Breast Cancer Month Celebrated in October Belize

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same. On the begin f this month a church service was held in Belize City  Church services were held on October 5th in Belize City at All Saints Anglican Parish Church to open Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  

As part of a full month of activities, this year the Society says it will include awareness activities on Prostate Cancer, a leading cause of death among men.

It is also using the opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles for the general prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Belize, including heart disease, hypertension, stroke and other diseases that have claimed many lives.

The theme of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is “Cancer Control: Not beyond us!”

According to statistics provided by Dr. Hugh Sanchez, Pathologist in the Ministry of Health, 15 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. This number does not include women who were diagnosed in local and international private health systems. The Belize Cancer Society invites women, men, families and the general public to tune in to radio and television shows during the month of October. Health professionals will discuss breast cancer and strategies related to prevention, early detection, and control of breast cancer.

Businesses, schools and other agencies are invited to have a “Pink Day” or “Pink Month” during which pink decorations are displayed. This activity will alert customers to the importance of having their breasts checked by health professionals who can advise them on screening options that can support prevention and early detection of breast cancer. The public is reminded that early detection of breast cancer improves the outcome of cancer treatment and also increases survival rates. Call the Belize Cancer Society for an appointment to discuss breast care issues and to obtain counselling and guidance on cancer care services in Belize. Visit your nearest health center to obtain information and to have an annual physical examination.