Breast Cancer Awareness Month President’s Message

#TurksandCaicos, October 7, 2021 – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is a worldwide annual campaign to increase awareness and to promote regular screening and early detection of breast cancer. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams and scheduling regular breast mammograms.

Breast Cancer is a scary thought and too many women don’t think that it will happen to them. The fact is that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime; men can also develop breast cancer, although this is rare.

Currently in the TCI, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer.  Statistics show that from January to December 2020, the total number of registered breast cancer cases in the country was 127.  Total deaths recorded in 2020 were 2.

Statistics also show that from January to September 2021 the total number of registered breast cancer cases are 140 patients, an increase of 13 cases so far compared to 2020.  This number includes male and female; there are 137 female patients and 3 male patients. Total deaths recorded at this time is only 1.

The National Cancer Society theme for this years’ Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Your Fight Is Our Fight.”

We know that hearing the words “you have cancer” can be terrifying and frightening. Just know that you can reach out to us and along with your family, we will offer you the support and inspiration you will need to help you get through your cancer journey.

For 17 years, the NCS has been assisting cancer patients, their families and our survivors with financial, spiritual, practical, physical and emotional support through our free cancer services. We support individuals with breast cancer and every other type of cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Cancer Society had to cancel our usual fundraising events from last year up to now. As a Non-Profit Organization, we are totally dependent on funding from our various scheduled events throughout the year and rely on the goodwill and generosity of private corporations, businesses, financially abled persons and the general public to keep us afloat.

With patients’ numbers going up each year we are truly grateful for the support we get. We hope that those who are able to help, can donate to the NCS so that we can continue to assist persons who need us most. Thank you to ALL who continuously support us and our mission.

May God bless you all, especially our Cancer Patients, Survivors and their families.  We continue to pray for the families who have lost loved ones to this disease.

Veronica Rigby

President

National Cancer Society TCI