Bahamas News
PAHO calls for expanded access to cancer care
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Americas
February 9, 2022 – On World Cancer Day this February 4, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) calls for an increase in cancer treatment and prevention services to reduce new cases of the disease. If no action is taken, cases could increase by nearly 60% by 2040.
“Close the care gap” is the theme of this year’s World Cancer Day, organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The day is an opportunity to unite people in the fight against the global cancer epidemic.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Americas, after cardiovascular disease. According to estimates by the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan), in 2020, 4 million people were diagnosed with cancer 1.4 million died. If no action is taken, more than 6.2 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer by 2040.
“The pandemic has caused many obstacles, but we cannot go backwards in the fight against cancer,” said PAHO Director Carissa F. Etienne. “Access to health services make it possible to detect cancer early and treat it effectively,” she said.
Globally, non-emergency services, including cancer screening and diagnosis, were severely affected by restrictions and closures, as well as by the diversion of resources to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. This is expected to increase existing inequalities in cancer care.
In the Americas, moreover, significant inequalities in access to cancer care existed before the pandemic, leading to
poor health outcomes. While in North America the survival rate for children with cancer exceeds 80%, in Central America and the Caribbean it is 45%.
These inequities also exist in access to cervical cancer screening, prevention and treatment. Screening coverage for cervical cancer varies from 7% to 89% in the region and mortality rates range from 2 deaths per 100,000 women in Canada to 19 deaths per 100,000 in Paraguay.
Cancer is preventable
Between 30-50% of cancer cases can be prevented through vaccination (against hepatitis B and papillomaviruses) and by reducing the prevalence of known risk factors, such as tobacco use (which causes 25% of cancer deaths), Diets that are deficient in fruits and vegetables and high in red and processed meat; alcohol consumption; physical inactivity; overweight and obesity, and exposure to carcinogens in the workplace are also risk factors.
“Accelerating prevention is key to avoid new cases,” stressed PAHO’s Director of Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, Anselm Hennis. “And for that prevention to be effective it must be based on government-wide approaches, with legislation, regulation and fiscal policies combined with activities to change individual and community behavior,” he added.
PAHO/WHO is promoting three global campaigns in the Americas that seek to address the cancer burden. These initiatives aim to prevent and treat cervical cancer, increase childhood cancer survival, and prevent breast cancer, the most common cancer in women.
Cancer in the Americas – 2020*
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57% of cases and 47% of deaths occurred in people aged 69 years or younger.
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The types of cancer most frequently diagnosed in men are: prostate (28.6%), lung (11.7%), colorectal (10.2%) and bladder (5.9%).
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The most frequently diagnosed cancers in women are: breast (30.7%), lung (10.3%), colorectal (9.6%) and uterine (6.4%).
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The types of cancer with the highest mortality rates in men are: lung (20.6%), prostate (14.5%), colorectal (10.6%), pancreatic (7%) and liver (6.6%).
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The cancers causing the highest number of deaths in women are: lung (18.4%), breast (17.5%), colorectal (10.6%) and pancreatic (7.2%).
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Almost 500,000 new cases of breast cancer and more than 100,000 deaths from breast cancer were registered in the region.
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74,410 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Americas and 37,925 lost their lives.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On, family drama by Gea Pierre, debut this weekend in Turks and Caicos
This is the sixth edition of the relays and the fourth time that The Bahamas has hosted the event, which actually made its debut in The Bahamas in 2014.
President, World Athletics, Sabastian Coe said after three very successful editions from 2014 to 2017, the World Athletics Relays has quickly become one of the World Athletics vibrant competitions, developing a culture of fun and innovation that gives it a unique flavour.
He thanked the Bahamas Government, the local World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 committee and the Bahamian people for agreeing to host the relays. However, his main thanks were to the “world’s best sprinters” travelling from all the continents to compete in preparation for the road to Paris, France, in two months’ time.
During the opening ceremony, the athletes were given words of advice from Carl Lewis, one of only four Olympic athletes to have won nine Olympic gold medals, who is widely recognized as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
He said, “Keep it simple, do not try to do anything extra. Do what your coaches said. Leave on time, leave on time, leave on time.”
The athletes and crowds were treated to the sounds and sights of Junkanoo at the end of the opening ceremony. The Junkanoo performers stuck around for the two days of competitions, playing for the sprinters as they competed on the track.
Teams competed in the Women’s and men’s 4x100m, and the women’s men’s and mixed 4x400m. A total of 14 teams at the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24 automatically qualified for places at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Both days of competition were important, as day two offered another chance for qualifications for those teams unsuccessful on day one.
Bahamians were made proud as the country set a new national record during the mixed 4x400m relays thanks to the efforts of 16-year-old Shania Adderley, a student of Tabernacle Baptist Academy.
The team came first in their heat on Sunday evening after not being able to gain a spot for the Paris Olympics on the first day of competition.
Other sprinters on the team included Alonzo Russell, as well as Olympic champions Steven Gardiner and Shaunae Miller-Uibo.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – During his remarks at the Opening Ceremony for the World Athletics Relays 2024, on May 4, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis welcomed the special guests, athletes, officials, and “all lovers of athletics from around the world” to the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium here in the “vibrant heart” of Nassau, Bahamas.
“This weekend, the world’s finest athletes gather on our shores to embark on a journey that is not only about speed and strength but also about dreams and determination,” Prime Minister Davis said. “From the serene beauty of our islands to the historic grandeur of Paris, this event marks a crucial path to the Olympic Games in Paris 2024.”
He added: “Here in The Bahamas, we are no strangers to world-class athletics or the warmth and exuberance that such international gatherings bring. It is a distinct honor to once again welcome the World Athletics Relays back to our islands. This event holds a special place in our hearts, symbolizing a bridge between nations brought together by the universal language of sport.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that that year’s theme, “Paradise to Paris,” captured the essence of that journey.
“It is here, amidst the splendor of our sun-kissed beaches and the rhythmic sway of our palms that the chase towards Olympic glory begins anew,” he stated. “We are thrilled to offer a backdrop of unparalleled beauty, where every sprint, every baton pass, and every victory lap is set against the picture-perfect canvas of our islands.”
He added: “To our athletes, I say this: as you stand on the precipice of your dreams, ready to catapult yourself into the annals of history, know that you are part of a legacy of excellence and determination. This weekend, you are not only competitors but also ambassadors of your countries and the spirit of sport. We are especially proud of Team Bahamas, who carry the weight of their performance and the hopes and pride of our nation. You embody the spirit of The Bahamian people, and we are behind you every step of the way.”
Prime Minister said that to the international visitors, he extended “the warmest Bahamian welcome”.
“Over the next few days, as you revel in the thrill of competition, take a moment to bask in the beauty of our island,” he stated. “Discover why we proudly say, “It’s Better in The Bahamas.” Whether it’s the hospitality of our people, the tranquility of our waters, or the rhythm of our culture, you are in for an experience that captures the heart and rejuvenates the soul.”
“Let us celebrate the unity and friendship that sports foster, cheering every athlete and savoring the spectacle of human potential at its best,” Prime Minister Davis added. “I hope the races are swift, the results are inspiring, and the memories are lasting.
“Welcome to The Bahamas, the paradise where champions chase their dreams to Paris. As your host, it is my immense pleasure to declare the World Athletics Relays Bahamas 2024 officially open. Let the games begin.”
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