St. Vincent and the Grenadines will join countries around the world in commemorating the international World Cancer Day 2017 on Saturday February 4, 2017, under the theme “We can. I can”.
The day is being used to explore how everyone individually and collectively can play his or her part to reduce the burden of cancer.
The primary aim is to save millions of preventable deaths by raising awareness and increasing knowledge about the disease and encouraging governments and individuals across the world to take action.
Currently, 8.2 million people die of cancer worldwide every year, of which 4 million people die prematurely between the age group 30 to 69 years.
Here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, cancer was the leading cause of mortality (death) in 2014. One hundred and sixty eight persons died as a result of malignant neoplasm.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment says Breast cancer was the leading cause of deaths among females, and prostate cancer among males.
The Ministry is reminding persons that cancer prevention is action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances like tobacco smoke, and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing.
