advocates early detection
On Wednesday October 3, 2001, the Jamaica Cancer Society and Jamaica Reach to Recovery announced activities planned for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, the society hosts a number of seminars and fundraisers, as part of its effort to increase awareness of breast cancer and promote early detection of the disease. The month was launched with a church service at Stella Maris last Sunday (September 30).
Chairman of the Jamaica Cancer Society, Earl Jarrett, said that breast cancer is not a death sentence, as with early detection many lives can be saved, therefore, this month is dedicated to encouraging more women to be screened. He reported that, currently only four per cent of Jamaican women are screened for breast cancer worldwide. Although more Jamaican women are being diagnosed with the disease, Cancer statistics (Kingston & St Andrew) reveal that less than 5,000 women were screened for the disease last year (2000).
This Thursday at 5:00 pm, a speakers’ forum will be held at the Mandeville Hotel in Manchester. A panel comprising Dr Peter Wellington, Dr Wendell Guthrey, Hyacinth Franklin of Jamaica Reach to Recovery and Radiographer, Yvonne Watson will address issues regarding breast cancer at the forum. Lady Cooke will also be paid a courtesy call at 11:00 am on the same day at Kings House, when she will receive her pink ribbon that is symbolic of the month.
On October 18, Go-Jamaica will host an Internet chat for persons seeking information and advice on the topic, which will be dealt with by a panel from the Jamaica Cancer Society. The Society will also carry out regular screenings and mobile unit will be operating in the downtown area. The following day, a collection drive will be conducted by various corporate citizens at major traffic lights in Half-Way-Tree, Manor Park and Liguanea.
The Denise Thwaites Memorial 5k Walk/Run for life, which will begin at the National Stadium Pool, will take place on October 21 at 6:30 am. Denise Thwaites was the founder of Jamaica Reach to Recovery.
The Jamaica Reach to Recovery Luncheon will be held at the Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus on Thursday October 25 at 12:30 pm. Guest Speaker for the luncheon will be the immediate past president of the American Cancer Society, Dr John Kelly. With an outstanding track record in team management and team building, he has been director of the Navy Regional Family Service Centre since 1983 and president of Resources Management since 1980.
The final activity for the month will be the annual Sunday Brunch to be hosted by Jamaica Reach to Recovery & Friends, at 35 Burlington Avenue on Sunday, October 28, which begins at 10:00 am.
