Acting Health Promotions Coordinator in the Ministry of Health, Alison Samuel has said Breast Cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed among women in Dominica and data shows that increasingly younger women are being affected.
She made that statement during the opening ceremony of the Annual Health Fair held at the Dominica State College (DSC) earlier this week.
“Like most cancers, the etiology of Breast Cancer in the majority of diagnosed cases is unknown,” she stated. “And this is especially true to us here in Dominica with our limited research resources. However this increase begs us to develop an understanding of the modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors associated with this cancer and to recognize the need to act now.”
She outlined some of the risk factors include increase in age, a family history or personal history of breast lumps or breast cancer.
Samuel noted that the risk is multiplied when the link is genetic rather that lifestyle-based.
“And off course lifestyle and personal health choices or practise to include diet; physical activity and social habits of smoking and alcohol use,” she stated.
She encourages all women to undergo regular screenings in order to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
“The onus is on all women and especially the youth, to know the signs, get regular screenings and take active steps to reduce the risks … developing screening habits which can assist in identify Breast Cancer early so that effective interventions can result in improved outcome for individuals, families and communities,” Samuel said. “Learn and practise monthly breast self examinations, get your annual clinical breast examinations done, do age appropriate mammograms as directed by your healthcare provider, but most importantly pay attention to your personal health practises.”
She said balance nutrition, increase physical activity, no smoking, as far as possible, and limited alcohol use all serve as a protective shield against non-communicable diseases, such as breast cancer.
These comments on here make it seem as if cancer is for one set. I guess some folks buy it in the store.
My sistahs, please watch your diets!
There is a direct correaltion between the increase in the occurrence of breast cancer in our young women and the arrival of the junk food giants in our country! KFC, Pizza Hut, Perky’s et al are NOT your friends!!
Some of the so-called “local” food joints are not any good either especially if they serve fried foods. Watch out for that nasty oil containing transfats which they use to fry the bakes.
Go easy on the amount of chicken which you consume – they are laden with antibiotics and growth hormones to make them grow big real fast.
Your health is your responsibility – educate yourselves and stay healthy!
There are mothers who encourage their young daughters to use contraceptives. I do not know if it happens in Dominica but it happens overseas. Instead of advising their daughters of the dangers of indulging in sexual activities and at a young age, they encourage them to use them. These mothers are the ones who do not practice morality as some children observe their examples Therefore, they feel they are not in a position to prevent their daughters accordingly.
I am sorry to say, in this country of Canada (no doubt the U.S.and Europe), morality among some and more often than not have gone down the drain. Some agencies as Planned Parenthood encourage teenagers to use contraceptives. Some of them place condoms in an open box near certain establishments where youths frequent. Who should be blamed for that? Use your judgment.
Therefore, if more young women have breast cancer, understand why. It is not always hereditary. Lifestyle habits could be the cause.
Do oral contraceptives increase the risk of breast cancer?
It is surprising for especially young women in D/ca. Lifestyle sexual habits is also a cause of this. In this promiscuous age of sexual revolution, many more young women are using contraceptives of every sort.
As I stated, D/ca has Planned Parenthood that will recommend and also give these women contraceptives. Their medical practitioner probably recommends them. This is a leading cause of breast cancer not only in Dominica. Many woman have died from breast cancer.
I heard about it (contraceptives) on the US Catholic Radio relevant programs. This is my primary source and where I hear the truth of what the authorities may not divulge and/or truthfully. Their people perform this research.
As arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and breast cancer including other illnesses, not everyone will have them but it is wise to get a check-up.
The Internet should have information pertaining to breast cancer and its causes. Perform an extensive research.
Such disturbing news coming from our very own. Sadly, we don’t know where to begin understanding the nature of this disease, and that puts us in a position of doubts and confusion of treatment, and cure. What we must begin to focus on is what are the possible causes in such a small country like Dominica. Are we importing the wrong ingredients for our pleasures? After all, you admitted there is an increase of this disease in our younger women. Well, the time has come for government to study the possibilities of what is in their midst, and to focus on education of the types of cancers that reap havoc at every level. Cancer is universal, and if looking beyond the shores of Dominica, then give that a chance to do so.
Anybody with lumpy breasts should look into supplementing with iodine from j crows, it has to be that particular one.don’t go taking any iodine. Quite often breast cancer is related to thyroid and so are polycystic fibroids. Supplementing with the right iodine can reverse trouble. A natural remedy that no medical doctor will tell you about.
What else would you expect in a place that uses estrogenic herbicides,( Round-up, Gramoxone) and pesticides freely in the environment and on food. Breast cancer is an estrogenic cancer. The cause of estrogenic cancers has been known for the last 20 years. Screenings do nothing to prevent it and the mammogram can actually make matters worse because it adds radiation to the picture as well as traumatizes breast tissue through the squeezing. The tool of choice is thermography. Most women find their own lumps through self examination. not screenings.
DNO seriously, why did you bother post this comment? Wait until cancer hits home, then come again!