by Fernelle Neptune
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month observed in October, the Bureau of Health Education within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will host a series of activities aimed at raising awareness on breast health and encouraging the adoption of healthy habits to prevent breast cancer.
Health Educator in the Bureau of Health Education, Nadiege Smith-Lambert, spoke on the need to ensure information on breast health is widely available, and to encourage healthy behaviors such as screening and physical activity.
“For the 2022 observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Ministry of Health has decided to focus on ensuring that women are knowledgeable of breast screening services within their communities and that they are taking advantage of those services,” she said. “The Bureau of Health Education has also decided to continue placing special focus on young ladies from their adolescent years into their productive years, aged 12-40, engaging them at schools, workplaces and wellness centres.”
Smith-Lambert said it is necessary that the focus of raising awareness on breast cancer prevention be tied in with physical activity.
“The theme for this year’s observance is “Saint Lucia MOVES – MOVE to fight Breast Cancer” with the acronym for MOVE being:
M- Mobilize schools, families, workplaces and communities
O- Offer and access screening services within our communities
V- Varied age appropriate physical activity
E- Educate on breast health and healthy eating habits
“The theme was chosen in light of the recently launched Saint Lucia Moves Campaign which encourages physical activity within schools, workplaces and communities.”
The Health Educator also spoke on upcoming breast cancer awareness activities and encouraged Saint Lucians to participate. Activities for this year includes:
- Pink Fridays – Work places and communities are invited to dress in pink or decorate work stations or the main entrance in pink with a message to generate visibility and demonstrate their championing of the cause of breast cancer prevention. Community members are invited to access screening services at the various Wellness Centres around the island.
- Host a number of Breast health education seminars and screening activities throughout the month of October at workplaces.
- Engage secondary school-aged ladies on Breast Health
Saint Lucians can access free breast screenings at various wellness centres during the month of October. The Bureau of Health Education also calls for the celebration of breast cancer survivors and warriors.
SOURCE: Ministry of Health, Wellness & Elderly Affairs
You can’t have discussion about breast cancer and all you talk about is early screening. There are studies out there that show cell phone radiation, wifi, etc cause in increases in plenty cancers we see rampant in our society. Modern life, the food we eat, not being active, lack of sunlight all are contributing factors but never mentioned by those vampires that only bent on helping people by charging them money, they profit off your suffering, drs, nurses, they whole establishment all for the love of money. Free yourself from this by arming yourself with knowledge, and fire burn the profit making out of suffering.
Pesticide residue in the land, water et cetera from non organc agricultural practices also contribute to cell changes causing cancer. Fatty tissue (such as breasts) absorb and retain toxins more. Also genetics have a role to play, and given the way people here are “too closely” related, it’s no surprise that there is a high rate of breast (and other) cancers on this island…