Decked out in their bright pink caps, members of the Medical Association, Cancer Society, Soroptimist International and well wishers marched through the streets of Kingstown in support of International breast cancer day.{{more}}

The March, which took place last Friday, October 24, was followed by a rally at Heritage Square.

A moment of silence was observed for persons who died from the dreaded disease and several persons including a breast cancer survivor gave “footprints statements” for breast cancer. In those statements the presenters urged women 35 years and older to have an annual mamogram. It was also disclosed that breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

President of the Medical Association Dr. Rosalyn Ambrose said breast cancer is a disease that affects many of our women and a small percentage of our men as well. The physician said that at present, global efforts are being made to build deeper awareness and “to empower women in particular to take a firm position and stand up for breast cancer”.

She noted that several organizations are investing heavily in conducting research to find a cure for breast cancer. Ambrose expressed that in the Caribbean, one in eight women will die from breast cancer, a situation she described as “serious and sad”. She gave the assurance that her organization will continue to promote efforts to build awareness on the disease.

Sporting his pink cap, Minister of Health Dr Douglas Slater stated that eventhough the disease is difficult to prevent, he urged persons to become more aware so they can minimise its complications.

He stressed that while the government has the responsibility to provide the best health care for its citizens, persons should try and educate themselves more about breast cancer.

He commended the organizations for educating our people and encouraged persons present to “listen and take their advice, if you do so, this scourge of breast cancer will certainly be under better control”.

Dr Slater also made the point that men in St Vincent and the Grenadines and Caribbean on a whole don’t “think much about breast cancer’ but he advised them to pay more attention because their mothers and partners could “lose that very precious organ”, which they love. He used the opportunity to congratulate the cancer society and medical association for maintaining and bringing awareness of breast cancer to the public.

The organizations also used the opportunity to distribute pamphlets demonstrating breast self-examination. (VM)