Health Reports

A Canadian peer-reviewed journal of population health and health services research

August 2021

Do cancer incidence and mortality rates differ among ethnicities in Canada?

by Jeremiah Hwee, and Evelyne Bougie

Cancer is expected to be the leading cause of death and the largest barrier to increasing life expectancy throughout the world in the 21st century. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading or second-leading cause of death before the age of 70 in over 53% of countries worldwide and among the top four causes of death in another 22 countries. Cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise around the world. The factors contributing to this rise are complex, and they include differences in the distribution of the prevalence of risk factors and other socioeconomic factors. Furthermore, these differences likely contribute to the differences that countries around the world have shown in mortality rates and cancer incidence.

Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release

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Prevalence of handheld laser device use, exposure and associated injury

by Sami S. Qutob, James P. McNamee, John Than, and Orly Brion

Handheld lasers include devices such as laser pointers that are widely available for demonstration and entertainment purposes and intended for directing attention to an object or place. These devices are often battery powered, portable, handheld, and available in various emission wavelengths and power outputs (e.g., colour and intensity). In this study, handheld laser devices include pointers for presentations, laser tag, toys or novelty lasers, laser torches or flashlights, and search-and-rescue lasers. Handheld lasers and laser pointers are becoming increasingly available in the Canadian marketplace and are—therefore—more accessible to the public for use. High-powered consumer handheld lasers have been identified as a danger to human health and safety. Surveillance of injuries from handheld laser products was undertaken by Health Canada to assess the effectiveness of current approaches for managing the health risks of these products. 

Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release

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Eating away from home in Canada: impact on dietary intake

by Jane Y. Polsky, and Didier Garriguet

Consuming food prepared away from home, whether while eating out at a restaurant or ordering takeout, is an enduring aspect of Canadians’ dietary habits. The average Canadian household spent over one-quarter (26.9%) of its food budget on meals and snacks purchased from restaurants in 2019. In 2016, more than half (54%) of Canadians reported consuming food away from home (FAFH) at least once a week. As of 2018, Canada had nearly 97,000 restaurants, which received an average of 22 million visits per day.

Abstract Full article PDF version The Daily release

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