Uphill battle

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, killing hundreds of thousands annually and affecting countries at all levels of development.

In recent years, however, there has been a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence among women aged 50 and older.

Death rates have also been declining since 1990, in part due to better screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment tools.

All should be concerned about breast cancer, not just women.

Though instances are relatively rare, men too get breast cancer.

And any family can be affected.

That said, in Trinidad and Tobago women have a one in eight lifetime risk of getting this disease which causes one in three of all female cancers.

It is important to remember that breast cancer is not one single disease but a cluster of different types, which are often diagnosed at different stages. It is advised that women have a mammogram every year starting at age 40 if they are at average risk. Annual clinical breast examinations are also advised after 40.

Women should know what is normal for them, know what changes to look and feel for and report changes without delay.

Preventative health measures are also key in bolstering the odds of stopping the disease before it starts. It is generally advised that people be physically active, attain healthy weights, limit alcohol consumption and smoking, cut back on fats and sugars, eat more fibre, fruits and vegetables. Sadly, cancer patients currently face some challenges.

Some have complained of a shortage of drugs within the public health system. This system is bedevilled with cash-flow issues and stock problems, in addition to the inefficiencies of the Regional Health Authority system.

Oncologist Dr Anesa Ahamad has also pointed to the State’s dismal failure, over successive administrations, to complete the National Oncology Centre.

Dr Ahamad, who was a part of the planning for the centre, said the money spent on the project so far has been wasted. She said, “The reality is that the whole thing is a very expensive project and a significant amount of money has already been spent on the project.

The country has not gotten value for their money at all.” About $300 million has already been spent.

Ahamad said the centre was supposed to act as the central hub for continued care and would provide oncology services in the region.

“We have inadequate research and inadequate planning,” she said. “The National Oncology Centre would have served as Grand Central Station and focal point for that.” Even the equipment in the private sector, Dr Ahamad said, can be considered obsolete at this point compared to what is currently being done in oncology. She said some of the country’s oncologists are retired or retiring, some have moved away, there is a lack of staff and equipment and the regulations to ensure there is good quality care.

She said the people charged with obtaining the resources are, themselves, not qualified to understand when the resource presents itself to them.

These challenges must be comprehensively addressed so that all citizens can have a better chance of overcoming this disease. We can’t afford to do otherwise.