分类： health

The Antigua and Barbuda government’s plan to reopen the Antigua and Barbuda Cancer Centre by early 2024 has encountered setbacks due to difficulties in removing outdated medical equipment. Maurice Merchant, Director of Communications in the Prime Minister’s Office, explained that the process requires specialized professionals, which has prolonged the timeline. Despite the delay, Merchant emphasized that reopening the centre remains a top priority, as the government currently funds overseas cancer treatment for patients. He confirmed that a management agreement for the facility is already in place, and progress will resume once the old equipment is safely cleared. Originally opened in 2009, the centre was a pivotal regional hub for radiation and oncology services. However, operations declined in recent years due to aging infrastructure and staffing shortages, forcing many patients to seek treatment abroad. The refurbishment is part of a broader initiative to enhance healthcare infrastructure and restore local access to cancer care. Merchant reiterated the government’s commitment to the project, underscoring its importance to the nation’s healthcare system.

The Caribbean has become a focal point for lobbying efforts by groups such as the World Vapers’ Alliance, Smoke Free Sweden, and We Are Innovation. These organizations are pushing narratives aimed at weakening robust tobacco control measures in the region, particularly ahead of the 11th Conference of the Parties (COP11) to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Recent articles and social media campaigns targeting Barbados and Trinidad have promoted the tobacco industry’s agenda, falsely portraying electronic cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products as harm reduction tools. However, these claims are not supported by independent public health research. Instead, these products are aggressively marketed to youth, are highly addictive, and pose significant long-term health risks. Nicotine, a key component of these products, is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and impaired brain development in adolescents. The World Health Organization has warned that the tobacco industry is using these newer products to undermine public health policies while continuing to profit from traditional cigarettes. Dr. Arthur Phillips, Deputy Chief Medical Officer in Barbados, highlighted the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States to the long-term costs of nicotine addiction. The Barbados National NCD Commission has also raised concerns about the rise of vaping, emphasizing its health risks and aggressive marketing to youth. Caribbean governments, as parties to the WHO FCTC, must remain vigilant against industry interference and advocate for evidence-based tobacco control policies at COP11. Measures such as higher tobacco taxes, advertising bans, and accessible cessation services are essential to protect public health.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and supporting those affected by this devastating disease. This year, the narrative takes a deeply personal turn as Jermaine N. Edwards, a long-time advocate, reveals her own battle with breast cancer. Known for her unwavering support and advocacy, Edwards now steps into the spotlight not just as a voice for others, but as a fighter in her own right.

Edwards’ journey with breast cancer began with a heavy truth she could no longer silence. ‘I have breast cancer,’ she writes, acknowledging the weight of those words. For Edwards, this diagnosis is more than a personal struggle; it is a call to action. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, urging women to perform self-examinations and seek medical attention at the first sign of abnormality. ‘Early detection is often the difference between life and death,’ she stresses.

Her story is one of resilience and vulnerability. Edwards reflects on the emotional and spiritual toll of cancer, describing it as a rollercoaster of courage, tears, hope, and exhaustion. She shares how cancer has reshaped her life and the lives of those around her, testing the strength of her family and loved ones. ‘Cancer does not strike one. It strikes all,’ she writes, highlighting the collective impact of the disease.

As a community advocate, Edwards has always been the pillar of strength for others. Now, she finds herself in the unfamiliar position of accepting support. ‘Vulnerability has never been my comfort zone,’ she admits, but cancer has forced her to open her hands and let others hold her up. Her message is clear: no one should face this battle alone.

Edwards concludes with a powerful call to action. She urges women to prioritize their health, get screened, and support organizations working tirelessly to find a cure. ‘Your tomorrow may depend on what you choose to do today,’ she reminds readers. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Edwards is not just raising awareness—she is standing in the fire, fighting with everything she has.

Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and determination can prevail.

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when advocates like Jermaine N. Edwards amplify efforts to educate and inspire action. This year, however, the message is deeply personal. Edwards, a long-time advocate, has revealed her own diagnosis of breast cancer, transforming her role from supporter to patient. Her candid disclosure underscores the profound impact of the disease, not only on the individual but on their entire circle of loved ones. Edwards reflects on the emotional and spiritual toll of cancer, sharing her journey from strength to vulnerability, and from fear to determination. She emphasizes the importance of early detection, self-examination, and community support, urging women to prioritize their health and seek help at the first sign of concern. Edwards’ story is a powerful call to action, blending personal resilience with a broader message of awareness and advocacy. She vows to fight with unwavering hope, embodying the spirit of Breast Cancer Awareness Month not just as an advocate, but as a survivor in the making.