BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS the region focuses its attention on raising cancer awareness, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris is calling for a concerted effort from citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis to take their health seriously and get screened early.
Dr. Harris, who is CARICOM’s leader for health, made the call while addressing the CIBC First Caribbean Virtual Walk and Concert last evening (Oct. 4), where he reminded that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the region behind heart disease, and attention must be placed on combating the problem.
According to Dr. Harris, if the current rate of cancer diagnoses continues there would be over one million cases in the region by 2030.
“And population-based data suggests that by the year 2030 there could be as many as 1.6 million new cancer cases in the region. Medical experts say that cancer deaths can be reduced through prevention-intervention such as making healthy eating choices, maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active, as well as through effective treatment and early detection and screening.
“This means that women should schedule regular pap smears, breast exams and mammograms. Men should get prostate cancer checks and other tests that screen for cancer. The result could be the difference between life and death, particularly if cancer is caught early,” explained Dr. Harris.
The Prime Minister, who has been championing health activities in St. Kitts and Nevis, including his monthly health walks, commended the company for raising the awareness and its assistance in pushing for a cure.
“‘Walk for the Cure’, I am advised, is the largest and most prominent cancer awareness and fundraising activity in the region, as it footprint spans through the 16 Caribbean countries that are members of the CIBC Caribbean family.
“It has the distinction of having raised over US$2.27 million for cancer diagnoses and treatment since its inception in 2012 when an estimated 87,430 cancer-related deaths were reported throughout the Caribbean for that year alone.
Dr. Harris noted that Cervical and Prostate Cancers account for a major part of the deaths in the region for women and men.
The Prime Minister endorsed walk, pointing out that every step taken brings the world closer to saving lives from the Non-Communicable Disease.
The month of October is generally recognised as Cancer Awareness Month globally, and a number of local non-governmental organisations stage activities to either raise awareness or funds to treat the disease.
