Industry-leading CBD research laboratory appoints CPG executives with experience from global brands at Mars Wrigley, Bacardi, and The Coca-Cola Company
LOS ALAMOS, NM, September 17 2019 / - Trait Biosciences Inc., a leading biotechnology research organization providing innovative technology to the hemp and cannabis industry, today announced the formation of its Strategic Advisory Board. The new Board is composed of accomplished leaders in the consumer product industries which are influencing the development of the emerging cannabidiol-infused products segment. The Board will provide insights to Trait as it continues to advance the science and innovative solutions supporting the rapidly growing cannabidiol (CBD) market.
“The Trait mission is to develop technologies that make sure consumers will have a safe, reliable, enjoyable, and predictable experience each time they use a CBD, hemp, or cannabis product,” said Peter McDonough, Chief Executive Officer of Trait. “Assembling outstanding global consumer product leaders with proven experience in building global brands in organizations such as Mars Wrigley, KIND Snacks, Bacardi, The Coca-Cola Company, and Diageo, increases our ability to develop breakthrough solutions for the expanding consumer interest in CBD-infused edibles and beverages.”
The appointments to the Advisory Board include:
Keith Levy. Keith is an accomplished CPG executive with a career spanning more than three decades. As President of the Mars Wrigley’s Global Business Development division he led the multi-billion dollar strategic investment in KIND Snacks. Prior to this, he served as President of Royal Canin USA, a leading global manufacturer of premium dog and cat nutrition. Earlier in his career he served as Anheuser-Busch Chief Marketing Officer with responsibility for the largest portfolio of beer brands in North America.
Pete Carr. Pete currently serves as President of Bacardi North America, the world’s largest privately held spirits company. He is a proven leader in driving business performance in industry leading companies within the spirits, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverage industries. Prior to joining Bacardi as North American President, Pete was Executive Vice President for Glazer’s Distributors, one of the country’s largest distributors of wine, spirits, and malt beverages. Earlier in his career he held various senior management roles with Diageo including President of U.S. Spirits, President of Guinness (DGUSA) and previous leadership roles within the energy drinks and wine industries.
Genève Stewart. Genèvecurrently serves as Vice President of the Natural Strategic Sales Team at The Coca-Cola Company. She is responsible for leading the sales of new venture and incubation brands along with numerous Coca-Cola brands in the natural channel including: Honest Tea, Simply Juices, ZICO Coconut Water, Topo Chico and other wellness-positioned beverages. Prior to joining The Coca-Cola Company, Genève was with sweetriot where she served as catalyst of Cool Markets. Earlier in her career she worked in commercial roles within the pharmaceutical industry at Bausch + Lomb and Ventiv Health.
In June this year, Trait unveiled Trait Distilled™ , a suite of truly water-soluble cannabinoids that do not rely on nanotechnology or emulsions, produced at commercial scale for a broad base of CBD products including health foods, beverages, and nutraceuticals. TraitDistilled™ cannabinoids are tasteless, odorless, fully soluble in water, shelf stable and have higher bioavailability than fat-soluble cannabinoids.
In addition, Trait recently announced the first successfully transformed hemp plants that are producing four times the amount of CBD as conventional hemp plants. “We’re focused on developing technology that provides our partners with a cost-effective approach to deliver premium quality cannabinoids for use in pharmaceutical applications, beverages, health and wellness, topical ointments, and a broad range of novel CBD products,” said McDonough.
Analysts from Brightfield Group estimate the U.S. CBD market will grow more than 700 percent from today’s market to reach nearly $24 billion by 2023.
Cannabis-infused Drink Market Expected to Increase 15-fold
A recent report by Zenith Global, a leading global food and drink consulting firm, projects that the US market for cannabis-infused drinks will grow to $1.4 billion by 2024, an increase of almost fifteen times (15x) from 2018 sales of $89 million. New methods of CBD infusion will transform the beverages market.
Presently, many manufacturers are utilizing nano-emulsion processes to infuse cannabinoids into novel edible products and beverages. However, there is growing concern that these fat-soluble CBD nanoparticles are prone to accumulate in organs, causing health concerns. Trait’s revolutionary technology surrounding the production of truly water-soluble CBDs has been an industry breakthrough of increasing importance to the development of CBD product development.
Despite the current lack of clarity surrounding numerous legislative and regulatory issues, there is strong speculation that CBD-infused beverages are poised to become a new consumer market creating massive economic growth. The introduction of new scientific advancements ensuring consistent product quality will continue to unlock the enormous potential of the CBD market, potentially disrupting the entire beverage industry.
About Trait Biosciences
With a team of internationally recognized scientists who are applying best-in-class technology and agricultural science, Trait Biosciences is an emerging biotechnology leader in the hemp and cannabis industries. Its consumer technology platforms provide breakthrough IP and science which produce enhanced cannabinoids featuring predictable onset timing, superior bioavailability, extended stability, and improved taste. Trait's patent pending technologies include a process for generating water-soluble cannabinoids that does not rely on emulsion or nanotechnology. The company's agricultural technologies increase crop yields and plant safety, including ultrahigh yield Amplified™ plants which dramatically increase a plant's natural cannabinoid productivity, and its Defence™ RNAi crop protection technology, which eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides, providing higher quality, safer, CBD-infused nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Trait Bioscience Inc.'s (the "Corporation") strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "will", "expect", "continue", "assess", "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions; including material estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as at the date of this press release in light of each of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information.
Any forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
How to Feed Your Body During a Training Regimen
Training can be tough on the body. It at the same time can lead to great rewards. If you want to take your physique to the next level, then starting a training regimen may be the right path to take. It’s crucial to fuel your body in the correct manner during any kind of training routine as well. Remember, bodies need ample energy in order to thrive.
Consume Whole Foods
It’s vital to make a point to consume whole foods during training. Steer clear of any foods that are processed if at all possible. It can be a good idea to consume significant amounts of lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruits. Whole grains such as oatmeal can go a long way for people who are training, too.
Try to Zero in on These Food Categories
Lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can all make excellent staples for people who are in the midst of training. There are other kinds of food categorizations to consider as well. These are dairy items that are low in fat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and even beans. As far as oil goes, you can opt for polyunsaturated and monounsaturated options.
Stay Away from Certain Things
If you want to make the most out of your training, then you should stay away from certain things to the best of your ability. You should say no to foods that are chock-full of sugar. You should also resist the urge to chow down on foods that include added sugars, excessive amounts of salt, cholesterol, and saturated fat. Try not to drink alcoholic beverages. If you have concerns that involve your food consumption, then you should explore eating disorder treatmentoptions that may be on hand for you.
Make Healthy Snacking a Priority
It can be tough to get through grueling training sessions when you’re even a tad hungry. That’s why it can often help to snack frequently. Concentrate on getting snacks that are nutritious and balanced. Don’t nosh on greasy potato chips or candy bars that are basically sugar extravaganzas. Think about snacking on sliced apples, plain almonds, or plain Greek yogurt that’s low-fat. Snacking can give you the energy necessary to soar in your training sessions.
Training can do a lot for your body and performance. If you combine excellent training habits with a well-rounded diet, you’ll be able to go far. People who are training need to prioritize foods that are nutritious and filling.
Imfinzi® (durvalumab) is the First Immunotherapy to Show Both Significant Survival Benefit and Improved, Durable Responses in Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer
Data presented at the IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer demonstrated the Phase III CASPIAN trial of Imfinzi improved survival with either a cisplatin or carboplatin chemotherapy backbone
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - AstraZeneca presented detailed results from the Phase III CASPIAN trial, showing Imfinzi (durvalumab) significantly improved overall survival (OS) in patients with previously untreated extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), a disease with significant unmet need and limited treatment options.
Imfinzi in combination with four cycles of standard-of-care (SoC) chemotherapy (etoposide with either cisplatin or carboplatin) demonstrated a statistically-significant and clinically-meaningful improvement in OS vs. SoC consisting of up to six cycles of chemotherapy and optional prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI).
"Small cell lung cancer is a devastating diagnosis for anyone to receive, and the results of the CASPIAN trial offer much needed hope for patients who have had limited treatment options," said Dr. Quincy Chu, medical oncologist, University of Alberta, Cross Cancer Institute. "As an oncologist in daily contact with lung cancer patients, it's particularly encouraging to see the promising results of this research, and the progress being made to identify new treatment options in a disease area that has experienced such significant unmet need for over 30 years."
SCLC is the most aggressive type of lung cancer and recurs and progresses rapidly despite initial response to platinum-based chemotherapy.12
In the study, the risk of death was reduced by 27 per cent (equal to a hazard ratio of 0.73), with median OS of 13 months for Imfinzi plus chemotherapy vs. 10.3 months for SoC. Results showed a prolonged OS benefit with an estimated 33.9 per cent of patients alive at 18 months following treatment with Imfinzi plus chemotherapy vs. 24.7 per cent of patients following SoC.
Across all efficacy endpoints, benefits were observed in patients treated with Imfinzi plus chemotherapy vs. SoC. Results showed a significantly higher progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 12 months (17.5% vs. 4.7%), a 10.3 per cent increase in confirmed objective response rate (ORR) (67.9% vs. 57.6%), and improved duration of response (DOR) at 12 months (22.7% vs. 6.3%).
The safety and tolerability of Imfinzi in combination with SoC etoposide and platinum-based chemotherapy was consistent with previous trials. Results showed that 61.5 per cent of patients experienced a Grade 3 or 4 adverse event with Imfinzi plus SoC (all causes) vs. 62.4 per cent with SoC, and patients discontinuing treatment due to AEs were similar between arms (9.4% vs. 9.4%).
The results were presented at the Presidential Symposium of the IASLC 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer hosted by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer in Barcelona, Spain.
Imfinzi is approved in the curative-intent setting of unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer after chemoradiotherapy in 49 countries, including Canada, the US, EU, Switzerland, India, Japan and Brazil based on the PACIFIC trial. Other global health authority reviews and submissions are ongoing.
About CASPIAN CASPIAN is a randomized, open-label, multi-centre, global, Phase III trial of Imfinzi plus platinum-based chemotherapy options or the combination of Imfinzi, tremelimumab and chemotherapy vs. chemotherapy alone as a 1st-line treatment for patients with extensive-stage SCLC. The trial will continue to the final analysis of OS for the combination of Imfinzi, tremelimumab and chemotherapy.
About Lung Cancer and Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women in Canada and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, approximately 28,600 Canadians were diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017.3 This represented around 14 per cent of all new cancer cases in 2017.4
While only representing 10 to 15 per cent of all lung cancers, SCLC is the most aggressive type of lung cancer.5 With treatment, extensive-stage SCLC has a median survival of 7 to 11 months.6
About Imfinzi (durvalumab) Imfinzi is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1 and blocks the interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 and CD80, countering the tumour's immune-evading tactics and releasing the inhibition of immune responses.
In Canada, Imfinzi is approved for the treatment of patients with locally advanced, unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has not progressed following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.7
Imfinzi is also approved for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer) who have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy, or whose disease has progressed within 12 months of receiving platinum-containing chemotherapy before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery.8
About AstraZeneca's Approach to Immuno-Oncology Immuno-Oncology (IO) is a therapeutic approach designed to stimulate the body's immune system to attack tumours. At AstraZeneca our IO portfolio is anchored by immunotherapies that have been designed to overcome anti-tumour immune suppression. We believe that IO-based therapies will offer the potential for life-changing cancer treatments for the majority of patients.
About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of primary and specialty care medicines that transform lives. Our primary focus is on three important areas of healthcare: Cardiovascular and Metabolic disease; Oncology; and Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity. AstraZeneca operates in more than 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. In Canada, we employ more than 675 employees across the country and our AstraZeneca Canada headquarters are located in Mississauga, Ontario. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.astrazeneca.ca.
Go Auto to donate more than $500,000 annually to the Kids with Cancer Society
EDMONTON, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Go Auto, the Edmonton-based automotive group, is donating $10 to the Kids with Cancer Society for every vehicle sold, starting July 1, 2019. With the company on track to sell more than 50,000 vehicles per year, the total donation will exceed $3 million over a 5-year commitment.
Go Auto has also developed a program that will run in all of its Alberta and NWT dealerships where customers can donate to the Kids with Cancer Society, as well. The aim is for customers to match Go Auto's $10 per vehicle donation and collectively drive the total monies raised to more than $5 million.
"The Kids with Cancer Society plays a critical role in the lives of thousands of Albertans every year," said Go Auto President Jason Smith. "Rather than feel alone during treatment, the children and their families are welcomed into a community, provided with incredible support, and reminded that they are more than their diagnosis. This is an organization that means a lot to us. So, we thought it was time to take it to the next level by asking the 50,000 customers we have the privilege of serving each year to join us in this effort.
"We want to make a substantial commitment as a company, but we also want to make it easy for our customers to give back and help raise as much money as possible."
The Kids with Cancer Society provides vital programs and services to children with cancer, and their families, who reside in Northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. By working with the parents, and through close communication with the medical teams who treat children with cancer, the Society is able to identify priorities and fund the programs that will have the greatest impact. They work with families from the time of diagnosis throughout treatment and beyond, through educational and financial support, clinical programs, counselling and research. All programs are at no cost to the families.
"We greatly appreciate all donations and would like to sincerely thank everyone, in advance, for joining us in support of the Kids with Cancer Society," Smith said. "Together, we hope to raise more than $1 million annually."
About Go Auto
The largest automotive network in Western Canada, Go Auto owns and operates more than 40 dealerships, half of which are located in the Edmonton area. In addition to their partnership with the Kids with Cancer Society, Go Auto donates vehicles to more than 10 charities to aid in their operations. They have also created the Fuels the Schools program, which sees hundreds of Go Auto employees cook and deliver over 80,000 healthy meals to Edmonton schoolchildren each year.
SOURCE Go Auto
ACS announces Russia supply agreement with Baltika, part of the Carlsberg Group
September 11, 2019
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems (ACS) is pleased to support Russian commercial vehicle operator, Baltika, to implement policies for responsible alcohol consumption and to keep roads safe from impaired driving.
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems (ACS), a Canadian leader in the design and manufacturing of alcoholinterlocks and breath alcohol testers, is pleased to have begun installation of alcohol interlocks into Baltika’s vehicle fleet to prevent drink driving.
Baltika, part of the Carlsberg Group and a leader of the fast-moving consumer goods market in Russia, is striving for continuous improvement of internal standards, customer service and security. In a move to ensure the confidence of employees and managers of their vehicle fleet to carry out deliveries safely, Baltika recently chose ACS as a strategic safety partner. The installation and use of ALCOLOCK devices aims to address the issue of impaired driving, ensuring the safety of fleet drivers and other road users.
According to the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, about 8% of all accidents on Russian highways occur as a result of a drunk driver. Additionally, more than 51% believe that driving under the influence of alcohol is a problem that needs to be solved at the federal level.
Until recently, as a rule, alcohol interlocks were only required in Russia in high-risk vehicles, such as those carrying dangerous or particularly valuable goods. ACS and Baltika hope to draw the attention of leading transport manufacturers and other vehicle fleet operators in Russia to the existing opportunities for improving safety on the roads.
Sergey Suchkov, Senior Director of Logistics –Eastern Europe: "As an industry leader, Baltika successfully operates several priority programs aimed at responsible consumption and minimizing accidents to zero. The installation of ALCOLOCK devices is a preventative measure that meets global standards and ensures Baltika has countermeasures in place to address driving by an operator in a state of alcoholic intoxication."
ACS equipment was selected to meet specific client requirements. In addition to ease of installation and use, ALCOLOCK devices were required to work in a variety of climates and weather conditions across the country, from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Installation services and ongoing technical support is being provided by the Rolf Group, one of the largest automotive dealers and vehicle importers in Russia.
Sergey Krasaev, Product Manager at ALCOHOL COUNTERMEASURE SYSTEMS Corp.: "We know that Baltika held a competitive analysis before choosing a manufacturer of alcohol interlocks. We are very pleased to cooperate with the largest Russian brewing company. I am confident that together we can make the movement of people and goods on the roads even safer."
The feedback received from staff on vehicles which have ALCOLOCK installed, additionally confirms the benefits of such devices for employees of the company —confidence in the willingness and ability to safely operate a vehicle, additional insurance, objective assessment of operator safety devoid of emotions, following a clear framework of standards and allowing managers to rely on the device’s accuracy and objectivity.
About ACS
Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, is an international group of companies with over 40 years of experience developing innovative technology to prevent impaired driving. A technology leader and manufacturer of alcohol interlocks and breath alcohol testers, ACS provides products and services to law enforcement, automotive, industrial, public and personal safety markets. We improve global road safety through innovative design, manufacturing and customer support services. Please visit www.acs-corp.com.
Trait Acquires Exclusive License to Apply These New Technologies to Cannabis, Hemp
LOS ALAMOS, NM, September 12, 2019 / - Trait Biosciences Inc. ("Trait" or the "Company"), a biotechnology leader in the cannabis industry, today congratulated its Chief Science Officer, Dr. Richard Sayre, and a team of industry scientists on the publication of the article “Fine-tuning the Photosynthetic Light Harvesting Apparatus for Improved Photosynthetic Efficiency and Biomass Yield" (the “Article”) in the September 2019 edition of Scientific Reports.
The work that led to publication of the Article was conducted by Dr. Sayre and the team at the New Mexico Consortium (“NMC”) on Camelina sativa (a plant that has a dense vertical canopy architecture similar to cannabis and hemp) over a 3 year period, through a grant from Bayer Crop Sciences.
The technologies developed resulted in a 40% increase of biomass production in field trials by fine-tuning the photosynthetic light harvesting apparatus in the plant to more efficiently utilize light.
“Photosynthesis has an overall energy conversion efficiency of 4%. By optimizing a plant’s light harvesting efficiency, we are approaching the theoretical efficiency limit of 12% resulting in substantial crop yield improvements and shorter growing cycles,” said Dr. Sayre. “These improvements will also reduce the need for supplemental light in greenhouse cultivation systems. Importantly, this breakthrough is applicable to all crops and enables a substantial gain in yield which is critical for reducing land use while maintaining crop output.”
Over 14 patents and patent applications have resulted from these efforts, including PCT/US2015/041617 “Improved Carbon Fixation in Plants and Algae”, PCT/US2015/060448 “Transgenic Plants with Engineering Redox Sensitive Modulation of Photosynthetic Antenna Complex Pigments and Methods of Making Same” and PCT/US19/24669 “The Enhancement of Photosynthetic Rates, Abiotic Stress Tolerance and Biomass Yield Through Expression of a C4 Plant Ferredoxin in C3 Photosynthetic Plants”.
Trait Acquires Exclusive License for Cannabis, Hemp and Tobacco Applications
Trait is also pleased to announce that it has entered into a patent license agreement (the “Exclusive License”) to acquire the exclusive rights to the Patents for use in cannabis, hemp and tobacco plants.
Under the terms of the Exclusive License, Trait will have the exclusive right to use the technologies contemplated by the Patents for use in cannabis, hemp and tobacco plants for the lifetime of the patent underlying the applicable technology.
Peter McDonough, CEO of Trait, commented: “We offer our most genuine congratulations to Dr. Sayre and his team on the publication of the article in Scientific Reports. It is a great accomplishment.” McDonough added: “We are extremely pleased to be licensing these technologies, which vastly enhance the photosynthetic yields of plants, and form one of the key strategies in our Trait Amplified technology. Trait Amplified promises to increase cannabinoid yields by more than 4x, and lower production costs in cannabis and hemp plants. What is more, these technologies lower the environmental impact of cultivating hemp and cannabis by reducing the inputs required to grow these plants.”
About Trait Biosciences
With a team of internationally recognized scientists who are applying best-in-class technology and agricultural science, Trait Biosciences is an emerging biotechnology leader in the hemp and cannabis industries. Its consumer technology platforms provide breakthrough IP and science which produce enhanced cannabinoids featuring predictable onset timing, superior bioavailability, extended stability, and improved taste. Trait's patent pending technologies include a process for generating water-soluble cannabinoids that does not rely on emulsion or nanotechnology. The company's agricultural technologies increase crop yields and plant safety, including ultrahigh yield Amplified™ plants which dramatically increase a plant's natural cannabinoid productivity, and its Defence™ RNAi crop protection technology, which eliminates the need for pesticides or fungicides, providing higher quality, safer, CBD-infused nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products.
Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to Trait Bioscience Inc.'s (the "Corporation") strategy, projects, plans or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words “promises,” "will", "expect", "continue", "assess", "anticipate" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions; including material estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Corporation as at the date of this press release in light of each of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information.
Any forward-looking statements included in this document are made as of the date of this document and the Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although management of the Corporation believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.
Canada leading developed countries in survival for lung and colon cancer
New data shows where Canada ranks internationally in survival for seven types of cancer
TORONTO, Sept. 12, 2019 /CNW/ - Canada has among the highest survival rates for lung cancer and colon cancer compared to other developed countries, according to new data published this month in The LancetOncology.
Data were gathered by the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) and are the most recent collection of survival statistics for seven types of cancer in seven countries: Canada, Australia, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom. 3.9 million cancer cases were collected from cancer registries in 21 jurisdictions across the participating countries since 1995, including over 762,000 Canadian cancer cases from eight* provinces.
The data show that Canada is among the world leaders in survival for most of the seven cancers observed, except for esophageal cancer and ovarian cancer. While Canada's overall average survival generally compares well, there is often more variation among the provinces than across the countries in this study.
The 2019-2029 Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control and its action plans acknowledge this variation in survival rates across Canada and strive to promote equity of access to cancer care and quality cancer care for all Canadians.
The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) participates in the international study through chairing the program board and funding the collection and analysis of all contributing* provinces' data from their cancer registries for the Canadian data included in the ICBP paper.
Other findings include:
Overall, survival rates for the seven types of cancer studied are generally higher in Canada, Australia and Norway.
For all countries, survival for all types of observed cancer has increased across the 20-year reporting period.
Five-year survival from colon cancer has continued to rise considerably in all participating countries.
Pancreatic cancer continues to have among the lowest survival rates of all cancers in all participating countries.
This past June, the Partnership released the modernized Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control. The Strategy is a 10-year roadmap to deliver world class cancer care to all Canadians, families and caregivers affected by the disease. The Strategy details necessary actions that will improve equity of access to high-quality care, and actions to ensure we have a sustainable healthcare system for the future. The Partnership is engaging with leading countries from the ICBP report, such as Australia, to learn more about their models of care and adapting approaches for Canada.
Quotes
"It's vital that Canadian researchers as well as cancer and health system leaders have data to compare our results in cancer treatment to other, similar health systems around the world. The ICBP continues to be an important collaborative body that shines a light on where countries and provinces are succeeding and where improvements are necessary to address this challenging disease," said Dr. Heather Bryant, Senior Scientific Lead, Population Health at the Partnership. "The Partnership has recently refreshed Canada's cancer strategy and working alongside our provincial and territorial partners, we will use the ICBP data to identify where action is needed the most in order to continue to see increasing cancer survival rates."
"Participation in this international research by all provinces has been gratifying, and reinforces the importance of Canada's cancer registries," said Dr. Geoff Porter, Expert Lead, Clinical Care at the Partnership. "In providing Canadian researchers and health system decision makers with information on cancer survival across our country, the ICBP data can point to specific areas of high performance and others where specific attention may be required. Studies of this kind have also provided an opportunity to focus on the importance of specific registry practices to further enhance comparability, as well as serving to maintain and enhance the community of cancer registries in Canada."
*Quebec contributed data, but it is excluded as cancer survival rates are only available from 2000 onward (analysis starts at 1995); Newfoundland contributed data but it is excluded as cancer survival rates are only available from 2005 onward; the territories did not contribute data.
About the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership The ICBP, led by Cancer Research UK, is an international partnership of clinicians, academics and policymakers seeking to understand variations in cancer survival between developed countries. The ICBP funds and produces high-impact, peer reviewed publications showing international cancer survival variation and differences in awareness and beliefs about cancer and the role of primary care in cancer diagnosis. The ICBP encourages other researchers to maximize data collected by the ICBP to further unpack factors that may be causing this observed survival variation. To learn more about what data is available, please contact the ICBP Programme Management team at icbp@cancer.org.uk.
About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy), the Partnership works with Canada's cancer community to take action to ensure fewer people get cancer, more people survive cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. This work is guided by the Strategy, which was refreshed for 2019 to 2029 and will help drive measurable change for all Canadians affected by cancer. The Strategy includes five priorities which will tackle the most pressing challenges in cancer control as well as distinct First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples-specific priorities and actions reflecting Canada's commitment to reconciliation. The Partnership will oversee the implementation of the priorities in collaboration with organizations and individuals on the front lines of cancer care – the provinces and territories, health-care professionals, people living with cancer and those who care for them, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments and organizations, and its funder Health Canada. Learn more about the Partnership and the refreshed Strategy at www.cancerstrategy.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
Ontario Lung Association unmasks the risks of cannabis on lung health
The campaign was made possible by funding from Health Canada, encouraging young adults to follow the misguided adventures of a not-so-superhero called "The Toker"
TORONTO, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ -Many young Canadian adults aren't aware of the lung health risks that come with smoking cannabis. That's why the Ontario Lung Association has created The Toker, a new comic-book inspired cannabis public health education initiative. Launched today, this initiative aims to reduce the lung health risks and harms associated with cannabis smoking for Canadians between the ages of 18 and 25.
Through a series of humorous videos shared through digital platforms and on-campus activations at different universities across Canada, the Toker will illustrate his failure to "save the day" due to symptoms he experiences as a result of cannabis smoking. Canadian influencers will also be incorporated into the videos to help bring the story to life. Canadians will be directed to TheTokerOnline.ca where they can access videos and educational resources to learn more.
"In a lighthearted way, the Toker highlights the impact that smoking cannabis can have on one's lungs, as many people aren't aware that it contains many of the same toxic ingredients as tobacco smoke — like tar, ammonia, and hydrogen cyanide," says George Habib, President and CEO of the Ontario Lung Association. "The goal of this national education effort is to protect the health and safety of young Canadians by giving them the knowledge they need to make informed choices."
The campaign is funded by Health Canada as part of an ongoing initiative to implement national and community-based projects that raise awareness about the health effects of cannabis.
A national cannabis survey conducted by Leger on behalf of the Ontario Lung Association revealed that smoking is the most common form of consumption (87 per cent) for Canadian cannabis users between ages 18 and 25, and 64 per cent say they wish they knew more about the impact on their lungs.1
Studies have shown that heavy or long-term smoking of cannabis may lead to chronic bronchitis and a worsening of chronic lung disease symptoms including cough, excessive sputum, wheezing and a decline in lung function.2
Prioritizing lung health is crucial to preventing future health problems. Canadians are encouraged to visit TheTokerOnline.ca to follow the misguided adventures of the Toker and learn more about the effects of smoking cannabis on lung health.
About the Ontario Lung Association
The Ontario Lung Association is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping all Canadians breathe. Our community of donors, patients, researchers, volunteers and professional staff work to ensure Canadians have healthy lungs, bodies and clean air necessary to breathe. We achieve this by promoting healthy breathing, supporting those living with lung disease and finding future solutions. All of this is done with the goal of delivering a future of better breathing for all.
New international study: The hidden burden of diabetes on family members revealed
New international study shows 64 per cent of family members of people with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - People living with diabetes are not the only ones impacted by the condition. According to a new international study of 4,300 family members of people with diabetes, worrying about low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia or 'hypos', can place a significant burden on them too.1
Low blood sugar or "lows" as they are often referred to by people living with diabetes, are a well-known side-effect of diabetes treatment, especially when using insulin, and they can be very unpleasant and dangerous if not managed properly.
To further understand how low blood sugar affects families living with diabetes, Novo Nordisk conducted a series of filmed experiments. In the experiments the person with diabetes and his/her family members were asked similar questions about their experiences with, and feelings about, low blood sugar in two separate rooms. After the interviews, they were shown each other's answers. The films are available at www.TalkAboutHypos.ca, along with materials that could help improve conversations about low blood sugar within the family, as well as with doctors.
Hamilton resident Nicole Cleaver and her family participated in the global study. "It's not often that people with diabetes think about the impact that hypoglycemia can have on the entire family," says Nicole. "Understanding the risks low blood sugar can have is important. I have done my best to make sure that my family is aware of my diabetes and that there is nothing for others living with diabetes to be ashamed of. My family is all aware of what needs to be done when I have a low blood sugar reading and they take great care of me."
Until now, there has been very little research into the impact of low blood sugar on the family members of people with diabetes. The results from this new international TALK-HYPO study, published today in Diabetes Therapy, show that up to 64 per cent of family members of people with diabetes are worried or anxious about the risk of low blood sugar,1 highlighting the significance of this burden for the whole family.
"We frequently hear from people living with diabetes and their caregivers that they fear a hypoglycemic event," says Seema Nagpal, vice president of Science & Policy with Diabetes Canada. "It changes how people participate in activities and negatively impacts quality of life. Listening to individuals living with diabetes and their families is an important part of optimizing management."
Dr. Stewart Harris, Professor in Family Medicine/Division of Endocrinology/Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and lead investigator for the TALK-HYPO study said: "There has been little research undertaken on the wider impact of low blood sugar on the family members of people living with diabetes. But something as simple as having an open and honest conversation can be incredibly beneficial. This study suggests that family members may be an important catalyst for more conversations about low blood sugar both within the family, as well as with healthcare professionals, and that these conversations may help improve the lives of people with diabetes."
The TALK-HYPO study shows the importance of having more conversations about low blood sugar at home with the family, as well as with doctors, as 76 per cent believe that these conversations could lead to improvements in the life of their family member with diabetes.1 The respondents also feel that conversations can help bring them closer together, and increases their understanding of how they can better help to manage the low blood sugar that their family member with diabetes experiences (85 per cent).1
Another interesting finding is that worrying about the risk of low blood sugar can also have a negative impact on the social life of the family members. Almost three in four (74 per cent) of the respondents that were helping their relative with diabetes to manage low blood sugar, said that they spend less time on, or completely miss out on, other activities such as hobbies, holidays or being with other friends or family as a result.1
About the TALK-HYPO study1 The TALK-HYPO study was funded by Novo Nordisk and aimed to understand the burden of low blood sugar on the family members of people with diabetes, and how conversations about low blood sugar can contribute to diabetes care.
The questionnaire was completed by 4,300 relatives (37 per cent were parents/step-parents and 18 per cent were spouses/partners) of people living with diabetes (type 1 or type 2, taking insulin and/or secretagogues) across nine countries.
TALK-HYPO study methodology: On behalf of Novo Nordisk, Ipsos interviewed 4,300 participants online. All participants were adult family members of people aged 18 and above with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who have been taking insulin or a secretagogue for at least 12 months. The survey was carried out across nine countries: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK, US and Denmark. Fieldwork took place from April 8 to May 6, 2019.
About diabetes and low blood sugar Diabetes is a serious chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from food being eaten into the body's cells where it can be used for energy.2
About hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is defined when blood sugar levels are too low and cannot provide the body's organs with the energy they need. Hypoglycemia is most frequent in people with type 1 diabetes, followed by people with type 2 diabetes managed by insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes managed by sulfonylureas. Low blood sugar can cause a range of symptoms including trembling, sweating, anxiety, increased heart rate, difficulty with concentration, and in severe cases it can lead to seizures or a coma.3
About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with more than 90 years of innovation and leadership in diabetes care. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to help people defeat obesity, hemophilia, growth disorders and other serious chronic diseases. Headquartered in Denmark, Novo Nordisk employs approximately 41,700 people in 77 countries and markets its products in more than 165 countries. For more information, visit novonordisk.ca, Twitter, YouTube.
References
Alexandria Ratzki-Leewing, Ehsan Parvaresh Rizi, Stewart B. Harris. Family members: The Forgotten Players in the Diabetes Care Team (The TALK-HYPO Study). Diabetes Therapy. September 9, 2019. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs13300-019-00687-y
L’Oréal Paris Announces Viola Davis as Newest International Spokesperson
NEW YORK - L’Oréal Paris, the #1 global beauty brand, proudly announces actress, activist and humanitarian, Viola Davis as the brand’s newest spokeswoman. In her new role, the 54-year-old joins an esteemed roster of diverse spokespeople including Celine Dion, Helen Mirren, Eva Longoria, Elle Fanning, Aja Naomi King, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Camila Cabello, among others, in representing the brand. The appointment builds on the brand’s mission to reflect the diversity of the modern world through spokeswomen, encouraging beauty inclusivity, self-worth and empowering people everywhere.
“As a young girl, I wasn’t always told that I was smart, beautiful, or worthy. I worked tremendously hard to get where I am today – overcoming feelings of doubt to become a woman who truly believes I am ‘worth it’ in every way. I believe it’s so important to build confidence in women from a young age, and to role model diverse perspectives of beauty. To now be part of a brand that has been championing women’s worth for more than 40 years and to use my voice to help empower others is truly surreal,” saysViola Davis.
Making her brand debut at an event in New York City yesterday, Viola will appear in TV, print and digital advertising campaigns for Age Perfect beginning later this month.
Viola spent most of her early life on stage, honing her craft with a theater degree from Rhode Island College followed by four years at Julliard. Since then, she has been paving her way for over 30 years, with powerful performances on Broadway, in film, and on television. Today, an acclaimed actress and the first black actor to do so, Viola has won the “Triple Crown” of acting, which includes an Academy Award, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. Recently nominated for her sixth Emmy Award, the sixth and final season of her hit show How to Get Away with Murder premieres later this month.
“We are thrilled to welcome Viola as a member of our family. Viola’s tenacity, authenticity and bold spirit resonate with and inspire so many people. She challenges the status quo in all aspects of life and her drive to succeed has proven itself time after time – she leads by example and is the perfect conduit to elevate our core message, ‘Because I’m Worth It’,” says Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President of L'Oréal Paris
She devotes her time off-screen to her family and is an ardent activist. Viola is recognized internationally for her support of human rights and equal rights for women and women of colour. Together with her husband, Julius Tennon, Viola founded JuVee Productions, which develops and produces independent film, television, VR and digital content across all spaces of narrative entertainment, with an emphasis on diverse and inclusive storytelling. Additionally, her empowering public speaking engagements serve as inspiration to people everywhere. About L’Oréal Paris L’Oréal Paris, the world’s no.1 beauty brand, is dedicated to empowering women and men by offering the most luxurious and innovative products and services available in the mass market. For most, the name “L’Oréal” is immediately evocative of the brand’s signature phrase, “Because I’m Worth It.”— the tagline behind the legendary advertising campaign for the Superior Preference® hair colour launch in 1973. Today, it represents the essence of the L’Oréal Paris brand as a whole, a spirit which is about helping every woman – and man - embrace their unique beauty while reinforcing their inner sense of self-worth. For more than 100 years, L’Oréal Paris has held an unparalleled commitment to advancement in technology, innovation and research, providing ground-breaking, high-quality products for women, men, and children of all ages and ethnicities in five major beauty categories: cosmetics, skincare, hair color, haircare, and men’s grooming.
