October marks the start Breast Cancer Awareness month, commemorated annually around the world. The Saint Lucia Cancer Society is once again leading the charge in education, support, and fundraising. Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer among women on the island and continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Saint Lucia.
The society emphasised that real change requires a collective approach.
“For this to change, it will require consistent, collaborative effort from all of us.”
To raise funds for its programmes which focus on prevention, education, advocacy, early detection, treatment, and patient support, the society is encouraging the public to purchase pink accessories. Items available include lapel pins ($5–$10), awareness bands ($5), scarves ($25), and T-shirts ($35). Proceeds go directly toward assisting patients and families and continuing community outreach.
“Fundraising is how we can do what we do. We raise funds to continue programmes that target prevention & education, advocacy, early detection and treatment, and to support patients and their families along the cancer journey, financially and otherwise,” according to the society in a social media post.
The campaign theme this year, Pink On Purpose (P.O.P), is designed to encourage people to be deliberate in showing support.
In an interview with St. Lucia Times, Dr. Tamara Remy, President of the Society said “We hope that this year persons will be purposeful in their choice of PINK, hence P.O.P, Pink On Purpose.”
She noted the aim is to involve schools, NGOs, salons, spas, sports associations, and even government agencies in creating greater visibility for the cause.
The society also reminded the public that cancer awareness is not confined to a single month. “We hope that the awareness continues beyond October. As the fight against cancer in general never stops,” Remy stressed.
In addition to awareness and fundraising, the society is partnering with groups such as CIBC and the Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority to host walks throughout October. The first walk takes place on October 5, followed by a walk in Vieux Fort on October 19. Registration fees are $25 for adults and $20 for children.
Globally, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 with 685,000 deaths, making it the most prevalent cancer in the world.
According to the Ministry of Health, breast cancer is the number one cause of death in women and also the main cause of premature death in women. Most of these diagnoses are made in women from the age group 45–55 years.
The risk of breast cancer is increased with increasing age, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, family history of breast cancer, history of radiation exposure, reproductive history (such as age that menstrual periods began and age at first pregnancy), tobacco use and postmenopausal hormone therapy. Approximately half of breast cancers develop in women who have no identifiable breast cancer risk factor other than gender (female) and age (over 40 years).
According to the Global Cancer Observatory, 2022, Saint Lucia recorded 448 new cancer cases and 223 cancer deaths. Of the 183 new female cancer cases, breast cancer accounted for 66 cases (36.1%), making it the leading cancer among women. Breast cancer was also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, responsible for 23 deaths in 2022
For more details or to place an order for pink accessories, the public can contact the society at 452-1538 or via email at stluciacancersociety@gmail.com. Updates will also be shared on the Society’s social media pages. More information can be found on their website at www.stluciacancersociety.org.
