On Saturday 1 October the BVI Cancer Society kicked off its month of activities in support of the globally celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness month.
The theme of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness is “Strong Alone, Unstoppable Together.” Throughout the month’s observance the BVI Cancer Society will be underscoring the message of early detection and diagnosis. The organization believes that this message is valid in the case of all cancers and it should be emphasized continuously.
President Gloria Fahie said that this year she is pleased to see community organizations pledging support and helping with the promotion and awareness of the cause. “Each year we see more and more businesses lending support to the awareness of cancers. Individuals from young to old wear their pink tee-shirts showing support to those affected by the disease. As we prepare for the 2022 observance, I am happy to already see inquiries and indications of the same level of support.”
“Our banking partners are already on board. We are especially proud of the relationship that the BVI Cancer Society has developed with FirstCaribbean International Bank which has become one of the largest corporate cancer awareness champions in the Territory. Mr. Fabian Devonish and his team already kicked off the activities with the car treasure hunt in September and will be hosting the “Walk for a Cure” on 8 October. We are also pleased that the Valley Sound Lions Club is promoting a month of activities on Virgin Gorda, and the BVI Health Services Authority will be hosting a community forum to share medical information on various aspects of cancer – such as symptoms, treatments, and mental effects,” Fahie further stated.
Vice President of BVICS Mervin Hastings said that he is hopeful that the observance throughout October will encourage more residents to check for cancer. “We are hoping that persons will understand that breast cancer is not only a female issue but that males
are affected too. Therefore, we are urging all to look into information relating to breast cancer. The BVI Cancer Society wants persons to take advantage of mammogram and ultrasound options in the Territory. While it is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I would encourage persons to also check on symptoms for any other forms of cancer because we are concerned about all.”
“We cannot emphasize the importance of early detection. The BVI Cancer Society feels strongly about early detection because too many persons in our community are discovering cancer too late. We are hearing too often about stage four diagnosis, and this bothers the members of the BVI Cancer Society. Therefore, I would like to plead with all to learn more about the various forms of cancers, note the symptoms, and check out any noted cases,” Hastings said.
The 2022 Breast Cancer Awareness month of activities include:
• Fundraising Bingo 1 October, Captain Mulligans, Nanny Cay Tortola 6:00 pm
• Church Service 2 October, Tower of Faith Church
• Cancer Awareness Fundraising Drive in front of First Caribbean Bank 7 October
• CIBC Walk For a Cure 8 October
• Cancer Awareness Drive in from of Republic Bank 14 October
• Cancer Awareness Drive in front of Riteway Pasea and OneMart Supermarket (Purcell) 15 October
• Cancer Awareness Drive of Front of National Bank of the Virgin Islands 21 October
• Community Breast Cancer Conversation on 22 October at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Lobby hosted by the Primary Health Department of the BVI Health Services Authority.
• Paint the Town Pink (tee-shirts available at the BVI Cancer Society Office) 28 October
• Tropical Soiree 28 October