Prostate Cancer Among top ten Causes of Death by NCCDs

The Dominica Cancer Society Inc congratulates the Grandbay Health District Health Team for their successful march and rally held on Saturday 3 April, 2010 launching a month of activities for Cancer Awareness Month in April in Grand Health District under the theme ‘Working Together To Prevent Cancer’.

Led by the Grandbay Unit of the Dominica Cadet Corps, the march began at the Grandbay Health Centre. The marching band and chanting marchers drew people from every nook and cranny as they made their way through the Village to the site (Hewlette Hall) of the Rally.

In her welcoming remarks, Dr Cleona Peter, District Medical Officer of the Grandbay Health District stated that prostate, cervical and breast cans are among the top ten (10) causes of death by non-communicable chronic diseases. “Statistics have shown Prostate, Cervical and Breast cancers are among the top 10 causes of death by Non-communicable Chronic Diseases. Records also show a total of 98 individuals being diagnosed with these cancers in 2008, with forty-five (45) men dying from Prostate Cancer. This number is too high for such a small population. Cancer stricken individuals translate into less work productivity and increase health expenditure” she said.

Hon. Julius Timothy, Minister of Health, pointed out that Colon Cancer was non-existent in Dominica a few years ago. He went on to say it is caused by our eating habits, (especially fast foods). He called for a change in our life styles. The health Minister pledged his full support to the Grandbay Health Team, more so during the month of activities.

Hon Justina Charles, Parliamentary Representative of Grandbay Constituency appealed to the people to take advantage of the many free medical services that are available.

The president of the Dominica Cancer Society Inc. Mrs. Vinna Royer shared her touching story of seventeen (17) years as a Cancer Survivor which resulted in her pack with God for his intervention, and hence her commitment to reach-out to others affected by cancer.

The Vice-president and Public Relations Officer, Fr. Franklyn Cuffy, C.Ss.R of the Dominica Cancer Society Inc. informed the gathering that the Society hopes to establish cancer support groups in all seven (7) Health district in Dominica.

Among the others present at the launching were Hon K Darroux (Dr), Parliamentary Representative of Petite Savanne, Nurse Allison Samuel-Llyod, Nurse Educator, Nurse Commodore, Health Nurse Practitioner. Community Health Nurse Alexander gave a word of thanks at the event.

The month of activities will be held at all health centers throughout the district. This will includes daily Pap smear screening for ladies on Mondays to Fridays or on weekends, prostate and breast exam for men on Saturdays at 2:00 pm and breast exams from 8:00AM daily.

This is a collaborative effort with the Dominica Cancer Society, the Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health and the Grandbay Health District Team.