Director of Surveillance, Disease Prevention and Control at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Joy St. John, says cancer cases in the region are on the rise and are affecting younger people.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the region. Breast cancer is the main cause of death among females, followed by cervical cancer, while among males, the majority of cancer deaths are due to prostate and lung cancer. Colon and rectum cancer is the third leading cause of death in the region.
Dr. St. John said “The large number of deaths from breast and cervical cancer in the Caribbean is very alarming, since cervical cancer is largely preventable, and breast cancer can be detected early and treated successfully”.
She said “Participation in screening programs is strongly encouraged for the prevention of cervical cancer and early detection of breast, colon and rectum cancers.”
