BE MORE AWARE!

Efforts are on to educate more Barbadian women about Gynaecological Cancers, so that they can show greater vigilance, get regular tests and have access to the best of services, if diagnosed.

Dr. Dorothy Cooke-Johnson, President of the Barbados Cancer Society acknowledged that this year’s Globe-athon event will have a two-fold purpose, of which the educational component will be one aspect. She also noted that an effort will also be made to reach out to all Barbadians, about the need to be aware about Gynae Cancers, which collectively rival breast cancer, as a cause of illness and mortality.

Dr. Cooke-Johnson’s comments came as she spoke at this year’s launch of the Sagicor, Barbados Cancer Society Globe-athon Walk & Run to End Gynaecological Cancers, which was held yesterday at the Gynaecological Cancer and Diagnostic Unit of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH). Globe-athon is an international movement focused on the prevention and early detection of all gynaecological cancers, including uterine, cervical, ovarian, vaginal and vulvar.

Noting that the Globe-athon Initiative in Barbados has now reached its fifth year, Dr. Cooke-Johnson meanwhile noted that funds from the subsequent initiatives, have been used for the establishment of the new and modern Gynaecological Cancer and Diagnostic Unit at the QEH, to reach more women. That initiative was started in 2013 by Dr. Vikash Chatrani, who serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Barbados Cancer Society.

“Subsequent Globe-athons in 2014, 2015, and 2016 have added to the layout, décor and elegance of this suite and added much needed medical equipment in the form of beds, appropriate patient furniture and the necessary technology to support this exceptional service,” Dr. Cooke-Johnson said.

She meanwhile noted that funds from the 2016 Sagicor Globe-athon were used to purchase a new ultrasound unit worth over $55 000 and that was presented to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, during this year’s 2017 Globe-athon Launch.

While grateful for the hard work put in by Dr. Chatrani and his team, Dr. Cooke-Johnson pointed out that “very special appreciation must be expressed to Sagicor General, for their generous and steadfast support over these years”.

Gay Griffith, Vice-President of Sales, Barbados, Sagicor Life Inc. pointed out that while the Globe-athon event has helped to raise over $200 000 to improve gynaecological care in Barbados since its inception, Sagicor is not only happy to help raise the funds, but to also raise awareness.

“We want more Barbadian women to understand the types of cancers which can affect their reproductive organs. We want more Barbadian women to know the signs and most of all, we want more Barbadian women to talk to their doctors,” Griffith remarked.

The Sagicor, Barbados Cancer Society Globe-athon Walk & Run will take place on September 3, from the Bay Street Esplanade at 4:00 p.m.