Hundreds come out to share ‘messages of hope’ at breast cancer walk

The streets of Kingstown were coloured pink on Friday, October 11, 2024, as hundreds of Ministry of Health stakeholders, school children and cancer survivors joined the Pink City Walk.

The annual walk, which is hosted by the SVG Medical Association and featured as part of the events for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, saw an increase in attendance this year.

In addition to ‘Messages of Hope’ for which the walk was themed, supporters chanted reminders for women to self-examine their breasts and have their screenings done as “early detection saves lives”.

Speaking at the rally held at Heritage Square, Head of SCORCH Cancer Foundation, Dr Jozelle Miller, said it is time for all in society to get involved in the breast cancer fight.

“Everyone of us will be affected or impacted by breast cancer either directly or indirectly.”

Miller also said the Foundation is accepting new members who wish to lend their support to increase awareness and support to patients, adding that support does not always need to be grand financial gestures.

“It is very important for each and every one of us to realize the importance of support. Support can be simple and practical. It is important for you to check in… sitting with them through chemotherapy. All of these things make a difference. Often times we think that our contribution has to be in the millions and thousands, and yes, that is important but the little things count as well,” the Psychologist said.

Those in attendance also got to hear a first-hand account from a breast cancer survivor, Albertha Billy-Harry who recounted the day when she conducted a self-examination and discovered there was a lump in her breast.

“After having a biopsy done, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. So you know what came to my mind, but I trust in God. I had my surgery done which was very successful.”

Following the surgery, Billy-Harry said she underwent chemotherapy which was another difficult part of the cancer fight.

“Chemotherapy, it wasn’t easy. I can’t say it was pretty. So I give God thanks and praise that I can stand here six years later as a survivor.”

The cancer survivor praised the work of the Oncology Department at the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Hospital at Georgetown for supporting her during the journey, and called on Vincentian women to make screening a priority.

“Ladies, when you examine a breast, and you feel uncomfortable or you feel a lump, don’t delay. Please go and check your breasts.”