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Posted: Monday 5 February, 2018 at 1:44 PM

World Cancer Day (February 4)

By: Ministry of Health, Press Release

    Cancer Awareness

     

    February 5th, 2018 -- World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 each year in order to raise awareness of cancer, and to encourage its prevention, early detection and treatrnent. The hope is that a significant proportion of preventable deaths can be prevented each year through public education and increased awareness of cancers. The theme for this year's World Cancer Day is, 'We can. I can.' Much can be done to fight cancer collectively at the national level and individuals also have the responsibility to reduce the risks associated with developing cancer.

     

    Approximately seventy-four (74) cases of cancer were diagnosed at JNF General Hospital in 2017. The majority of the cases were females (65%) and 35% were males. The most affected persons were within the age group 50-59 years. The types of cancers that were diagnosed with the greatest frequency at JNF General Hospital were those of the: (1) Breast; (2) Prostate; (3) Cervix; (4) Endometrium / Uterus; (5) Skin; and (6) Colon.
     
    The Oncology Unit at the JNF Hospital has been operational for over one year and sixty-seven (67) cancer patients accessed care at this unit during 2017. Approximately 20% of the cancer patients served at the Oncology Unit were from Nevis and 80% from St. Kitts. Over 50% of these affected patients had malignant neoplasms between stages Ill & IV.
     
    Much can be done collectively and individually to intensify the fight against cancer in the Federation. The mantra for 2018 is, "We can. I can." As individuals we all have the responsibility to make wise lifestyle choices and reduce the risks associated with developing cancers.
     
    You and I can adopt the following changes:
     
    - Quit smoking tobacco.
     
    - Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.   
     
    - Exercise for at least 3 hours per week.
     
    - Adopt a healthy diet rich in plant- based foods and low in fat.
     
    - Be sun smart by wearing SPF 30 + sunscreen, protective clothing and/ or a hat.
     
    Get medical checks annually, and cancer screening tests as recommended by your health care provider to detect cancer early and save your life.
     
    You and I have the responsibility to discuss the following cancer screening tests with a health care provider:
     
    1) Mammography is an effective tool for breast cancer screening and early detection. All women 40 years and over should discuss mammography and its frequency with a health care provider. If you have a first degree relative (that is, a mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer, this discussion should begin at age 35 years or earlier.
     
    2) All women who are sexually active should begin discussing the need to do regular Pap Smear screening tests for cervical cancer three years after sexual initiation or by age 21 years.
     
    3) All men should begin discussing prostate cancer screening which involves a direct rectal exam and a blood test by age 40 years and over.
     
    4) Everyone should begin discussing colon cancer screening tests by age 50 years and over. However, if you have a first degree relative (that is, a parent, sibling or child) with colon cancer, this discussion should start earlier at age 40 years.
     
    Cancer screening tests are designed to help detect cancer early. Early detection can save your life. Start discussing cancer screening with your health care provider today.
     
    At the national level, the Ministry of Health is hoping to include the Human pappillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine in the National Immunization
     
    Programme Schedule for pre-teenagers, to protect against cervical and other cancers caused by HPV. The aim of introducing this vaccination is to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer.
     
    Today we all are united in the fight against the cancer epidemic. Together we can all help reduce the risks associated with developing cancer. "We can. I can. St. Kitts & Nevis can. "

    February 4, 2018 Dr Hazel Laws
    Chief Medical Officer,
    Ministry of Health
     


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