According to the World Health Organization cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. In spite of the millions of dollars spent and many decades of research, a cure for these life-threatening diseases still eludes us. In the circumstances it is very important that we continue to raise awareness about this dreaded disease, hence the goal of World Cancer Awareness Day. The aim is to promote cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. This year’s theme “Close The Care Gap” speaks to building more equitable access to cancer care for all.

Every single one of us can make a difference and together we can make real progress in reducing the global impact of cancer. It is important to remember that while cancer remains a major cause of death about one-third of common cancers are preventable and treatable. Many cancers exhibit warning signs and symptoms and the benefits of early detection are indisputable.

Knowing the risk factors for the various cancers, especially those that are most prevalent in Dominica, and where to go to for help, can assist in closing the care gap. Our hope is that no one should receive a cancer diagnosis and delay access to much needed care because they do not have the financial means to access treatment. Please come to the Dominica Cancer Society. Let’s assist you and refer you to other agencies that can help in meeting the cost of your treatment.

What can you do?

1. Assist – Join the Dominica Cancer Society’s campaign and lend support to the effort. Apart from your financial assistance, we are always in need of councilors and others willing to visit, pray and provide emotional support for the many who are being diagnosed every year.
2. Be empathetic – If you are a medical care provider be more emphatic; give timely appointments for cancer diagnostic tests, surgery and other treatments; Help reduce the fear and stress of being treated for cancer rather than contribute to the discomfort felt by so many. Play your part in creating an environment in which the gap to receiving timely and adequate care can be significantly reduced.
3. Commit to take action – Take a moment to reflect on the impact of cancer and cancer risk factors as these pertain to you or your family and commit to taking positive action; this may be making healthier lifestyle
   choices including what you eat and drink; scheduling a doctor’s appointment you may have been putting off, having a discussion with relatives and friends about cancer risk factors and encourage screening, early intervention saves lives.

The Dominica Cancer Society calls on everyone, individually and collectively, to commit to strengthen actions aimed at improving access to quality care, including screening, early detection, treatment, and palliative care.

We take the opportunity to thank the many individuals and businesses who support and contribute to our efforts. We can’t do this without you and pray that the Almighty One continues to bless and prosper you.

Thank you again and God bless.