ST JAMES, Jamaica — Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis, has described the opening of the National Cancer Care Centre at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) as “a welcome addition to the medical landscape in Western Jamaica”.

In bringing greetings at the function to officially open the facility in the second city last Friday, Davis said the centre brings relief to a number of cancer patients who have been awaiting treatment, or who had to be traveling elsewhere for assistance.

“This centre will bring much relief and assistance to citizens of this region, and in many cases is the answer to ease the plight of a number of our citizens who are fighting this feared disease called cancer,” said Davis.

The centre was constructed at a cost of over $15 million through financial support from the National Health Fund (NHF), and will offer cancer screening to vulnerable men and women.

In highlighting the growing number of lives lost to cancer, Davis said the gift of the centre from the NHF could not have come at a better time.

“Cancer has been claiming the lives of our citizens at a very rapid rate and this centre will definitely play a major role in the screening of patients, aid in early detection, and of course, treatment. I am sure you all will join me in applauding the Ministry of Health, the NHF, and other stakeholders who conceptualised this centre,” Davis noted.

Davis encouraged patients to take advantage of the services being offered at the centre, as early detection is key in the treatment of cancer.