[Reprinted: HealthCare Business News, 5-6-2020] Certain types of cancer screenings dropped more than 90% in March — a consequence of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to software provider Epic. Appointments for cervix, colon and breast cancer screenings dropped between 86% and 94%, compared to average volumes three years prior to the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case in the U.S. … [Read more...]
Cervical Cancer is Second most lethal Cancer among Caribbean Women
Among Caribbean women of all ages, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in terms of incidence and mortality and accounts for 13% of all cancer cases and 10.4% of all cancer deaths in the region. Cervical cancer, is caused by persistent infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV), and is a highly preventable disease (PAHO). In the Caribbean, the highest cancer incidence rates are in … [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...]
Colorectal cancer increasing in Jamaica
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...]