Donation to help fight breast cancer

Fresh concerns over preventable breast cancer deaths among uninsured women in Barbados have sparked renewed calls for early screening, as a local medical volunteer steps forward once again with financial support to assist those most at risk.

Volunteer Dr Dawn Gayapersad said the number of women dying from breast cancer remains troubling, particularly given that early detection can significantly reduce the risk of death.

Speaking at the Barbados Cancer Support Services (BCSS) headquarters at Belleville, St Michael, she explained that her personal donation fund was established after reviewing data from the Barbados National Registry and witnessing firsthand the impact of the disease.

“The fund that I have contributed is personal. It comes from what I have seen in the data on breast cancer deaths among women here and it concerns me deeply because breast cancer deaths are perfectly preventable when detected early,” she said.

“It is my opinion, though I don’t have formal data to prove it, that many of these deaths are coming from women who are uninsured. Women who are insured generally get their testing done, but those who cannot afford it are missing that opportunity. That is what moved me to contribute this fund.”

Dr Gayapersad, who has volunteered with the organisation since 2019, noted that recorded deaths have fluctuated from approximately 64 annually to as many as 100 in 2018.

Stark difference

“One hundred deaths is a lot for a small population like ours. Breast cancer is not just a medical issue, it is deeply personal. It affects a woman’s identity, her family and her relationships.”

She stressed the stark difference early detection can make.

“If breast cancer is detected early, your chance of death is about one per cent. If it is detected late and becomes metastatic, your chance of death rises to 79 per cent. That is a staggering difference. Early detection also reduces the burden on families, employers and the health system.”

Her fund helps cover the cost of mammograms for uninsured women, which average about $90.

“It is very affordable compared to the cost of losing lives. I hope more individuals and organisations will follow and help prevent deaths from breast cancer in Barbados. Women are being diagnosed as young as 35. Tell your sister, your aunt, your grandmother, your mother, get screened early,” she urged.

Executive Director and Founder of BCSS, Janette Lynton, said the organisation is seeing growing demand for its services and expressed gratitude for the support.

“We are very grateful for the funds. This is the second year and it has been tremendously helpful in allowing us to assist ladies who are uninsured and cannot afford early screening,” she said.

Lynton noted that BCSS, now marking 30 years of service, continues to rely heavily on public and corporate contributions.

“Government cannot do this alone. We need corporate Barbados and individuals to come forward and help. Every cent counts,” she said.

She added that breast, colon and prostate cancers are the most common among those seeking assistance.

“We have been running a prostate screening programme for 13 years, offering PSA blood tests every six weeks. It gives men a baseline and encourages early medical follow-up if needed.”

Lynton is encouraging more men to come forward for testing, particularly those aged 35 and over.

“Screening is not something to fear. It takes just minutes and it can save your life,” Lynton said. (TRY)

The post Donation to help fight breast cancer appeared first on nationnews.com.