CLOSE to 100 people received free cancer screenings, consultations, counselling and health education last weekend following the first in a series of mobile health clinics being executed by the Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia.
On Saturday, July 17, approximately sixty residents in La Fargue community were able to have free clinical breast exams, ultrasounds, pap smears, digital rectal exams and other tests at the local community centre thanks a team of 2 doctors and 29 volunteers.
The activities were made possible following the Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia’s recent acquisition of a new portable ultrasound machine and other well needed medical supplies provided by the Sandals Foundation in March this year.
Dorothy Phillip, founder and president at Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia was encouraged by the level of attendance noting, “This was our first health fair since COVID-19 and so we looked at this fair as a test. We are very encouraged and excited about going forward, since La Fargue was a great success and we had a great turnout. Patients who needed mammograms which were not offered onsite will be given letters to take to a facility where they will be able to get it done. Exam cost will also be covered by Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia.”
The event was held under strict COVID-19 protocols with member volunteer Annmarie Edmund noting, “Everything worked out the way we wanted. People came with their masks, they were well protected, they were sanitized before we started and the six feet distance was in full effect.”
Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, with breast cancer the most prominent. Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation says, “With early diagnosis shown to provide the best chance for successful treatment, the Sandals Foundation was happy to support these mobile clinics which offer a unique opportunity to reach even more people across the island, empowering both men and women to take charge of their health, and by extension, take charge of their lives.”
For Adolphus Antoine, the experience was relaxed. “I felt welcomed, I felt relaxed and there were lots of information. Dr. Gabriel was very informative in explaining how to do the self-breast examination and also the prostate screening for the men. For the next drive, I would love to spread the word to everyone and tell people to come and get screened.”
And Clara Edwards, says, “I am very happy Faces of Cancer came to La Fargue. A lot of my people got a service they would otherwise have to pay for in these hard times. I was happy with all the test I did, the doctors were very pleasant and thorough. All in all I must say I am very pleased.”
The Faces of Cancer Saint Lucia have targeted reaching at least 1000 persons across the island and will host five additional clinics covering Laborie Church grounds on August 28th, Belle Vue on September 25th, Babonneau on October 16th, Canaries on October 30th, and Ti Roche on November 27th.