KINGSTON, Jamaica—Assistant Medical Officer of Health for the parish of St Elizabeth Dr Carol Hamilton is renewing the call for Jamaicans to get screened early for cancers, reiterating that early detection saves lives.

Hamilton was speaking at a World Cancer Day event at the Southfield Health Centre in St Elizabeth on February 4.

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4, to raise awareness about the non-communicable disease, which is the second leading cause of death globally. This year’s commemoration focused on the theme, “United by Unique”.

Clients at the health centre were empowered with information about cancer prevention, the different types of cancers, cancer screening guidelines and also received free tests and services.

“…[we had] presentations on prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral health and cancer, nutrition and cancer and physical activity and cancer” Dr Hamilton said.

Some of the clients at the World Cancer Day event, participating in a physical activity session.

Clients received free screenings and services including papsmears, mammogram referrals, dental examinations, prostate specific antigen tests and digital rectal examinations, physical assessment, blood sugar and blood pressure checks.

“Screening is important as early detection definitely saves lives and (persons) need to take advantage of these free screening services that are offered in the public health system. Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among the female and the Human Papilloma Virus is one of the main causes of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines are readily available in our public health system, so for boys, it’s 9 to 14 years of age and for girls 9 to 26 years of age, who can get the vaccine” Dr Hamilton pointed out.

The medical officer noted that it is imperative that individuals start getting screened before having symptoms, adding that cancer outcomes improve when people seek care early.