Beauties join Cancer Awareness Drive

LaRonde-West was crowned Miss World 1986 and Khan was second runner-up in Miss World 1995.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “The Beauty is in the knowing” and stresses the importance of regular testing as, when detected early, most cancers can be treated. The aim of the campaign is to encourage women to get tested in a timely manner and on a regular basis as well as educate them on the fact that early detection can lead to effective treatment.

Khan disclosed that when approached to be involved in the campaign, she was very excited about it because cervical and breast cancer awareness is an area in which she wanted to get involved and something that she is very passionate about. She saw the campaign as a “great play on beauty” that focused not only on physical beauty but “beauty of the mind and soul.”

When she read material about the two types of cancer supplied by the TT Cancer Society, her interest in the cause increased .

“I wanted to tell everyone, especially all the girls in my life, about the importance of getting tested regularly and that with early detection and treatment, it is possible to live a normal life,” Khan said.

She also revealed that getting involved in this campaign was “very informative and a lot of fun” and she was able to gain insight into the work of the TT Cancer Society where testing, treatment and counselling are available.

LaRonde-West, who has been following the work of the TT Cancer Society for some time, stressed the importance of this campaign in terms of its role in educating women about breast and cervical cancer. Having had many family members who suffered from cancer, including a close aunt, she said that this campaign definitely “strikes home” and that it is important for women not to be “pessimistic and laid back and be aware of the necessity of testing.” She said women should also understand the importance of knowledge and “educating themselves.”

The campaign, which is also scheduled to air on the radio, was shot by Collin Williams, a top US-based Trinidadian photographer. The photographs will accompany the slogan, “The Beauty is in the knowing for Cancer Awareness” and will be featured in press advertisements, billboards, magazines and electronic media.