Doctors speak out on Breast Cancer
It’s an Attitude, it’s a Mission, it’s an Awareness for Cure

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – OCTOBER marks the recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual international health campaign organised by major charities to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

In an effort to foster public awareness of the issues surrounding the disease and its treatment, Drs. Katherine Allen-Ferdinand and Cameron Wilkinson, as well as Agnes Farrell, President of the local breast cancer support group Reach for Recovery, were guests on last week Wednesday’s (Oct. 8) edition of the popular WINNFM’s Voices programme.

According to Dr. Wilkinson, although breast cancer is more prevalent in Caucasians, it tends to be more aggressive in persons of African descent; thus, more blacks die from the disease than whites.
Some of the risk factors are being over the age of 40, obesity, undergoing hormone replacement therapy, consuming one to two alcoholic drinks per day, not having any children, family history, and having a period before 15 or experiencing menopause after 55.

Symptoms include nipple discharge, dimpling of the breast, and a change in the breast’s appearance, and in serious cases, bone pain, seizures, or respiratory problems.

Although there is the perception that men cannot contract the disease, this is untrue; the rate is one in 100, whereas the rate for women is one in eight.

Dr. Wilkinson urged the public to be vigilant in terms of screening, as “you can only be cured if you’re diagnosed early. There has been an increase from last year to this one in the number of people who have come forward; and for some of them we were able to catch the disease early. So I’m pleased to see that the message is getting out there.”   ~~Adz:Right~~

Dr. Ferdinand discussed the financial implications of contracting breast cancer. “Chest exams, abdominal ultrasounds, mammograms, doctor’s visits, lab work-up and surgery amount to about EC$1 500. There are no oncologists in St. Kitts, so anyone seeking further treatment will have to go abroad. Chemotherapy costs US$15 000 and radiation treatment is US$25 000. These figures don’t include the cost of airfare, of accommodation or other miscellaneous expenses.

“Someone who has no financial assistance, whether it’s from their family, their insurance or social services, may have to pay up to US$50 000 overall.”

Farrell declared that those who have breast cancer do not have to suffer alone, as the Reach for Recovery support group is there to offer emotional and sometimes financial support for the afflicted.

She noted that the group meets monthly and is not just for patients, but also their friends and family. “A person cannot survive properly without the support of their loved ones. That’s why I think the support group is so important,” said Farrell, who is a breast cancer survivor.

There will be two public lectures in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; the first at the ECCB on Monday, October 20 and the second at the Cayon Community Centre on the following day.