Barbados has witnessed a troubling surge in breast most cancers circumstances, however the silver lining is that early detection is proving to be a lifesaver for a lot of. Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo, the Nationwide Coordinator of the Breast Screening Programme, shared this important data throughout her tackle on the FirstCaribbean (CIBC) Stroll for the Remedy occasion on Sunday, October 1.
The occasion, hosted at CIBC Warrens, noticed hundreds of people from all corners of Barbados coming collectively to point out their help for these battling breast most cancers, pay tribute to those that have handed away, and lift consciousness about this essential subject.
The 5K stroll and run, which started and concluded in Warrens, united the group in a significant approach.
Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo disclosed that the variety of new breast most cancers circumstances has been steadily rising. In 2019, there have been 73 new circumstances, however by 2022, that quantity had risen to 130 – almost double. This interprets to roughly three to 4 new circumstances being identified each week. The encouraging information is that almost all of those circumstances are detected at an early stage, offering sufferers with a five-year survival outlook.
One of many constructive outcomes of occasions like Stroll for the Remedy is the numerous contributions they generate. Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo shared that the donations from this occasion have allowed the one-stop clinic to be geared up with state-of-the-art know-how, placing it on par with medical amenities in first-world international locations. This enchancment in know-how enhances the accessibility of testing and therapy for sufferers.
Dr. Hanoman-Jhagroo went on to emphasise that as a result of availability of testing and therapy, sufferers in Barbados at the moment are dwelling properly past the five-year survival milestone. She identified, “Just lately, we performed a survey on the Most cancers Society and located that amongst sufferers identified with levels zero to 2 5 years in the past, 100% are nonetheless alive and thriving. This underscores the significance of early detection. Till we discover the precise trigger and a whole remedy for breast most cancers, our unwavering dedication stays to save lots of lives by early detection.”
Within the face of rising breast most cancers circumstances, the Barbadian group stands united in its efforts to fight this illness. By way of consciousness campaigns, fundraising occasions, and developments in medical know-how, the folks of Barbados are making strides towards a future the place breast most cancers just isn’t a life-threatening situation, however one that may be managed and defeated by early detection and complete care.