Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 20th , 2020 (ZIZ News):
By: Chaïra Flanders
Minister of Health, Hon. Akilah Byron Nisbett is pleading with men and women across the federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to schedule regular clinical breast exams and mammograms as well as practice monthly self-breast exams in efforts to detect breast cancer in its early stages.
Minister Byron Nisbett was at the time delivering a presentation in the National Assembly, highlighting the importance of early detection through screening and effective treatment options.
The Health Minister noted that globally, there are about 1.38 million new cases of breast cancer each year and four hundred and fifty-eight thousand deaths.
She used the opportunity to share statistics that represent the number of new breast cancer cases in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“Here in St. Kitts and Nevis, our statistics tell us that we have been seeing 179 new cases of breast cancer within the last 10 years. The incidences continue to increase. The age group most affected are persons between 50-59 years who make up about 31.4%”, she noted.
She added that there have been more than 80 breast cancer related deaths between 2008 and 2017.
“There have been 84 deaths due to breast cancer between the years 2008-2017 and breast cancer has the highest incidence of all cancer in women in the past 10 years at about 35.4%. It should also be noted that 41 cases that is 26.4% of the total cases registered in the Oncology Unit at the JN France Hospital have been due to breast cancer”, she explained.
The Health Minister said her Ministry will continue to push for early detection because it helps to save lives.
Earlier this month, the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Well Point Medical & Oncology as well as the St. Kitts Nevis Cancer Society launched a “Meet The Girls” campaign in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness month which is observed annually in October.
The “Meet The Girls” Campaign conducted by Oncologist, Dr. Merisa Grant Tate is an initiative where breast examinations are given to employees and staff based on appointment.
To schedule an appointment for your business/organization you can contact the Ministry of Health’s Promotion Unit at 467-1236 or email skhealthpromotionunit@gov.kn.