CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

SHINING THE SPOTLIGHT ON CERVICAL CANCER

Each year the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS) earmarks the month of April as Cancer Awareness Month, and during this time the Society seeks to further increase the level of awareness about cancer and the options that exist for early detection as a means of fighting the disease and reducing the national burden. For almost six decades, the JCS has identified breast, cervical, prostate, colon and lung cancer as areas of specific focus, and has been promoting the benefits of self examination, screening and testing as a means of reducing vulnerability to cancer. It is an undeniable fact that early detection of most cancers results in a more favourable outcome for the patient and caregivers.

Of importance too, is the fact that treatment of several recognizable pre-cancerous conditions can prevent cancer. Early detection is particularly important for those persons who because of their genetic predisposition, lifestyle, environment, occupation, or socio-economic status, are at increased risk of cancer. However, fear and lack of awareness often prevail and cancer can be difficult to detect without the benefit of screening interventions.

During this month, the Society will shine the spotlight on cervical cancer which is the leading gynaecological cancer in Jamaica and the second cause of cancer related deaths among Jamaican women. The main risk factors for cervical cancer are the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is responsible for 90% of all cervical cancer cases, smoking and a weakened immune system. Cervical cancer is preventable by doing an annual pap smear test which is a simple procedure that can be done in a doctor’s office, health centre or at the Jamaica Cancer Society. The pap smear remains the gold standard of screening for cervical cancer and can detect any abnormalities of the cervix before it becomes cancerous. In 2016, the Society provided pap smear screening for approximately 9,000 women across the island, this represented a ten percent increase over 2015.

The Society in association with Baptist Health South Florida will host The Dr. Joseph St. Elmo Hall Memorial Lecture on Cervical Cancer, in honour of the late Dr. Joseph St. Elmo Hall on Sunday April 30, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel commencing at 8:30a.m. Guest Speaker for the event is Dr. Troy Gatcliffe , Oncologic Gynecologist and Robotic Surgeon from Miami Cancer Institute, Baptist Health South Florida.