Breast cancer kills as many people as road crashes

Leesa Kow, deputy managing director, JN Bank, has said that there is greater need for national participation by citizens in the fight against breast cancer, given its impact on the country's human resources, particularly women.

Quoting statistics from the Pan-American Health Organization, Kow said  approximately 300 women in Jamaica die annually from the disease.

"That is equal to the number of males and females who die on our roads each year," Kow declared.

She made the plea during JN Bank's recent #PowerofPinkSolidarity Day Candle-Lighting Ceremony and Concert, which was held at the company's chief office in Half-Way Tree, St Andrew, recently.

In stating her point, Kow, who has lost loved ones to the disease, underscored that all Jamaicans, and particularly women, can reduce deaths from breast cancer by taking screening more seriously so that lumps and other symptoms can be detected early.

"As a country, we are currently screening below 10 per cent of our eligible population," she highlighted.

"The number being screened is far too low; as, until there is a cure for breast cancer, early-detection practices, such as mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams, remain some of the most important ways to identify the disease early and increase survival rates," she informed.

MORE VOLUNTEERS

Kow called for more persons to volunteer their time and effort to fight breast cancer.

"We encourage everyone gathered here this evening to become more involved," she declared. "Volunteer your services to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS); and help them spread the word about early detection. And, most importantly, donate to the cause to fight breast cancer and in honour of those we have lost."

She pointed out that "the Power of Pink is about these simple actions; and, if we take them more seriously, we can save the lives of more Jamaican women".

#PowerofPink, which launched on October 1, was developed by JN Bank to support the cause of the JCS and Reach for Recovery, by promoting positive behaviour and responsibility towards early cancer detection.

Throughout the month of October, staff members of JN Bank, supported by employees in the wider Jamaica National Group, focus on rallying support for persons afflicted with breast cancer; and raising funds to assist with their critical treatment.