“Early detection saves lives” was the chant as hundreds took to the streets of Georgetown yesterday to raise awareness about Breast Cancer as part of the activities to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The march, which was organised by the Ministry of Public Health started and culminated at Parade Ground on Middle Street, the Department of Public Information (DPI) reported.
Leading the march was Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, his wife Sita Nagamootoo, First Lady Sandra Granger, Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence and Minister in the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Karen Cummings and several cancer survivors.
Cancer survivor Desiree Edghill said that the walk differed from the others in that it allowed cancer survivors to feel embraced.
“When people see survivors walking I think that gives them some hope that I can fight this and I think what was good about this walk also is that there was a lot of education happening on the way… so I think it is important that we continue to walk and continue to let people know that early detection saves lives” Edghill stated.
Also, a survivor, Lawrence who describes herself as a ‘cancer warrior’ said raising awareness is important since many women experience the symptoms but are afraid to let people know or face the issue head-on.
“When we come out in the public and we show them that even a minister or anyone, it does not matter who you are but you can have cancer and you can be a survivor, you can war against cancer. So, this is to encourage to come out and do their breast checks”, Lawrence stated.
One of the participants, Proverbs Jones came out to lend her support to those battling with cancer. “It is important to show respect to persons battling with breast cancer. I know it is not easy so they need motivation” Jones stated.
