CFL hands over $10,000 to SVG Cancer Society

Women across St Vincent and the Grenadines will soon be given the opportunity to have free Pap Smear tests done, in an effort to prevent Cervical Cancer.{{more}}

Consolidated Foods Limited SVG (CFL SVG) owners of the Save-a-Lot and Super J supermarkets handed over $10,000 to the SVG Cancer Society to assist with a project which will see women have free Pap Smears done.

Accountant of CFL SVG Vanessa DaSouza, speaking during a ceremony last Thursday, stated that the project is in alignment with one of the company’s core values – Being good with People.

She added that the project will affect the lives of many women, noting that women are CFL’s largest target audience.

Also giving remarks, President of the Cancer Society Dr Wayne Murray stated that the project was chosen because of the rate of prevention and treatment success of Cervical Cancer. He added that money should be placed in the areas where you can expect the best results.

He further stated that the society has been receiving requests for assistance from young persons, in their 20’s and 30’s, for the treatment of Cervical Cancer.

Murray explained that Cervical Cancer has the best prevention rate, as changes in the cells of the cervix can be detected through Pap Smear tests. Any changes detected can be easily treated, before cancer develops.

He stressed the importance of having regular Pap Smears, adding that persons diagnosed with Cervical Cancer usually have stopped having regular Pap Smears or they are not aware of the need of a Pap Smear, or ignore the need altogether.

Naomi Prince, Director of the Family Planning Unit in the Ministry of Health, who is also collaborating on the project, stated that the ministry welcomes the project.

Prince stated that the project comes at an opportune time, as the Ministry of Health is in the process of revisiting strategies to strengthen their Cervical Cancer prevention programme.

“We have identified the need for more women to avail themselves to this service. The Ministry of Health cannot do it alone; therefore we are pleased with this initiative,” Prince said.

Senior Nursing Officer in the Community Nursing Service Ferosa Roache, who will also lend support to the project, stated that several women in the health centres across the country will be selected to have the Pap Smears. The tests can be done at any of the 39 health centres or the one polyclinic.

Roache also stressed the importance for women to have regular Pap Smears and pelvic exams done. She stated that women 18 years and older, as well as women experiencing menopause should have Pap Smears done at least every year.(OS)