Kelly WilliamsTHE Jamaica Cancer Society and Reach To Recovery staged a successful 'Keeping Abreast' luncheon at the Le Meridien Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The luncheon took place last Wednesday and a dynamic author/journalist, Kelly Williams, was the guest speaker.
Ms. Williams' very thought-provoking speech stressed the importance of early detection and noted the lack of Government funds to assist less fortunate women with treatment. She noted that women were afraid of the "what ifs" and breast cancer treatment was expensive and inaccessible to most women.
"Many women are bearing the problem alone and in silence, there's a need for moral and financial support for this cancer, which is the most common one affecting Jamaican women, Ms. Williams said.
She said that the problem had to be addressed with public and private funding and congratulated the Scotiabank Trust for the presentations of a mobile mammography machine.
"The dilemma facing health authorities is two-fold. Many cases of breast cancer are being detected at an advanced stage because a lot of women are not performing self examinations or having regular mammograms and many who are diagnosed cannot afford the necessary treatment," Ms. Williams said.
One of the highlights of the luncheon was the reading of a detailed letter sent by breast cancer survivor, Donna Carol, to her daughters following her ordeal. Mrs. Carol's sister shared the reading of the letter with her and it had everyone's attention.
The Jamaica Cancer Society/Reach To Recovery celebrated the gift of a mobile mammography machine that was a gift from Scotiabank Trust. And MEDI-GRACE Ltd., presented the Cancer Society with a cheque towards the upkeep of the unit.
Island Life insurance representatives were on hand to disseminate information about their new cancer plan plus insurance policy which provides free mammograms every two years for policyholders.
Dr. Gail Scott introduced her new publication Lifespring produced monthly since August. The theme for each month is different and in November the focus will be on prostate cancer. Readers may find out more via e-mail at: lifespring@cwjamaica.com.
The Jamaica Cancer Society's newsletter, Cansurvive was also distributed to members of the media who were present at the luncheon. Cansurvive is packed with medical information, helpful advice, the activities for the year that are being put on by the society and more.
