New Cancer Society board

Dr George Laquis has been re-appointed chairman of the TT Cancer Society (TTCS) for 2018 while Dr Asante Le Blanc has been appointed first vice-chairman.

The new board was appointed during the TTCS’ 45th annual general meeting (AGM), held last Wednesday.

Although Laquis has committed to continue serving as chairman for another year, the TTCS said “this will be a year of transition for him (and) Laquis is committed to taking the TTCS to another level in the area of screening for early detection.”

Meanwhile Le Blanc, who TTCS said served as its “medical face and voice” last year, outlined some of the society’s successes last year during her presentation at the AGM.

These include relocation of the clinic from 62 Rosalino Street, Port of Spain to it’s new but temporary clinic facilities on 69 Dundonald Street and the introduction of a new way to test for colon cancer through the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) – soon to be launched to the public at the Society.

The first vice-chairman also mentioned the launch of the national education campaign, I Care Because Cancer Doesn’t, in collaboration with Republic Bank Ltd (RBL), targeting young people and students throughout TT.

In the last year, TTCS has also added a new digital mammogram machine, sponsored by Phoenix Park Gas Processors Limited and RBL.

Le Blanc lamented however that the TTCS faces challenges related to its not having received a government subvention in the last two years.