Quiz candidates about health issues, cancer society suggests

The Canadian Cancer Society wants to turn cosmetic pesticides and a screening program for colorectal cancer into issues in Newfoundland and Labrador's upcoming election campaign.

Peter Dawe, executive director of the society's provincial chapter, said campaigning politiciansfrom all parties will be quizzed on those and other issues including the financial burden of medication as well as patients' transportation and accommodation costs during treatment.

One of the priorities is a call for a province-wide screening program to detect colorectal cancer.

"We need a full screening program brought in, and that means people in place, a budget in place, it means education, and it also means building capacity in the hospital system to help with the testing procedures," Dawe told CBC News.

About 2,400 people in Newfoundland and Labrador are expected to be diagnosed with various types of cancer this year. About 1,300 people will die.

The society has been advocatinga ban onthe cosmetic use of pesticides in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Dawe said the society is asking voters to put cancer-related questions to candidates during the campaign, which is expected to launch Monday. Voters head to the polls Oct. 9.

The parties appear ready for the cancer society's questions, although they were reluctant to spell out details of their platforms.

"We will do our best to address all of these issues, as you will see in a few short days," Liberal Leader Gerry Reid said.

"Health care is a major issue for us in this campaign and this election. We see a lot going wrong with our health-care system," NDP Leader Lorraine Michael said.

Health Minister Ross Wiseman said the governing Progressive Conservatives intend on rolling out a new cancer strategy later this fall. It will focus on greater prevention, screening and treatment.