Dr. Sherlan Richardson and Mr. Clayton Deane
The Anguilla Cancer Society is emphasizing the need for early treatment of the disease on the basis that if treated on time, patients stand a good chance of overcoming the condition.
This was put forward at a presentation held on Thursday, February 28, at the Church of God (Holiness) on the Queen Elizabeth Avenue at which a large number of persons were in attendance.
“February was National Cancer Prevention Month so we organised a presentation by five speakers,” Mrs. Jennifer Gumbs, President of the Anguilla Cancer Society, told The Anguillian. The speakers were Dr. Rona Hodge on Colon Cancer; Dr. Sherlan Richardson on Prostate Cancer; Dr. Brett Hodge on Cervical Cancer; Mr. Valentino Mucket on the Importance of Exercise; and Dietician Ms. Robertha Campbell who spoke on Nutrition.”
Mrs. Gumbs continued: “The aim of the presentation was to bring awareness and to look at certain cancers that we can prevent or delay. For example, Dr. Rona Hodge and Dr. Brett Hodge spoke about colon and cervical cancers. If you detect them early, or if you get regular checks, you can prevent them. As Dr. Brett Hodge said, the number of cervical cancers we have had in Anguilla, thus far, should never have occurred. This is because the disease is something that can be prevented. It means that if women get their regular pap smears, and all persons also get the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) test, they can beat the disease.
“We also realise that nutrition, as mentioned by the dietician, plays avery important part in preventing cancers. Sometimes we eat things that we should not be eating – like all the processed foods.
“Dr.Sherlan Richardson, who looked at prostate cancer, showed on his slides that many men avoid the test, but said that if they were to get early checks a doctor can actually feel if there is something wrong inside. It means that if there is early detection, and treatment, persons can go on to live a very good life without having prostate cancer or before it gets out of hand. We are appealing to men to get tested. They don’t have to be afraid of going to a doctor. Some of them may not like to go to a male doctor, but they can go to a female doctor just the same.”
Mrs. Gumbs said that this March was Colon Cancer Month adopted by the National Bank of Anguilla. She urged all persons to get tested.
She outlined the role of the Anguilla Cancer Society as follows: to create cancer awareness among the general public by promoting early detection through educational programmes; to encourage and promote healthy lifestyles through diet and exercise; and to provide a network of support to persons affected by cancer.
The President of the Anguilla Cancer Society added: “Our objectives are to promote early detection among ninety per cent of our population; to encourage and promote a healthy life-style among ninety-five [per cent] of our population; and to provide a network of support for eighty-five persons affected by cancer.”
The event was chaired by Mrs. Anita Ruan and included words of encouragement by Clifton James who spoke about the need for cancer patients to have a positive attitude; and songs and other presentations by several persons.
