Cancer everyone business

THE EDITOR: Tomorrow will be the global observance of World Cancer Day which takes place on a yearly basis. The reason behind this day is to raise awareness of cancer universally, highlighting prevention, detection and treatment. I am a bit concerned about the lack of awareness of all living in TT when it comes to cancer. Are you aware that as a nation in the Americas we have one of the highest mortality rates, and cancer is the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean? That is not good news.

Statistics show that between 1995-2009 there were some 29,512 reported cases made to the Dr Elizabeth Quamina Cancer Registry which, in my opinion, is a lot for a small nation like ours. Those figures will give us more than 2,000 reported cases each year. And let us not forget unreported cases. We should also pay attention to the heart-breaking instances of children with cancer.

As citizens we all must realise the seriousness of this, we are all involved and it is everyone’s business. I wonder how many of us have lost a loved one, close friend or even a partner due to this disease.

I would like to thank those who spend tireless hours in doing research to find a cure. I would also like to thank doctors, health-care professionals, Governments, industry partners and the media for their contribution to this great cause. We all have a role to play, and while we may not fall into any of the categories mentioned, a word of comfort and hope to someone going through this type of situation will always be welcome.

I encourage us all, to the best of our ability, to do the necessary checks available. Try to eat healthy, which I know is a challenge in the Caribbean, and finally, believe in God to protect and keep us all.

Arnold Gopeesingh, San Juan