THE theme for Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Develop a Healthy Habit Today... Make Screening a Habit for Life. This is of particular significance as breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Jamaican women. The disease can be treated effectively if detected early.

Breast cancer accounts for 29.4 per cent of all cancers in Jamaica with an incidence rate of 43.1 per 100,000 women, that is, for every 100,000 women in Jamaica, 43 new cases are diagnosed annually. For every 21 women in Jamaica, one will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

It is important to note that breast cancer is the number one cancer among young women. In the 25-59 age group, breast cancer is the leading cancer and accounts for 36.9 per cent of all cancers. The Jamaica Cancer Society continues to encourage all women and men to do monthly breast self-examinations, to visit their doctors, and do annual clinical examinations, as well as for all women aged 40 and older to do an annual mammogram.

Look out for:

Tuesday, October 9

Survivor Makeovers

Leon's School of Beauty Culture & Dornid's School of Beauty

Friday, October 19

World Mammography Day

Sunday, October 21

Breast Cancer Medical Symposium

The Knutsford Court Hotel

8:00 am-1:30 pm

Thursday, October 25

Keeping Abreast Luncheon

The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel

12:30 pm-2:30 pm

Saturday, October 27

Jamaica Reach to Recovery

Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk

Stadium East Field

6:00 am