Joining the fight AGAINST Breast Cancer

Who says real men don't wear pink? In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, some well-known Jamaican men recently wore their finest pink shirts to work in support of a Jamaica Cancer Society initiative. Today, they tell Outlook why they have joined the fight.

Donovan Perkins
CEO of Sagicor Investments Jamaica Limited

Our Sagicor team is pleased to support efforts to reduce and eliminate breast cancer. Today, we join the Jamaica Cancer Society in its Pink Day focus to increase the level of awareness about breast cancer.

As a man with a wife, a mother, sisters, a daughter, and nieces, I want to, in this small way, help to sensitise everyone about this disease.

There has been a constant focus on breast cancer throughout the year, but October has been chosen as the month to spread knowledge of the severe impact of this disease. Awareness and publicity open the door for survivors to have conversations about the importance of preventive care, doing self-exams and annual mammograms. This is the best way to fight breast cancer.

Every woman needs to have an ongoing plan that will detect the disease in its early stages. Sagicor, as Jamaica's largest health provider, wants to ensure that we do everything to keep Jamaica healthy.

Ronnie Thwaites
Minister of Education

In 1975, because of early examination and diagnosis, I had a breast removed.

I am proud to say that, through early detection and the excellent treatment that I received right here in Jamaica, I am a living testament to the fact that our corrective methods are successful.

If each person plays his or her part, we can significantly reduce the burden of cancer on the people of Jamaica and on our health-care system. By screening and healthy lifestyle practices, each of us can make a difference in the fight against cancer.


Nigel Wilkinson
Managing Director, BACK TO THE BIBLE JAMAICA

The truth of the matter is that while I have not been affected directly by breast cancer through my own family, I have many close friends who have been affected by this disease.

The impact has been very negative all around as I see first-hand the decay on the human body, the emotional pain within the family, and the negative financial impact.

We have no choice - the thing to do is to get educated, get involved, and get screened.


Dennis Harris
Managing director, Courts

Breast cancer is a painful disease that affects everyone. The disease not only drastically changes the lives of the women who have to endure the pain and suffering, but there are devastating effects on the victim's family and friends.

I have lost a loved one (my sister-in-law) to breast cancer, and it was such a sad and difficult time for my family. She died leaving behind a young son and one can only imagine the effect that has on a young child - losing his mother at such a vulnerable stage. She was a fighter, and battled the disease until she passed.

The Jamaica Cancer Society plays a vital role in offering support to those affected by the disease and is instrumental in the fight against breast cancer in Jamaica. I applaud them for their work over the many years, and as a personal supporter of the organisation, I understand first-hand the great work that the organisation does to provide assistance and support to the many women fighting breast cancer.

Jermaine 'Tuffy' Anderson
National Football player

Every one of us has been blessed with a mother. To lose a mother to cancer is a tragedy.

We need to check ourselves and ensure that we are eating the right foods, exercising, and staying positive. Let's do whatever it takes to avoid cancer.

I support this fight against breast cancer because it is the most common cancer among Jamaican women and I want to play my part.


David Hall
EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN at VIP Attractions

There is no one who can say they have not been impacted by cancer. Everyone can tell a story - directly or indirectly. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Jamaican women. Everyone has a mother, daughter, sister, relative, or friend who has been impacted by breast cancer.

One of the greatest successes in addressing this disease is that early detection offers a better chance of survival. I applaud the work of the Jamaica Cancer Society in educating Jamaicans and offering the screening services that allow for early detection.

Let us not forget that men can have breast cancer, too. The loss of mothers or fathers who are the income earners and caregivers can have a huge impact on the family. Let us all play our part in helping to combat this dreaded disease.


Collin Hines
Disc Jockey

It is instinctive that a real man would want the best for the women in his life. The most lethal cancer affecting our Jamaican women is breast cancer. It is scary.

I would like to encourage everyone to join the fight to rid Jamaica of this scourge called cancer. It has to become a part of our everyday conversation; keeping silent about it will not help.

I support the Jamaica Cancer Society and the great job it is doing in educating Jamaicans about lifestyle modifications and the need to get regular screening to reduce the incidence and burden of cancer.

We have to start educating our young girls while they are still in school on how to take care of their bodies and how to properly conduct breast self-examinations, as we know that breast cancer does not discriminate with age.

Lissant Mitchell
CEO, Scotia Investments

Awareness is the first step in standing up to any challenge, and it is even more important in the fight against breast cancer.

Most of us know someone who is a survivor. In sharing their stories, breast cancer survivors become the first line of defence in the fight and we respect their bravery in sharing what must be a painful journey.

Facing cancer today is not about giving in to fear. It is about building our collective knowledge of the disease, living healthy, finding support and treatment, and most important, getting involved and supporting the Jamaica Cancer Society.

In honour of everyone facing breast cancer, I am reminded of the expression, "Cancer is a word, not a sentence".