Vincentians will get the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of Dr. Carole Rattray, a Gynaecologists/Oncologist, when the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Cancer Society holds its Annual General Meeting next week.{{more}}

Dr. Rattray, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the city of Kingston, Jamaica, is slated to make a presentation on the topic of cancer prevention at The Knowledge Institute & Conference Centre (upstairs Golden Apple Restaurant) on Friday, March 6, 2009, at the meeting which starts at 5:30 p.m.

According to Dr. Sherian Slater, President of the St.Vincent and the Grenadines Cancer Society, Dr. Rattray has been assisting the local Cancer Society since 2006, resulting in lives and thousands of dollars being saved.

Dr. Rattray has treated some eight to nine cervical cancer cases by performing the radical surgeries needed, free of charge, through a partnership with the Cancer Society.

This year’s meeting will also include a drama presentation from Kingstown Baptist Church Dramatists, the presentation of reports, and election of a new executive.

Last year’s meeting was quite informative with a presentation from Dr.Carl Niamatali, a Medical Oncologist who heads the Grenada Cancer Programme.

Dr. Niamatali made a startling revelation when he disclosed that a recent research had discovered that marijuana smokers were at greater risk of developing cancer than other types of smokers. He said marijuana smoking was much more carcinogenic than other forms of smoking because of the deep inhalation during the process.

Dr. Niamatali also called on local health authorities to take urgent action to develop a Cancer Programme for St.Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as the form a Pink Society, and a Cancer Register to monitor the trend of cancers in St.Vincent and the Grenadines.