According to the Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS), cancer of the colon is the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in the Jamaican population. The Jamaica Cancer Registry reported an incidence of 13 per 100,000 people locally in males and females previously but this number has increased in males to 17 per 100,000 in the last five years. Health professionals do not have an explanation for this … [Read more...]
Trinidad Abandons National Cancer Center Project
If the decision to abandon the long planned national cancer center is true based on this letter by Dr Tim Gopeesingh, who is a Gynaecologic-Oncologist and a member of parliament for Caroni East constituency in Trinidad, then the potential for unnecessary cancer deaths in Trinidad is too real and the government should immediately take steps to retract this decision and hasten the completion of the … [Read more...]
Immunotherapy: A New Form Of Cancer Treatment?
Immunotherapy, also known as biologic therapy, is a type of cancer treatment that builds up the body's natural defenses to fight cancer. It uses substances produced inside the body (or outside) to advance or restore the functioning of the body's immune system. Immunotherapy is undergoing rapid growth and many cancer patients are experiencing noteworthy results from these treatments allowing them … [Read more...]
Few Jamaican Women are Screened for Breast Cancer
The incidence of breast cancer in Jamaica is high and it is the most common cancer diagnosed in Jamaican women resulting in a high mortality rate compared to other countries in the world. Many women unfortunately are being diagnosed at a late stage reducing their odds for successful treatment and their opportunities for long-term survival. … [Read more...]
Cervical Cancer a Public Health Threat to Caribbean Women
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the Caribbean. Not only does cervical cancer disproportionately affects poorer women, but it affects women during their most productive years. It is estimated that 60% of cancer deaths in the Caribbean in 2008 occurred in women under 65 years of age. And if present trends continue, cervical cancer deaths are projected to … [Read more...]