Cancer has no boundaries
THE Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica recently acknowledged the work by the Ministry of health in improving service delivery for cancer patients.
He highlighted this while officiating at the Landmark Lighting ceremony commemorating World Cancer Day which recently took place at the Grand Pacific Hotel (GPH) in Suva.
He said these included renovations and the completion of health centres in the country while also noting the recruitment of more than 300 healthcare workers.
"Cancer as you all know has no boundaries – it remits race, gender, socio-economic status, and geography. However, what we can do to address this first-hand, is having access to timely and quality care," he said.
The GPH lit up in a scene of orange and blue to commemorate this event as a form of support during the worldwide awareness drive.
"That is why early detection is so important because being diagnosed at later stages limits treatment options and often the outcomes are less favourable – a crossroad no family has to brave considering the financial burden that comes with cancer care, forcing families to make impossible choices between healthcare and other necessities."
"However, amidst this darkness, there is hope. Hope hinged on advocacy, innovation, and collective action.
"Everyone present here this evening has the power to close the care gap and ensure that every individual facing cancer receives the care and support they deserve – I see it like teamwork, where the strength of the team is in each member." Mr Kamikamica stressed the importance of prioritising early detection and prevention while encouraging the need for community-based education along with screening programs which is especially needed in underprivileged communities. He added removing financial challenges for these services was of utmost importance.
“This would help reduce cases of having individuals choose between financial stability and their health.
"Secondly, we must strive for fairness in access to treatment – which requires a comprehensive approach that addresses structural inequalities within our healthcare system."
The event was attended by personnel from the Health Ministry and Medical Services along with those who survived cancer.
According to Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.com these are some ways to help reduce the risk of getting cancer.
1. Maintain a healthy diet;
2· Exercise regularly;
3· Live tobacco-free and
4· Reduce alcohol consumption.
To get early diagnosis and treatment to effectively fight cancer, see your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms.
1. A lump in the breast or any part of the body;
2. A sore or pain that doesn't heal;
3. A cough that doesn't go away;
4. A new mole or change (s) in a mole; 5. Changes in your bowel or bladder habits;
6. Unusual discharge or bleeding; 7. Unexplained weight loss or gain.