St. Kitts and Nevis commemorates October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS AND NEVIS– Every year, October 1- October 31 is celebrated as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month.’ Both women and men begin to practice doing a monthly breast self-exam and ensure that they schedule regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

According to the John Hopkins Medical Centre, “40 per cent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. Establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important. That fact should encourage all of us to begin to do our monthly exams.”

It is an Annual International Health Campaign. It is organized by major breast cancer charities to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.

Free Breast Examination for various organizations:

Ms. Akilah Byron-Nisbett is the Minister of Health, ICT, Entertainment, Entrepreneurship, and Talent Development in the Government of St.Kitts and Nevis. She said, “The Ministry of Health is doing its part with its own Oncologist, Dr Marissa Grant Tate, providing free breast examinations to employees of various businesses and organizations during the month of October.

She further said, “We are encouraging all women to commit to regular breast exams and to get to know your girls on a more personal level. When you get to know your girls, you are more able to quickly identify when something is not right. You would detect a lump early enough to be able to get a proper check-up or diagnosis from your doctor.”

Members of the Federal Cabinet on campaign Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

On October 02, 2023, Members of the Federal Cabinet came together to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing ‘Pink’ attire and donning breast cancer awareness lapel pins. This display of solidarity with breast cancer patients, survivors, and affected families holds significant importance for the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Dr. Terrance M. Drew addressed people in the campaign:

Dr. Terrance M. Drew, who is serving as a Prime Minister of St.Kitts and Nevis, drawn on his medical background, emphasized the crucial need for supporting individuals impacted by breast cancer. He also encouraged the adoption of healthy nutritional practices and regular exercise.

The Health Minister encouraged people to visit Health Centres:

Ms. Byron-Nisbett is encouraging every business and organization to sign up and “be certain that the women within your business and organization receive a free breast exam and learn how to perform their own self-exam.”

She marked that, “I would also encourage women to visit their health centres, the ones closest to you, and meet with one of our community nurses who will be able to provide that self-exam and teach you more on how you will be able to perform your own self-exam at home”.

She said, “Her ministry will continue to work closely with the various cancer societies and foundations as they all work together to bring awareness to and support for breast cancer and for women and men who are living with breast cancer”.