THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH APPLAUDS NON-GOVERNEMNTAL ORGANISATIONS THAT CONTINUE TO RAISE AWARENESS OF BREAST CANCER.

In a statement released earlier this week pertaining to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs gave insight into his belief that the month is a time to applaud the efforts of so many who have gone before us in raising awareness to promote early detection and prevent deaths.

He said: "Women like Betty Ford, wife of former president Gerald Ford, who was a breast cancer survivor, paved the way for many others, as she used her influence to promote the importance of education and early detection in the fight against breast cancer globally. We especially wish to applaud the efforts of our cancer NGOs, Faces of Cancer, the Saint Lucia Cancer Society and many others as they continue to make strides in educating Saint Lucians and offering breast examinations and free mammograms."

The Hon. Minister proceeded by referring to the bravery of those who had experienced their own cancer battles.

"Breast Cancer Awareness month is also a time to celebrate with our many breast cancer survivors. While it is a solemn time to remember those brave women and men whom we have lost to breast cancer, it is a time when we encourage women and men to take charge of their breast and overall health," he said. "We can fight breast cancer together by raising awareness, educating, and empowering women and men to seek early, preventative healthcare. As a ministry, we aim to ensure that the relevant services for screening, accurate diagnosis and treatment are available, affordable, and accessible to all."

Breast Cancer Awareness month is observed from Oct. 1 to 31, annually.