TCI: World Cancer Day

#TurksandCaicos, February 5, 2018 – Providenciales – The Ministry of Health, Agriculture and Human Services in collaboration with the Cancer Foundation and the Cancer Society observes World Cancer Day.  World Cancer Day is observed globally every year on the 4th of February.  This is a day when the entire world can unite in the fight against cancer.  The day aims to save millions of lives attributed to preventable deaths worldwide through awareness initiatives and programs. The theme for World Cancer Day is “We can, I can”.  It moves us to the understanding that everyone – as a collective or individually, can do their part to reduce the burden of cancer.

“Cancer affects people in different ways but we all have the power to make various changes to reduce the impact on ourselves as individuals, our families and our communities,” stated Mrs. Robinson, Director of the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit.  Observing World Cancer Day presents another avenue to inform, educate and make persons more aware of the risk factors for cancer such as tobacco use, being overweight or obese, low fruit or vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, alcohol use, sexual transmission such as HPV-infection.

The Hon. Edwin Astwood Minister of Health, Agriculture and Human Services encourages persons to get screened early.  “I would like to focus on the importance of persons making it a habit to go for regular screening for breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers.  There is good evidence that these cancers with early detection and treatment will be able to save lives, when there is detection and treatment in the early stages, there are better outcomes,” stated Hon Astwood.

There has been an alarming increase in the diagnosis of cancer within our country and the risk factors must be addressed at the national and local level.  With physical inactivity and nutrition being two of the risk factors that we seek to address, we invite you to join us this February 3rd at the Ministry of Health Office, Grand Turk at 6am where we will commence a walk for Cancer.

Following the walk there will be an information booth outside of the office where persons can seek information on various forms of cancer.  There will also be a health screening booth and a Soca aerobics session and a bouncing castle for young children.

A nutritious breakfast will be served showing various ways one can eat healthy and economically.

On Monday February 5th a Health Screening and Information booth will be located at the front of Town Centre Mall from 8am- 12noon on Providenciales.  Join us as we fight back to reduce the incidence of cancer in our country.

Steps that the Ministry of Health has taken to address cancer in the TCI includes the following;

1. Development and implementation of a Non-communicable disease action plan;
2. Promoting healthy lifestyles through various media and activities to educate the general public about steps they can take to live healthier lives;
3. Development of National Cancer Screening Guidelines;
4. Developed the Tobacco Control Bill which was approved in 2016;
5. Developed a Nutrition Policy which will address risk factors associated with diet;
6. Recent Assessment by Oncologist Dr. Sardi to inform strategies.

For more information, please contact the Health Promotion and Advocacy Unit on 3382272.

Press Release: TCIG