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The Barbados Cancer Society will observe the 10th anniversary of its Breast Screening Programme with a week of activities from Saturday, June 9, to Saturday, June 16.

The objective of the programme is to reduce premature deaths from breast cancer through early detection by providing affordable screening for members of the public. Located at the Barbados Cancer Society’s headquarters at Henry’s Lane, Collymore Rock, St. Michael, it started out with a state-of-the-art mammography unit, a breast ultrasound machine, and an operating theatre for performing breast biopsies under local anaesthesia.?? It was staffed by a total of seven persons.

Over the last 10 years, the programme has grown significantly. To date, almost 50,000 mammograms and 5,000 breast ultrasounds have been carried out at the same cost to the public as in the initial years. In addition, the staffing has increased by 100 per cent.

The purchase of a direct digital mammogram machine with stereostatic attachment within the last two years, the first of its kind in the region, is another important addition to the clinic to aid in early detection.

The week of activities will get started on Saturday, June 9, with the Champions In Pink Motorcade in the City, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, June 10, at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, Jemmott’s Lane, St. Michael, at 11:00 a.m.; free breast examinations for the disabled on Tuesday, June 12, at the Barbados Council for the Disabled, Harambee House, The Garrison, St. Michael, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; a public lecture by radiologist, Dr. Gregory Eckel, on Thursday, June 14, entitled: What’s New in Early Detection of Breast Cancer?, at the Ursuline Convent, Collymore Rock, St. Michael, at 7:00 p.m., and the Go Pink Barbados – Everyone Wear Pink initiative and Customer Appreciation Day on Friday, June 15, at the Barbados Cancer Society’s headquarters at Henry’s Lane, St Michael, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

In addition, on Saturday, June 16, there will be a Champions In Pink Walk & Extravaganza at the Garrison Savannah, The Garrison, St. Michael, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ??It will feature a ???Kidz’ Zone; an international food court and wine cellar; line dancing; Zumba; Pilates; volleyball; HIV and blood sugar testing; screening done by the society’s Mobile Breast Clinic, and much more.?? The walk will begin at the jogging track of the Garrison Savannah at 11:00 a.m. Admission is free.

melissa.rollock@barbados.gov.bb

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