Yellowknife (Feb 25/04) - According to a new report released by the Department of Health and Social Services, more people die of lung cancer in the NWT than of any other type of cancer.

The report, Cancer in the Northwest Territories 1990-2000, is designed to provide information about the prevalence and types of cancers in the North.

Dr. Andre Corriveau, chief medical officer of health, said the report is the first of its kind in the North and presents statistics which may help develop a comprehensive approach to healthy living.

He said it can be used as a reference for co-ordination of screening programs and support services in the North.

The report indicates about 75 new cases of cancer are reported in the North each year.

Among NWT males, colo-rectal cancer is the most common, while in females, it is breast cancer.

The report also indicates NWT males have a slightly lower risk for developing cancer than their counterparts in the rest of Canada.

Inuit males were found to have similar risk for cancer as in the remainder of Canada.