THERE’S an old adage that, when paraphrased, says that people never comprehend the full magnitude of a problem until it either knocks on their door or hits them in the face. One such problem is cancer and the disease is now hitting our hearts.
Within the past few months, we have heard about an increasing number of people falling victims to the dreaded disease that does not discriminate. Like diabetes, cancer has become as prevalent as the many fundraisers being held to help people treat their ailments.
Since August, three of our notable musicians have revealed that they were diagnosed with cancer, with one of them – Cyril “Get Through” Felix – succumbing to the disease last week and the other two – Gordon Gene Leon and Francis “Leebo” De Lima – still fighting their battles in earnest.
Notwithstanding their situations being regrettable, cancer is killing us at a rapid rate. In fact, the disease is so prevalent that the National Community Foundation (NCF) estimates that nearly 60% of its health budget goes towards assisting people needing treatment for the disease. Moreover, younger people are being diagnosed with cancer, debunking the myth that cancer is an “old people’s disease”.
Apparently, the messages that are being communicated via various media are not getting across to as many people as they should. Either that or people are not taking their health seriously. But something major needs to happen if we are to at least prevent cancer from killing us at such an alarming rate.
Two years ago, Consultant Surgeon at Victoria Hospital and Tapion Hospital, Dr. Tamara Remy, told us that, breast cancer was the most prevalent cancer among women in Saint Lucia, with prostate cancer being the most prevalent among men. She added that some shortcomings in the system served to limit the full scope of understanding the nature of the problem.
Over the years, the St. Lucia Cancer Society seemed the lone campaigner as far as creating awareness that included the prevention of cancer. However, with corporate entities joining the arsenal, the cancer awareness campaign has gained increased momentum.
All these efforts are commendable, no doubt. However, the onus is on each person to take precautions by eating healthy, exercising regularly and having regular check-ups to ensure cancer is kept at bay. Health is wealth and it only takes one speck of cancer to wipe out both.