Youth from Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows are invited to apply to attend a forum about cancer prevention.

The Canadian Cancer Society, BC and Yukon is inviting young people between the ages of 19 and 25 to apply to attend a provincial Youth Forum in Vancouver on May 11.

The forum – designed by youth, for youth – will provide a venue for youth to share their ideas on health and cancer prevention as well as provide suggestions on what changes they would like to see.

“The Canadian Cancer Society is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year and this forum provides us with an opportunity to hear from future leaders of change who can set the stage for the next 75 years of cancer prevention,” said Tracy Hoskin, health promotion coordinator for the Fraser Valley region of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The forum will also provide an opportunity for youth to learn about cancer prevention and build skills to use within their communities to take action on relevant health and cancer prevention issues, becoming part of a larger movement fighting for a world where no Canadian fears cancer.

“This is a chance for youth from across our province to take part in continuing a 75-year legacy of cancer prevention,” said Hoskin. “We know that about half of all cancers can be prevented. Youth are a vital part of stopping cancer before it starts and we need their help.”

The forum will take place at the Simon Fraser University, Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue in Vancouver.

Youth who are residents of British Columbia, active or involved in their community and interested in developing leadership skills are encouraged to apply.

Successful applicants must also be committed to contributing to action in their home communities after the youth forum concludes. Travel expenses will be covered.

Youth have until March 15 to submit applications, which are available through cancergameplan.ca. Successful applicants will be notified by April 1.