World Cancer Day February 4th 2012 :" Together it is possible"

ST. GEORGE’S, GRENADA, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2012 _ On Saturday 4th February the world will unite for “World Cancer Day”. This year’s theme highlights the importance of everybody working together to reduce premature deaths from cancer.

Health Minister Sen. the Hon. Ann Peters in elaborating of the theme said it reinforces the idea that every person, organization, and government must do their part if we are to successfully reduce premature deaths from cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

“Prevention, treatment and improved quality of life for cancer patients are top priorities in the local and global fight against cancer. This year’s World Cancer Day campaign focuses on screening and vaccination, added Peters.

The Minster said one of the aims of World Cancer Day is to educate people about the disease and what steps they can take that may lower their chance of getting cancer.

“Many healthcare providers believe that the sooner cancer is diagnosed; the more likely treatment is to be successful. So it is important for individuals to check their own bodies for the signs of cancer and to visit a doctor as soon as possible if there are any concerns”, she told the Ministry of Health’s Public Relations Unit.

Peters also took the time to commend the many non-governmental organizations such as the Grenada Cancer Society, the Pink Ribbon Society and the Lupus Foundation, staff at the Oncology Unit – General Hospital and all healthcare providers for all they have been doing to address cancer in Grenada.

However she appealed to individuals to become more responsible for their health, by putting their health first, eating right, exercising, staying away from drugs and alcohol; and making the right choices.

Meanwhile there has been a slight increase in the amount of patients accessing the services of the Oncology Unit. The records indicate that in 2010 there were 65 new persons and 71 in 2011.