breast cancer
Awareness

October - The Pink Month

Carol Blair, Administrative Director - Jamaica Cancer Society

October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and during this time, the Jamaica Cancer Society will be raising awareness of breast cancer. Breast cancer is a disease that has no barriers. It affects the rich and the poor and has touched the lives of many people. Therefore, we all have a responsibility to join the fight against breast cancer.

 

The Ministry of Health reported that during 2005 to 2008 there were 994 deaths caused by breast cancer. The Society's goal is to encourage women as early as age 20 to begin a regime of self breast examination. It is recommended that women age 40 and older to do a yearly mammogram while women at higher risk may need to start screening earlier. The best preventative health strategy to reduce risk factors is to avoid weight gain and obesity, exercise regularly, minimize alcohol intake, quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke (SHS).

 

"Think Pink" is our theme for the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We celebrate Pink Day on Friday, October 7. This occasion provides individuals and organizations with the perfect opportunity to show support for breast cancer survivors, raise awareness of the disease and donate funds to support the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society. Please join the fight and wear something pink on Pink Day and wear the symbolic pink ribbon or pink pin during the month of October.

 

The Society will be staging several activities in October, including the 10th Annual "Keeping Abreast" Luncheon on Thursday, October 27 at The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel; the Jamaica Reach to Recovery Breast Cancer 5K Walk on Saturday, October 29 and the St. Ann/St. Mary Branch leg of Relay For Life on Saturday, October 8 at the Turtle River Park, Ocho Rios. Please visit our website at www.jamaicacancersociety.org and view our calendar of activities. There is an event for everyone.

We are very grateful to the media for playing a very vital role in supporting our efforts to increase the awareness of breast cancer. Through their commitment to work with the Society they have facilitated numerous interviews, outside broadcasts and advertising features such as an annual supplement and collaboration with Gleaner On-Line.

We say a big thank you to our many sponsors; Scotiabank for 10 years of partnership in the fight against breast cancer and The Gleaner Company, Sagicor, Yoplait, H.D. Hopwood/Seven Seas, Proven Financials, and American Airlines for aligning their products or services to raise awareness and well needed funds to the support the Society's programmes. Thank you to the many organizations including schools, churches and civic groups for their support.

Help save a life by joining the fight against breast cancer. Think Pink!