Negril, Westmoreland — Beaches Negril’s female employees recently got free breast exams and lessons in self breast examination as the resort observed breast cancer awareness month. The employees also attended a seminar on the importance of early cancer detection.

Dr Witold Radomski of the Negril Minor Emergency Clinic conducted the tests and the lecture, during which he stressed the importance of recognising and understanding the disease.

“Pain in the breast is a common complaint but that is not a symptom,” he explained. “Breast cancer normally starts with a painless lump which, when discovered, should be immediately referred to a doctor who will decide whether it is cancerous or non-cancerous.”

The medical practitioner also spoke of the importance of monthly self-examinations, seven days after menstruation, for women over 20 years-old.

“Women over 40 should have yearly mammograms,” Dr Radomski urged, adding that women should also appraise themselves of their family history, as the disease tends to be hereditary.

And the popular slogan, ‘the breast is best’ got another boost, as Dr Radomski disclosed that mothers who breast-feed were less likely to come down with cancer of the breast.

The day’s events were well received and according to the resort’s acting public relations assistant, Aretha Ferrier, events like these serve to motivate the staff.

She added that another seminar is planned for November. This one will be geared towards the males, as it will focus on prostate cancer, which is prevalent in black males.

November is also women’s month and Beaches Negril will be offering a self-defence course for female employees.

“This is just in addition to the drug awareness and family planning seminars that were held recently,” Ferrier said.