The  Dominica Cancer Society(DCS) held its Annual General Meeting over the weekend.

President of the DCS, Ivonne Alexander reported that despite the pandemic, 2020 was a successful year for the society. Among the  highlights was the establishment of the Northern Cancer Support Group, the launch of the monthly radio programme ‘Surviving Cancer’ which is aired every first Wednesday and the first ever ‘Drive For Cancer Care’ which replaced the annual ‘Walk For Cancer’.

The featured speaker was Clinical Psychologist, Lesley Ann Waldron-Martin who spoke on the topic, “Managing Cancer during a Pandemic”. Martin said that the pandemic swept through all parts of the world causing uncertainty and stress in all demographics, which presented added stress for persons with cancer. This added stress, she said, makes a cancer patient susceptible to anxiety disorders or clinical depression. She suggested that persons must figure out ways to maximize collaboration while minimizing physical contact through having virtual check ins on persons with cancer; calling in to doctor’s appointments as well as having virtual support groups.

Meanwhile, the staff of the Royal Bank of Canada(RBC) presented a cheque of ECD$13,200.30 to the Society. The funds were raised by the staff and they proudly presented it to the Society to assist in their fight against the dreaded disease.

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