Statement
Statement By The Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley
Minister For Health And Social Development
At The Twentieth Sitting Of The First Session Of The Fifth
House Of Assembly Of The Virgin Islands
Friday 18th October 2024
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Madam Speaker, I rise today to join the global observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most prevalent cancers predominately affecting women. As we acknowledge this month, I am reminded of the World Health Organisation’s call to action, emphasising the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and providing unwavering support to those diagnosed with breast cancer.
This year’s theme, “No one should face breast cancer alone,” encapsulates the spirit of community and solidarity that is vital in the fight against this disease. Globally, breast cancer continues to be a significant health concern, with 2.3 million new cases each year, representing one in eight cancer cases across both sexes, and one-quarter of all cancers in women. Here in the Virgin Islands, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, making our collective response to it even more critical.
Madam Speaker, early detection saves lives. When breast cancer is caught early, treatment is less invasive, less complex, and less costly, and the outcomes are invariably better. This is why the Virgin Islands is aligned with the World Health Organisation’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative, focusing on three key pillars:
- increasing awareness for early detection,
- ensuring timely diagnosis, and
- providing comprehensive breast cancer management.
Throughout this month, the Ministry of Health and Social Development has partnered with stakeholders, including the BVI Health Services Authority, private health providers like Eureka Medical Clinic, Bougainvillea Clinic (Private Hospital), B&F Medical Clinic, Diamond Everest Health Centre, the Cancer Society, and Breast Friends, among others, to promote breast health awareness and provide access to free screenings and mammograms. These initiatives ensure that our community, particularly women, has the support and resources needed to prioritise their health.
The Cancer Society’s advocacy and promotional activities during the month of October include a fundraising Bingo, church service, multiple cancer awareness community drives, CIBC Walk for a Cure, Cancer Awareness Conversation with the BVIHSA, WINBVI and Mrs. BVI Tropical Soiree and Paint the Town Pink. These activities all bring much-needed attention and advocacy to the issue of cancer in the Territory.
The Breast Friends group, which has been raising funds for breast cancer annually, will host their annual breast cancer promotion on the 9th of November with the proceeds used to promote breast health awareness year-round. In addition, the BVI Health Services Authority will launch its Triple Assessment Clinics on the 5th of November, further strengthening our capacity for early diagnosis. For the month of November, referrals will be accepted from 8:30am to 12:30pm every Tuesday and then every 2nd Tuesday after that. This clinic will offer patients the convenience of having all necessary diagnostic services—imaging, biopsies, and specialist consultations—available in one visit, helping to reduce delays and improve treatment outcomes.
Madam Speaker, it is also important that we continue to educate women about the importance of breast self-examination. I encourage all women to become familiar with how to conduct these exams, as they are a critical tool in identifying potential issues early. I also urge post-menopausal women to maintain a routine of monthly self-examinations and to seek the guidance of healthcare professionals if needed. Women should also support each other. Support your sisters and friends to encourage each other to learn the basics for breast self-examination and commit to annual screenings. No one should face breast cancer alone.
At my recent visit to the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) Directing Council, many important connections were made, and my team and I were able to hear about many of the World Health Organisation’s initiatives related to cancer, specifically Breast and Cervical Cancer. During the course of next year, my Ministry will be moving forward with the support of PAHO to improve action in these two areas. We expect, under the guidance of the Chief Medical Officer in Cervical Cancer Prevention, to introduce H.P.V. screenings as a primary Cervical Cancer screening tool for women over the age of 30. While some providers locally may be adopting this approach, we hope to make this a uniform standard of practice across the Territory going forward.
As we reflect on the work being done, I would like to extend my gratitude to the many organisations, advocates, and healthcare providers who are working tirelessly to bring attention to breast cancer and provide support for those affected. It is through their dedication that we can make progress in reducing the impact of this disease on our community.
Madam Speaker, let us continue to stand together in the fight against breast cancer, ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.
Madam Speaker, I thank you.
