Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Discussions centred on cervical, and treatment of other, female, cancers at CGCS Symposium
#Bahamas, April 11, 2018 – Nassau -Regional and international health experts met in New Providence over the weekend to discuss a number of major issues relating to women’s health during the Caribbean Gynecological Cancer Society’s (CGCS)Third Annual Symposium. Held at the Warwick Hotel, Paradise Island, the discussions centred on areas such as cervical cancer and recent advances in ovarian and endometrial cancers. Screening for cervical cancer was also “prominent” on the symposium’s agenda.
Addressing the Symposium’s Opening Session, Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Hubert A. Minnis applauded the organizers of the Symposium for “taking this giant step forward in women’s health, and in particular, oncological care, by inviting regional and international experts to our shores to share their experiences with us.”
“Our newly formed Society has an awesome responsibility. Your programme today shows that you are up to the task,” Prime Minister Minnis said.
“You have taken, head-on, the issues of cervical cancer screening, its implementation, unacceptable outcomes, and why we must do better. You have also taken on the cutting-edge technology issues such as hypo-fraction radiation therapy and recent advances in ovarian and endometrial cancers.
“More importantly, you have the support of the entire gynecological cancer community in the region. I look forward to this Gynae-Oncology update and the promise of a healthier future for our women in the Caribbean,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
Prime Minister Minnis said the discussions were “topical” as the burden of cervical cancer is high in The Bahamas with almost one new case being diagnosed per week.
“In The Bahamas, we recognize that our crude incidence rate of new cases of Cancer of the Cervix (24.5/100,000) exceeds that of the rest of the Caribbean average of 23.6/100,000 and is almost twice that of the GLOBOCAN data of 15.1/100,000. At almost one new case per week being diagnosed, cervical cancer ranks as the second-leading cause of female cancer in The Bahamas, and the second-most common female cancer in women aged 15-44 years.
“The burden of cervical cancer is high,” Prime Minister Minnis continued, “(it) represents the third-leading cause of cancer deaths in women and the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in women ages 15-44 years of age. The concomitant physical and mental suffering and the socio-economic impacts are immeasurable. Premature deaths and disability come at huge national costs.”
Prime Minister Minnis also told the health experts that The Bahamas commenced its national HPV Vaccination Programme in 2015, making the vaccine available in the public healthcare system.
Global health experts say the vaccine helps to prevent the human papilloma virus (HPV) types that cause most cervical cancers. Research from Australia indicates a number of successes after a decade of national HPV vaccine administration to its at-risk reproductive age-group.
In the first four-to-five years after the programme started, there was a 77 per cent decrease in the number of 18-24 year old women with HPV (for the HPV types covered by the vaccines.) Pre-Cancerous abnormalities also decreased – by 34 per cent in 20-24 year olds, an indicator that they will be at much lower lifetime risk of ever developing cervical cancer.
“With The Bahamas Expanded Immunization Programme boasting a 100 per cent coverage in our school population, we have the promise of similar reductions in HPV-related disorders as we roll out the HPV vaccines of our reproductive age group at-risk,” Prime Minister Minnis added.
The Caribbean Gynecologic Cancer Society was formed in 2015 by a group of senior regional gynecologic surgeons and gynecologic oncologists, including those from The Bahamas, dedicated to improving the care of regional women with, or at risk of developing, gynecological cancer. The Society was incorporated in 2017.
Bahamian doctors listed among the Society’s Founding Membership include Dr. Raleigh Butler, Dr. Darron Halliday, Dr. Hubert A. Minnis and the late Dr. Bernard J. Nottage.
By: Matt Maura (BIS)
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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