“Early Detection Saves Lives” was the main message emphasized by the Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health as he encouraged members of the public to get screened for cancer at the Eastern Regional Health Authority (ERHA) Breast Cancer Awareness Drive.
Over 300 persons benefited from the outreach programme which was hosted today at the St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church, Sangre Grande.
The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health informed the clients of the Eastern Region that the initiative was about awareness, early detection and it offered hope and good news because cancer if detected early was not a death sentence. The Minister encouraged women to educate themselves and to do their own examinations. He also informed men that it is being recognised that breast cancer is also a man’s issue. “Even though the incidents of men getting breast cancer are much lower, it is still an issue.” …Cancer is not a death sentence, there is still a lot of hope, there is a lot of good news.”
During the outreach programme Minister Deyalsingh was guided by Nurse Suzette Hernandez to perform a breast self-examination. The Minister commended Mr. Ronald Tsoi-a-Fatt, Chief Executive Officer, of the Eastern Regional Health Authority’s team and all health care workers for their excellent work.
Mr. Ronald Tsoi-a-Fatt, Chief Executive Officer in his short address welcomed all the clients and briefly outlined some of the initiatives of the ERHA to increase awareness on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). He also listed the services offered at the Awareness Drive which included Cancer Screening, Blood Sugar Testing, Blood Pressure Testing, BMI; Breast Examination; Lectures, Consultations; Scheduled referrals for Mammogram and breast ultrasound; Food demonstrations and Flu Vaccines.
Also addressing the clients were Dr. Priya Gopie, Head of Department of Haemalogy and Oncology and Dr. Allana Best, County Medical Officer of Health, St. Andrew/St. David.
The ERHA’s Breast Cancer Awareness Drive continues on January 16, 2020 at the Rio Claro Car Park, High Street, Rio Claro from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.
The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health encourages members of the public to get screened for cancer
District Health Visitor Jennifer St. Clair administers a flu vaccine to a client
The Honourable Terrence Deyalsingh, Minister of Health is guided by Nurse Suzette Fernandez to perform a Breast Self-Examination