October has been designated Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Ministry of Social Protection has scheduled a walk and a candle light vigil tomorrow to raise awareness of and in memory of persons who died as a result the disease.
According to a press release from the ministry, the walk which is a collaborative effort amongst the Ministry of Social Protection, Ministry of Health and other non-governmental organisations, will commence at 5 pm from the St George’s Cathedral and conclude at the Public Buildings compound.
In addition to the walk, the ministry has planned a series of information, education and communication sessions with key groups countrywide. Statistics released from the Ministry of Health recorded 1,090 reported cases of breast cancer during the period 2003 and 2012 which represents 16.7% of all cancer cases in the country. Additionally, during that same period, there were 6,518 new cases of cancer, 60% of which were detected in women.
Some men were also recorded among those who have suffered from breast cancer. Further, the statistics suggest one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Due to the information gathered, the ministry said, it has become imperative that efforts be made to continue the sensitisation process, provide counselling and identifying the symptoms and preventative techniques.
The ministry said, it expects to educate women on how to identify the signs and symptoms of breast cancer inclusive of conducting effective self-examinations.
An invitation is extended to members of the public to join the walk and vigil, the release said.
