| Health Ministry, Pink Lily Organize World Cancer Day Activities |
| By Joy Napier |
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The Nevis Island Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Pink Lily Cancer Care, has organized a series of activities to commemorate World Cancer Day, recognized worldwide on February 4th.
Lea Parris-Cambridge, founder of the Federation’s first Cancer Care Organization, Pink Lily, told The Observer that despite data showing that in 2010 some 100 persons were diagnosed with cancer, the organization continues to stress that “cancer is absolutely no longer a death sentence”.
Parris-Cambridge informed that activities began last Sunday with a special service at the Ebenezer Church in Gingerland, where a cancer message was read to the congregation. On Thursday a Pap Smear Clinic was held at the Gingerland Health Centre. Five of the six Health Centres on Nevis offer women’s Pap smear clinics on a regular basis, free of charge.
Speaking to The Observer, Nichole Slack-Liburd, health planner within the Ministry of Health, encouraged all women on Nevis to take advantage of this service. She informed that Pap smears are an important tool in the early detection of cervical cancer, which tends to affect younger women.
The next event was held at the Charlestown Memorial Square on Friday, February 3rd from 10am-4pm. The main aim behind this event, Parris-Cambridge explained, is to raise public awareness of cancer and provide a forum for public education where any cancer related questions or concerns that people may have can be addressed. Women aged 40-70 years old who have never had a mammogram before can also apply for the free mammograms being offered in Phase 2 of Pink Lily’s drive to provide 100 free mammograms, she informed.
Friday was also marked by a Special World Cancer Day Address by the Minister of Health, Hon. Hensley Daniel, televised and aired on VON radio. Cancer messages were read in all schools by the Presidents of the student councils on Friday as well.
On Saturday, February 4th the popular program “The Good old Days” was scheduled to broadcast a cancer focus, with Parris-Cambridge making a guest appearance from 9-11am.
“I’m sure there will be many calls about how cancer used to be viewed years ago, the treatment options back then and bush remedies used for cancer,” commented Slack-Liburd. She encouraged all to tune in.
On Wednesday 8th February there will be an Oncology Symposium from 8:30-11am at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church Hall. Reflecting this year’s theme that “Together it is Possible,” the symposium will be comprised of representatives from the government, private sector, NGOs, field of health practitioners and individual citizens. Some of the key topics will include the government’s response to cancer- prevention, care and treatment, and how the government has evolved in its provision of cancer related services.
There will also be a strong focus on NGO involvement in cancer-related issues in Nevis. Pink Lily will also make a presentation at the symposium highlighting the work that they have done in the past four years.
“Pink Lily is one of the government’s key partners in the area of cancer,” said Slack-Liburd, expressing her gratitude at the work done by the organization over the years. There will also be testimony from two cancer survivors.
Given the rising cost of tertiary health services and the unfortunate fact that cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage, treatment becomes a very expensive burden, she pointed out. In light of this, she said, the symposium will include a presentation on financing cancer care given by the Chief Medical Officer.
A private practitioner has collaborated with a member of the Nevis Health Fund to produce an educational video on cervical cancer, raising awareness of the cancer and encouraging women to get their regular Pap smears. This video will be launched during the symposium. The Ministry of Health will also take this opportunity to release the cancer related statistics for 2011.
Additionally, for the entire month of February the variety of different clinics held at the health centers including Diabetes clinics and ante-natal child welfare clinics will be providing cancer related information.
Slack-Liburd stressed the need for collaboration among all sectors involved in cancer care and awareness.
“Together it is possible. We cannot, as a government, do everything as far as raising awareness and treating persons with cancer that needs to be done.”
Parris-Cambridge highlighted the fact that before Pink Lily, there was “no cancer awareness or support group on Nevis at all.” She informed that Pink Lily’s long-terms goals include plans to donate a cancer Unit to Nevis, where cancer patients can receive cancer care and support, and where cancer-related educational resources and emotional support for those affected by cancer can be accessed. Pink Lily has already enabled the screening of 100 women for breast cancer, one of whom was detected to be in the early stages of the disease. |
