GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever supports the October month of Breast Cancer Awareness activities that have been organized by various organizations and entities.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs mainly in women, but men can get it too.
In the Americas, more than 320,000 women were diagnosed and 82,500 women died from breast cancer, in 2008. By 2030, the number of women newly diagnosed with breast cancer is projected to increase 60 per cent in the Americas, if current trends continue.
"The interest is very high. The turnout has even been higher. Breast cancer touches everybody. It could be your wife, mother, sister, cousin, grandmother, aunt, a friend, or brother, uncle or grandfather.
"Yes, breast cancer not only impacts females but males as well. Breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean ranks as the first cancer type both in terms of new cases and deaths.
"Earlier diagnosis coupled with advances in treatment has led to better outcomes and longer survival for women with breast cancer.
"During this period we also remember the victims who have succumbed to this disease and to the current victims who are struggling to overcome this disease, and to the family members and friends who must cope with the loss of someone close or somebody currently living with cancer.
"As part of my 'Get Checked' campaign, I call on the nation's women and men to visit their general practitioners for early and effective screening as early detection/diagnosis and treatment saves lives.
"Breast cancer in men is less common because their breast duct cells are less developed than those of women and because they normally have lower levels of female hormones that affect the growth of breast cells, however it is possible that men can also get this disease.
"The nation can be inspired by the cancer survivors who are with us today, because they were able to overcome this disease. Every cancer survivor is a champion in the eyes of our nation," Minister of Public Health Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday.
