Vancouver, B.C. – The BC Cancer Agency’s Prevention Programs are promoting healthy living at the 2009 Pacific National Exhibition, which runs from August 22 until September 7th.

The Prevention Programs’ booth showcases free educational games about cancer prevention. Prizes are awarded to those visitors who successfully complete the booth’s life-sized board game, which is located across from the PNE Prize Home.

This year the Prevention Programs booth is taking UV photographs of booth visitors to show the damage done to one’s skin that is not visible to the naked eye.

The Prevention Programs also sponsors an educational display contest for 4-H members competing at this year’s PNE. Over 40 entries on cancer prevention were exhibited by 4-H youth, creating awareness that more than 50 percent of cancers are preventable. This year’s competition focuses on sun safety.

The 4-H educational displays can be viewed at the Agrodome on August 22 - 25. Prizes for the best displays will be issued by the BC Cancer Agency Prevention Programs on August 25th.

The BC Cancer Agency Prevention Programs educate British Columbians on cancer prevention through tobacco cessation, nutrition, maintaining a healthy body weight, physical activity, and sun safety. In 2007, the Prevention Programs’ booth was visited by over 8000 fair goers.

The BC Cancer Agency, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, is committed to reducing the incidence of cancer, reducing the mortality from cancer, and improving the quality of life of those living with cancer. It provides a comprehensive cancer control program for the people of British Columbia by working with community partners to deliver a range of oncology services, including prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment, research, education, supportive care, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

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For more information, please contact:

Sonya Kruger
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
Tel: 604.877.6020
skruger@bccancer.bc.ca

or

Jinny Wu
Communications Specialist
BC Cancer Agency
Tel: 604.877.6272
Pgr: 604.806.2338
jwu2@bccancer.bc.ca