Cancer is two times higher in the Caribbean compared with the USA
In the Caribbean most residents, according to the study, die from cervical cancer, breast, prostate and colon cancer.
The study shows that in the USA, only death by lung cancer is higher than the Caribbean.
The study unearthed that the leading cause of cancer in Caribbean men is prostate. For Caribbean women, it is breast cancer that kills more women.
Many researchers were alarmed by the results of the study as they believed the large number of deaths from these types of cancers is very alarming since they are mostly preventable.
Breast cancer can be detected early and treated successfully. Cervical cancer is perhaps the most preventable through education, vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV), screening, early detection and treatment.
Dr. James Hospedales the Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency said the results are alarming for the region as cancer is now the second leading cause of death in the Caribbean.Dr. Hospedales said prevention measures include avoiding use of tobacco, limiting alcohol use, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, keeping a healthy weight, and being physically active.
Cancer up in the VI-Gloria A. Fahie
President of the BVI Cancer Society Ms. Gloria A. Fahie told our newsroom, that as far as she knows “there is no statistics on persons who have died of cancer in the Virgin Islands”.
Ms. Fahie, herself a cancer survivor, said she has been calling for a cancer registry as persons who have been diagnosed and died of the disease in the Virgin Islands is “up at an alarming rate”.
With some three Doctors in the ruling National Democratic Party, Hons D. Orlando Smith (AL) Kedrick D. Pickering (R7) and Hubert O’Neal (R9), it is unclear what the government’s policy is to fight preventable diseases.
26 Responses to “Cancer is two times higher in the Caribbean compared with the USA”
Finally, many of our people readily admit "The food we are eating is killing us" yet they double down in a trans-like manner eat the same "Stuff" as if they are addicted - no willingness to change. Planting their own fruits and vegetables is "Out of the question."
White flour is deadly.
Moreover, individuals can prevent or delay the onset of some of the chronic diseases by lifestyle changes. For example, they can adhere to a strict healthy diet, partake in consistent exercise program, engage in preventative medical care for the early detection of diseases, get regular comprehensive medical physicals..........etc.
Disclaimer: I'm not a medical doctor and have not had any medical training. The above is just the opinion of a lay person.
I maintain that our diet remains the primary driving force behind the up-tick in chronic diseases. Yes people must become proactive and practice health care management. I am aware that this view is not popular for it has to compete against the glamour of alcohol and exotic foods from around the world that may not be compatible with our African genome/biochemistry. People cannot depend on government to do everything. They must take control of their health in an effort to live a healthy vibrant lifestyle.