Breast Cancer Awareness Walk Receives Strong Support
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| These women were among the many persons who took the opportunity to examine prosthetic breasts that were displayed at Saturday’s mini-rally. The display which showed several different breast types gave the public had an opportunity to learn how the normal fatty-tissue of the breast should feel like as opposed to a real lump. Photo credit: Mr. Ronnielle Frazer/GIS. |
A large number of persons participated in last Saturday’s Heart Healthy Walk in support of breast cancer awareness, held under the auspices of the Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Dancia Penn, OBE, QC.
The walk began at 5:30 a.m. and travelled to the New Life Baptist Church at Duff’s Bottom before returning to its starting point at the Central Administration Building, culminating in a mini-rally in the Breezeway.
Addressing the mini-rally, the Minister said while women are at a greater risk for breast cancer, it is also possible for men to develop the disease. Consequently, she encouraged men to show an interest in breast cancer since they can also be affected by the disease.
The Minister also stressed the importance of support for persons who have been affected by the disease, and encouraged persons not to be ashamed or afraid to disclose the fact that they have been diagnosed with cancer.
Honourable Penn said she remains concerned about the high number of persons in the Territory who are suffering from various chronic non-communicable diseases.
She noted that the Territory’s population-based ratio for persons living with chronic illnesses is significantly higher than international
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| Participants patronise one of the display booths that contained material related to breast cancer. Photo credit: Mr. Ronnielle Frazer/GIS |
averages, and attributed the problem to the lifestyles of residents in the Territory. The Minister emphasized the need for persons to eat healthily and exercise regularly.
In addition, the Minister highlighted the fact that Saturday marked the first anniversary of her monthly Heart Healthy Walks, which she said have evolved.
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| Group photo of the Minister of Health and Social Development (third right, front row), Mrs. Eugenie Todman-Smith (fifth left, front row), and some of the other persons who participated in the November 1 Heart Healthy Walk in support of breast cancer awareness. Photo credit: Mr. Ronnielle Frazer/GIS |
“We now do Heart Healthy Walks to support a wide variety of worthwhile causes,” the Minister said, while expressing her appreciation for the strong show of support and enthusiasm that the public continues to show.
The keynote address for last Saturday’s mini-rally was delivered by breast cancer survivor Mrs. Eugenie Todman-Smith who, among other things, encouraged women to perform regular self-exams for lumps or other abnormalities that may be early signs of the disease.
Other scheduled speakers included Mrs. Dawn Corea-Leonard and cancer-survivor Mr. Elihu Rhymer who served as the chairperson. There were also impromptu testimonials by other cancer survivors who attended the rally.
A wide range of literature on breast cancer was distributed during last Saturday’s rally, and the Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Bernet Scatliffe gave demonstrations with the aide of prosthetic breasts of how self-breast examinations should be done.
The Minister of Health and Social Development started the first heart healthy walk on 3rd November to encourage persons to play a part in ensuring their own health and to promote a healthier BVI through a community-wide fitness campaign.
British Virgin Islands News