Chairman of the Jamaica Cancer Society Earl Jarrett shows Mary Dawes, president of the National Association of Hairdressers and Cosmetologists, posters which will be placed in hair salons as part of the society's efforts to raise breast cancer awareness. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer HAIRDRESSING PARLOURS will be targeted during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of breast cancer and on early detection.
Chairman of the Jamaica Cancer Society Earl Jarrett said the venues, because of their popularity, will be used to distribute posters and brochures, giving the public all the available information about breast cancer.
The aim, he said, is to use public education to reduce statistics found in a recent survey, which showed that more than 60 per cent of persons do not know or do not think they are at risk for breast and other forms of cancer.
The survey, conducted by Market Research Services Limited on behalf of the Jamaica Cancer Society, showed that 57 per cent of those interviewed did not see themselves at risk while five per cent said they did not know their risk status.
PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS
The knowledge deficit comes in spite of public education campaigns which urged the importance of early detection and Jamaica Cancer Registry statistics which show that prostate and breast are the cancers that affect most people. Data also indicate that breast cancer is highest in the 55 to 64 age group but is also showing up in women in their early twenties.
The market research survey showed that while persons were aware of various forms of cancer, pap smears and the importance of proper diet in protecting the body, there are large pockets which are showing that many persons do not understand the importance of detecting cancer early and that more are unsure or do not know about the mammogram - a cancer detection tool. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast using low-dose radiation to detect abnormalities in breast tissue.
At yesterday's launch, officials revealed that 14 per cent of survey participants said it made no difference at what stage cancer is discovered and three per cent said it did not matter if cancer is discovered in early stages.
This year, cellular telephone provider Digicel Jamaica, Bank of Nova Scotia and gospel artiste and cancer survivor Carlene Davis are planning to raise funds for the Cancer Society.
FREE CONCERT
Ms. Davis held a free concert at Emancipation Park in New Kingston yesterday to promote her new Album, "The Author and the Finisher." A half of the proceeds from the album will go to the Jamaica Cancer Society, the singer has promised.
Other activities scheduled for the month include the annual Reach to Recovery 5k Walk/Run at the National Stadium, a church service on October 5 at the Saxethorpe Methodist Church, 143 Constant Spring Road; an Avon Survivors' make-over on October 7 and 8 at the HEART school of cosmetology and a web chat on cancer via The Gleaner's go-jamaica website on October 16. October 17 is also World Mammography Day. On October 30, the annual Keeping Abreast luncheon will be held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. The speaker will be Jamaican born Marcia Steele, a cancer survivor and one of the top growth strategy and management consultants in the US.
