On Sunday 9 th September, 2018, the Anguilla Cancer Society fellowshipped with Pastor Gareth Hodge and members of the Hilltop Baptist Church to mark Prostate and Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. The Prostate Cancer Awareness Message prepared by Honourable Evan McNeil Rogers was read during the service by Ms. Aretha Morgan.
President of the Anguilla Cancer Society, Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs, stressed on the importance of men 40 years and above getting their prostate checks annually: the Digital Rectal Exams and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA). Prostate cancer is the leading cancer affecting men in Anguilla and the Caribbean region; however, early detection can save lives. Mr. George Kentish and Mr. John C. Lake shared their personal battle with prostate cancer and how they were able to successfully win the battle. They both reiterated the importance of early detection and noted that men do not have to die prematurely from the disease.
Mrs. Ethne Richardson, on the other hand, shared her battle with ovarian cancer. She stated that ovarian cancer is very serious and may often be misdiagnosed because the early symptoms are vague and may be similar to those of other illnesses such as blotting and fatigue.
Two members of the Anguilla Cancer Society, Ms. Alice Warrington and Mrs. Angela Mitchell, were applauded for their outstanding contribution to the work of the Society. The Anguilla Cancer Society is a nonprofit organisation that seeks to acquire funds to assist vulnerable persons -who have been diagnosed with cancer financially, emotionally and spiritually. During the church service an appeal was made to support the Society as it endeavours to save lives through cancer awareness and early detection.
The other activities for September, 2018 are: Prostate Cancer Radio Panel Discussion on Saturday 15th September, 2018 from 8.30 am to 9.30 am on the Social Solution Programme on Radio Anguilla. The panel includes prostate cancer survivors who will share their stories – along with Surgeon Dr. Dr. Rakovets of the Health Authority of Anguill. On Thursday 20th September, 2018 starting at the St. Mary’s Anglican Church Gazebo, The Valley, at 4.30 pm, is the Prostate Cancer Walk sponsored by the Anguilla Electricity Company (ANGLEC). The route: from the Gabezo to the Corito Power Station and back to the Gabezo, in The Valley. On Friday 28 th September, 2018, the Caribbean Wellness Day Committee will be having its Big Annual Health Fair, sponsored by MASA, at the St. Mary’s Church Ground and Ruthwill Ground from 10 am to 3.00 pm. Among the free health checks will be the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) for men. Men Don’t Procrastinate, Check your Prostate! See you there and don’t be late.
Just a reminder to all the Anguilla Cancer Society supporters: Coming up in the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The society encourages everyone to come on board and join the fight against Cancer!
