NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (October 07, 2021) — The following is an address by Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021.
Since 1985 the month of October has been observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Globally, in 2020 some 2.30 million women were diagnosed with Breast Cancer and approximately 685,000 died. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Here in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, the incidence continues to increase with younger and younger women becoming affected: in 2019 there were 25 new cases and in 2020 there were 16 new cases, ranging in age from 30 to 90 years old. Studies have shown that Breast Cancer can be detected early and treated effectively, and that breast self-examination and mammograms have led to early diagnosis and effective treatment, with early interventions reducing premature deaths. The Ministry of Health and Gender Affairs encourages all women of child-bearing age or who have a family history of Breast Cancer to be screened annually and to check their breast regularly for signs of any changes. This year’s activities include the lighting of the ‘NevisNice’ sign in pink, a podcast on Breast Cancer: Sexuality and Intimacy with special guests Dr. Merisa Grant Tate and Mrs. Camara Lee-Prentice, and a Workplace Lump Detection session with Dr. Essien at selected business places. “It is time to RISE! We rise with the courageous women and men who have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and are fighting this dreaded disease daily,” said Minister Brandy-Williams.