Dominica Cancer Society joins the rest of the world in observing World Cancer Day 2018 on 4th February

​The Dominica Cancer Society is observing World Cancer Day, this day is observed globally on February 4th each year for the purpose of raising awareness about cancer generally and in particular, to encourage prevention and early detection. The goal of this campaign is to ‘significantly reduce deaths as a result of cancer, by 2020.’ The theme for the past two years has been “We Can, I Can” and remains the same this year.  The Dominica Cancer Society has added “Educate and Advocate for Cancer Care” to this global theme.
 
The World Health Organization confirms that globally about eight million people die from cancer annually and about 50% of such deaths occur in the less developed areas of the world.  Here in Dominica, too many of our nationals are dying from cancer related illnesses in the prime of their lives, some within months of being diagnosed. We can all assist in accomplishing the goal of reducing deaths by cancer by 2020 – two years from now, by being more proactive and taking responsibility for our health.
 
This includes living a healthy lifestyle by partaking of a balanced diet with more fruits and vegetables and less refined and processed foods; engaging in regular physical activity and having annual medical examinations and screening which can assist in early diagnosis and treatment. Studies show a link between cancer and stress, and it is therefore very important to also take care of our emotional well being.
 
Men are encouraged to have their prostate examinations and women their pap smears and self breast examinations, as Prostate and Breast are the most common cancers affecting Dominicans. Early diagnosis and treatment can save your life.
 
The Dominica Cancer Society is concerned that cancer treatment can sometimes cost thousands of dollars and many who are affected do not have health insurance.  The Society is frequently approached to assist individuals to meet the cost of treatment. The assistance which we provide is made possible from contributions received from our many partners, to them we say a profound THANK YOU!
 
As we observe World Cancer Day 2018, we encourage all survivors, family members of those diagnosed and other interested people, who are not yet members of the Dominica Cancer Society to join the Society and add your hands and voices to ensure the continued viability of the organization. We also request the continued support of all through your donations to this very worthy cause.  Your donations can assist in saving lives. In this way, you will also be playing your part towards accomplishing the goal of reducing death as a result of cancer by 2020.