by B. Roach

World Cancer Day 2014 (4 February 2014) focuses on : Reduce stigma and dispel myths about cancer, under the tagline “Debunk the myths”. World Cancer Day was observed with some 614 events planned worldwide.

Montserrat joined in the observance of the deadly disease, which this year focused on Target 5 of the World Cancer Declaration: Reduce stigma and dispel myths about cancer, under the theme tagline “Debunk the myths”. The primary aim of the World Cancer Day observance is to significantly reduce death and illness caused by the disease by 2020.

The myths are: 1: We don’t need to talk about cancer;  2: There are no signs or symptoms of cancer;  3: There is nothing I can do about cancer;  4: I don’t have the right to cancer care. (see: http://www.worldcancerday.org/cancer-myths).

 

 

 

 

 

In Montserrat as preparations were made for the day’s observance,  health officials spoke about the issue.

Epidemiologist/Health Planner in the Ministry of Health, Dorothea Hazel noted, “cancers on Montserrat have been among the 5 leading causes of death for the period 2007 – 2012,” saying cancer was the second leading cause in 2008 and 2012; third place in 2009 and fourth  place in 2007, 2010 and again in 2011.

According to ZJB radio she told them, “cancers on Montserrat have been among the 5 leading causes of death for the period 2007 – 2012.”

On the day, Medical Technologist at the Glendon Hospital Beatrice Jones made a presentation on Radio Montserrat Tuesday morning; there was a discussion on cancer prevention and physical activity, on “Talking Health”, Wednesday.

The panelists for the discussion included Chief Medical Officer Dr. Tracy Huggins, General Surgeon Dr Bramiah Kassim, and Anesthesiologist Nurse Brenda Daley.

On Tuesday during the various discussions on the matter there was a call for more men to be screened for prostate and other cancers.

Speaking on the Breakfast Show, Medical Practitioner Dr. Ingrid Buffonge encouraged all persons to adopt healthier lifestyle practices and have regular health checks.

Reportedly  the morning show host Senior Announcer Basil Chambers spoke about his own health check and prostate examination experience to highlight the straightforwardness of the screening and to prompt other men to do the same. He reportedly expressed his willingness to encourage other men to have regular health checks, advocating that the screening is not embarrassing and should not be feared.

 Meantime, Dr. Buffonge joined in urging men to have more frequent health checks and not to wait until it is too late.

In any case the doctor also said everyone needs to have regular health checks because cancer is potentially preventable.

As could be expected there were some Cancer Prevention health tips to reduce one’s risk. These include, maintaining a lean body weight, engaging in physical activity for 30 minutes or more daily and choosing mostly plant foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans.

The others are limiting red and processed meats like ham, bacon, salted meat, drinking about one gallon of water daily and getting regular screening.

Exercise was not least among the list of observances to include walking. TMR offers some suggestions in an article in this issue.