The BVI Cancer Society joins the rest of the world in observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and has a long line-up of activities. Photo: VINO

Some members of the BVI Cancer Society. Photo: VINO

The members of the BVI Cancer Society are currently embarking on a sale of 'tops' as they seek to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Photo: VINO

Members of the local cancer society always make a special effort to attend as many events and activities as possible to garner and provide support. Photo: VINO/file

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the BVI Cancer Society has a great line up of activities to raise awareness. Photo: VINO

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Acting President of the BVI Cancer Society and cancer survivor Ms Gloria Fahie and team are using the opportunity to call on Government and private sector support for the establishment of a national registry for cancer.

“What will it take for us to get that done, it will take the government’s involvement because we can’t do it alone. It would take the private practitioners along with the cancer society. We all would have to partner to get this done because right now we can’t really say for sure how many cancers and what type of cancers we have but we know we have a lot,” said Ms Fahie in an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online.

While the BVI Cancer Society continues to have an open door policy for cancer survivors, their family, friends and relatives see the need for an established system for care and support. “This is not something that should be looked at as a death sentence, it is not. It is another chronic illness that, while not having a direct cure, can be treated to aid the process of long healthy life,” Ms Fahie added.

Noting that there is yet much more to be done, the Acting President expressed appreciation for the support the BVI Cancer Society has been getting. She said therehas seen significant growth in terms of the number of persons joining the society and those supporting. “We are beginning to get a lot of support from organisations, companies and others. For the first time we have the Showtime Band coming on board and for the first time ever we have the walk/run.”

In years past the Walk/Run for a Cure was shouldered by other organizations and not the cancer society. This year they have taken on the mantle of organising and executing the event, which promises to be very big.

We're Preaching Hope, we're preaching life

“Where there is hope there is life. Many persons immediately think of death when they hear about cancer. We need you to change that way of thinking. It’s just another chronic condition that once treated there is hope, there is life,” said the Acting President.

Yesterday, October 1, 2013 marked the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month around the world and the local body in the Virgin Islands is part and parcel of the observances with a packed programme. “We want to preach hope and call on all Virgin Islanders to support us and support themselves by having health checks to ensure that they do not have [cancer] or if they do, how to get about dealing with it at the earliest possible time,” stressed Ms Fahie.

She said the time has come when persons need to take control of their health by rolling up their sleeves and fight. “Don’t take this thing sitting down, we need to stand up and fight.” According to one of the many cancer survivors of the Virgin Islands, the fight is not one for women alone but evenly for men.

Not a Breast Cancer Club

Public Relations Officer of the BVI Cancer Society, Ms Stacy C. Lloyd stressed that the society not only focuses on Breast Cancer but the society is one that reaches out to all forms of cancers and for men, women and children.

“The public needs to know that we are not a Breast Cancer club, we are the BVI Cancer Society. And there is a cancer for every month on the calendar, so we are not just about breast cancer. Really we are here to raise awareness about all cancers,” explained Ms Lloyd.

The local society has an established network system with the US Cancer Society as well as others in the Caribbean and North America. “We are here to provide support, assistance and funding for persons with cancer not just Breast Cancer, and that’s one of the biggest messages we want to bring across to everyone.”

Cancer does not discriminate and you shouldn’t

It is the expressed opinion that persons fear being discriminated against if they should be diagnosed with the condition and, according to Ms Fahie, this should not be the case as it is not anything to be ashamed about. “Cancer does not discriminate and you should not discriminate against yourself or anyone, know your status early and seek the support that is available to you,” stressed Ms Fahie.

She stated that no one should be afraid to openly speak of their condition as it proves strength for others who feel timid or are in need of strong support to get up and fight.

Funding is never too much but can be too little

Treatment and care of cancer has been recorded as one that requires an extensive amount of cash and, according to Ms Lloyd, they have been reaching out to a number of trust companies and other business within the VI society for financial support.

“The responses have been reasonable but we need much more. Cancer is very prevalent and persons need financial support in order to access timely and critical treatment and care,” emphasised Ms Lloyd.

The BVI Cancer Society has been doing its best at raising funds independently as well. Currently, the society has embarked on a massive pink sale of tops in various fashion and styles. It also has a number of other items, including souvenir items that are sold as part of its fund raising drive.

The organisation is never out of literature and is appealing to persons to get educated about cancer. It is also appealing for support for the many events and activities scheduled this month as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.