Published 5 February 2024
Basseterre
Buckie Got It Media Source
Saint Kitts and Nevis Launches Cancer Awareness Campaign: Prime Minister Urges Prevention and Early Detection
Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, February 5, 2024 (Press Secretary, PMO)ย – In recognition of World Cancer Day on Sunday 4thย February, Prime Minister and Health Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, in a statement, addressed the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis to highlight the significance of the internationally celebrated day and the launch of a week-long series of cancer awareness initiatives in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
World Cancer Day was celebrated under the theme โClose the Care Gapโ. A theme the Minister of Health stated โis a call for the global community and national health authorities like the Ministry of Health to strengthen the health system and improve access to services including cancer screening, early detection, and treatmentโ.
He underscored the Ministry of Health’s commitment to bridging the care gap by prioritizing early intervention and improving access to cancer screening and detection services.
โThe Ministry of Health (MOH) intends to โClose the care gapโ by focusing on increasing access to screening, early detection of cancers, and provision of care at the earliest possible stage to ensure better health outcomesโ he added, โWe are investing in educational initiatives through all media platforms to inform our people about the importance of lifestyle changes and regular screenings, particularly for those cancers that are most prevalent in our Federationโ.
The Prime Minister and Health Minister stated that the theme for the Federationโs national campaign is โFight Cancer Before it Begins,โ and that the emphasized the aim of enhancing the accessibility and affordability of cancer screening, ensuring that every citizen, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, can benefit from it.
Dr. Drew highlighted two key activities in the week-long schedule aimed at educating the public about the various types of cancers affecting residents.
โOur week-long activities also include (1) A panel discussion on the topic, โColon Cancerโ, which will be aired on ZIZโs Health Wise on Monday, February 5, 2024, and (2) the โHope Village Expo,โ a cancer awareness event that will take place on February 9, 2024, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at Independence Squareโ, said Dr. Terrance Drew. ย
During his statement the Prime Minister shared sobering statistics: between 2018 and 2022, stating that 377 new cancer cases were diagnosed in Saint Kitts and Nevis.
โIn St. Kitts & Nevis, the trend is similar, with 377 newly diagnosed cases of cancer reported between 2018 to 2022. The main types of cancer affecting our people are breast, prostate, colon, skin, endometrial, and cervical cancersโ, he added, โCancer is also affecting the Federationโs mortality trend.ย From 2017 to 2021, 19.5% of deaths were attributed to cancers or neoplasms, and many of these cases were detected when their disease had already advanced to Stage II & Stage III levelsโ.
Nevertheless, Prime Minister and Minister of Health the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew informed the public โEarly detection of cancer improves the chances of successful treatment and survivalโ.
โCancer can be prevented. The main modifiable risk factors for cancer are (1) Low intake of fruits and vegetables, (2) Lack of physical activity, (3) Harmful use of alcohol, and (4) Tobacco use. ย Changing these habits may help prevent cancerโ, he stated.
Prime Minister Drew concluded his statement by urging the citizens and residents of the Federation to โcollaborate to promote healthy lifestyle changes to prevent cancersโ by promoting cancer screening and partnering to strengthen the health system to provide comprehensive cancer treatment.
