By:
Regina Selman-Moore
The level of awareness about breast cancer has risen over the years, following the introduction of the Breast Screening Programme of the Barbados Cancer Society, leading to fewer deaths from the disease.
Medical Coordinator of the Breast Screening Programme (BSP) of the Barbados Cancer Society, Dr. Shirley Hanoman-Jhagroo has noted that the BSP, created in 2002, is dedicated to the prevention of premature deaths from breast cancer by early detection, which includes education on breast self-examination and screenings via mammograms.
“With improved awareness, we have people coming forward for their checks and then they are diagnosed early. With early diagnosis, lives are saved,” Hanoman-Jhagroo said as she spoke of activities to take place during October, also referred to as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“What used to happen, there were referrals from doctors and different health personnel. Within recent years (however), particularly the last two years, patients are self-referred. We have moved from something like 10% to12%, to about 40% of our patients that come to the breast screening programme and who are self-referred,” she continued.
Hanoman-Jhagroo also noted that through the screening process, the more persons diagnosed early, the faster they have can be treated and this aids in reducing deaths. And whilst the incidence of breast cancer has risen, the mortality rate has remained constant, between 9% to 11%.
“Last year for instance, we had 59 new cases just in from the Breast Screening Programme. This is not the Barbados total, this is just our Breast Screening Programme. In 2010 we had just ten (cases), so you can see the difference. So we appreciate corporate Barbados and all the people who have joined with us, to bring the awareness to where it is,” she stated, adding that Barbados is now being rated as having one of the best breast cancer clinics and a high level of awareness concerning breast cancer in the English-speaking Caribbean. (RSM)
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