Miss Dominica 2016, Tasia Floissac, in collaboration with Kairi FM, hosted an event dubbed ‘Walk a Mile in My Shoes’, in an effort to raise awareness for prostate cancer.
The event took place on the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard, on Friday evening.
Floissac, who will participate in the Jaycee’s International Queen Show, in July, stated that she was inspired by the association’s goal to raise cancer awareness.
She described the venture as “a step in the right direction,” and highlighted the importance of supporting Dominican males, especially as Fathers’ Day approaches.
“Today we are here to acknowledge that being diagnosed with cancer, treating cancer, or in one way or another being affected by the disease is no walk in the park…,” she explained.“I felt it was a step in the right direction to add my voice to this campaign, and, more specifically to address the prevalence of prostate cancer in our beautiful island, and support our Dominican males—particularly on the heels of Fathers’ Day.”
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system, located beneath the bladder. It makes most of the semen that carries sperm. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause in cancer deaths among men.
Floissac, who lost her father over a decade ago to Meningitis, urged men to take their health seriously, and encouraged others in society to support them in doing so.
President of the Dominica Cancer Society, Diana Gittens, encouraged men to refrain from being complacent with their health.
“Just to be safe, just to ensure that you intervene early and save your life, or at least reduce the impact that cancer may have on your life, it’s always important that you check,” she said.
Gittens insisted that all men—particularly those over the age of forty—get routine prostate exams.
“Don’t only stand there and say ‘I don’t want to be touched. This is going to make me feel violated’,” she urged. “No. Men, I encourage you to have your prostate checked.”
Rectal examination, commonly referred to as a prostate exam, is an internal examination of the rectum performed by a physician or other healthcare professional, to detect abnormalities in the prostate.
The occasion was punctuated by performances, music, and activities for people of all ages.
Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Dominica Cancer Society.
That was such a great event, raising awareness for prostate cancer. Very good gesture. Well done and well thought of Ms Floissac. Blessings. My only observation is that it should be a little longer.
A wonderful initiative Miss Dominica. I wish you all the best in the up coming pageants.
I am a 73 year old grandfather, previously a cancer victim, presently a cancer survivor.
I wish to congratulate and express my appreciation to Miss Dominica 2016 Tasdsia Floissa for her work on behalf of prostrate cancer.
It is certainly uplifting to see a young person giving her time to such a worthy cause. THANK YOU Tassia
It is important to get the information out. Men need to be told HOW to arrange for a prostrate examination. They need to be ENCOURAGED to do so. Tassia, you might be surprised how “chicken” some of us are! The prostrate was not my problem area but I was afraid of the test so I know how men need to be encouraged by kind words and explanations.
Don’t forget the women. They often are afraid to be checked out. It is important to act quickly and begin
treatment early if there is a problem.
God bless you Miss Dominica!
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.