesticides has no countervailing health benefit and has the potential to cause harm, we call for a ban on the use of pesticides on lawns and gardens." I think that is a substantially clear statement that does not leave much margin for misinterpretation of what they mean in the call for a ban on chemical pesticide use.

According to Pesticide Free Lawns Coalition, over 100 million pounds of pesticides are used by homeowners in homes and gardens each year. While much attention is directed at the agricultural use of cancer-causing pesticide use, it might surprise the homeowner to know that suburban lawns and gardens receive more pesticide applications per acre than most other land areas, including agricultural areas. Chemicals used on lawns and gardens do not stay on the lawn or in the garden, but drift inside to pollute indoor air and surfaces. The Pesticide Free Lawns Coalition estimates of the 30 commonly used lawn pesticides, 19 are linked to cancer.

Toronto Master Gardeners offer a set of Go Natural in the Garden fact sheets that help the homeowner find alternative methods for maintaining a healthy garden and lawn. 

Lifesite is reporting that Saskatoon Wanuskewin Maurice Vellacott, MP in Ottowa, is publicly asking why the Canadian Cancer Society is not reporting information about the link between hormonal contraception and cancer, and asking what other information the organization may be failing to report.

Vellacott said, “If the Canadian Cancer Society is not telling Canadians the truth about the birth control pill’s link to breast cancer, what else is the Canadian Cancer Society withholding?” Three years ago, researchers found a cervical cancer link to birth control pill use. Last year, the World Health Organization, WHO, said that the birth control pill is carcinogenic and linked to increases in cervical, liver and breast cancer.

In 2003, UK Cancer Research in Oxford epidemiology researchers reviewed 28 studies covering 12,500 women. The results of the study indicated the longer a woman took the pill, the greater her risk of developing cervical cancer. Dr. Gavin Jarvis, with Oxford's Department of Pharmacology, said hormonal contraception is a cocktail of steroids influencing the behavior of every cell in a woman's body. Vellacott wants to know why this information is not made available by an organization structured to represent the best health interests of its citizens.

The Canadian Cancer Society, Manitoba Division will be hosting a wonderfully creative cancer fundraiser during the month of March From March 20-25, CHUM Radio Winnipeg (Q-94 FM and 99.9 BOB FM) will host The First Flower of Hope Radiothon. The five day long fundraiser hosts will be interviewing survivors, researchers and family members communicating important facts with inspirational stories. As each story is told on the air, an amazing two-story high daffodil will begin to take shape and bloom. For those unable to join, say those of us in the United States or elsewhere, there are still opportunities to help make a difference. By calling 1-866-627-HOPE, you can make a monetary donation. The toll free number is open 24 hours a day.

The Calgary Hitmen and Cops for Cancer are joining forces to help raise money for the Canadian Cancer Society. They will take to the ice ready to shave their heads for the cancer charity following Friday's game against the Regina Pats.

In 1994, Cops for Cancer began when an Edmonton police officer heard about Lyle, a five-year-old boy with cancer who had lost his hair to chemotherapy treatments, and was being teased at school because of his hair loss. The officer, who was already sporting a shaved head, asked Lyle if he would like his picture taken with him in a police cruiser. According to the officer, he wanted to do it to show Lyle it was cool to be bald and at the same time had hoped to make other kids recognize this and perhaps even feel a bit jealous of the boy. When other police officers heard about the plan, they shaved their heads to be in the photo with Lyle. In total, seven police officers posed with Lyle the day of the photo, and the story received national attention.

Cops for Cancer was born and is active 12 years later, as fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society by cops include public head shaving, coin collections, golf tournaments, BBQs, softball tournaments, ironman teams, road races and other events across the country.

In 2001, Sarah McLachlan, Grammy award winning singer songwriter, lost her mother to breast cancer. Five months later, she gave birth to India, her daughter. Death and birth are profound markers of life and time. For a time, McLachlan stopped playing the piano and writing in her journal. In 2003, Sarah came back to the music world with a new CD, Afterglow. This year, on May 6th, McLachlan will headline the 6th Annual An Evening to Remember golf and gala to help raise funds to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society for cancer research, community-based support and programs and advocate services for all people living with cancer. In the last five years, the An Evening to Remember event has raised $620,000 dollars.

McLachlan, musician and philanthropist, was the driving force behind the phenomenally successful Lilith Fair, which raised over $7 million dollars. In addition, she supports the Music Outreach Program, a free music education program targeting inner city youths. Last year, she made a surprise appearance at Riverside Park in Kamloops and sang a couple of songs for participants of the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay for Life fundraiser.

"Cancer affects all of us so deeply, so personally," said McLachlan. "No one has been untouched by this horrible disease. It cuts through gender and age, striking us wherever we live. By supporting cancer research, we can come one step closer to stopping this devastating disease." For more information, visit An Evening to Remember.