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‘Breast cancer claims 8 in NMI since ’01’
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Posted on Oct 18 2006
Breast cancer has already claimed the lives of eight women in the CNMI since 2001, according to Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin P. Villagomez, making it necessary to further raise awareness of the disease on the islands.
Villagomez joined Commonwealth officials, volunteers, and members of the public in lighting up eight candles—representing the eight victims of the disease—during Tuesday’s proclamation signing at the Mayor’s Office declaring October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The DPH secretary was joined in the proclamation signing by Commonwealth Health Center medical director Robin Shearer, Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, DPH deputy secretary Lynn Tenorio, Women’s Affairs Office Rose Pangelinan and Lucy Aldan, pastors Budd Carroll and Manolito Rey, some government officials, and non-government organization representatives. Shearer also represented the Commonwealth Cancer Association.
Aldan led the symbolical lighting of eight candles.
The Saipan Mayor’s Office has been observing the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness for the past four years.
Shearer said the public health office, together with the cancer association, would be launching a project that would determine the cancer condition in the CNMI. The project will be in cooperation with the University of Hawaii. He said the study would compare cancer cases in the CNMI with neighboring Pacific Islands and the mainland.
This year’s theme is “Remember, Early Detection Can Save Live.”
Tudela encouraged all women between the ages of 40 to 50 to have themselves screened for breast cancer. Screening with mammography can reduce deaths due to breast cancer by 16 percent among women aged 40.
Breast cancer survivor Maggie Castro Camacho said the earlier women seek experts’ help, the better are the chances to avoid complications.
Camacho was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago. She said she immediately went to a doctor and received early treatment. She said her early detection gave her greater chances of surviving the disease. “I am thankful to God for another chance to live,” she added.
