The following material is being published, unedited, exactly as it was received via e-mail from the office of the government official named, as a Source community service. Government office holders wishing to contribute to the FYI bulletin board must e-mail visource@gmail.com. The Source reserves the right to choose what is published.
In emphasis of the number one cause of cancer deaths among women in the territory, Governor John P. deJongh Jr. proclaimed October as ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ in the Virgin Islands. "I salute the women and men who dedicate themselves to the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer," stated the Governor. "Every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, even if she has no family history of the disease or factors associated with it. I encourage all women to speak with their health care practitioners about regular clinical breast examinations and self-examinations, as early detection can be extremely effective in fighting the disease."
"We stand in solidarity with those who are currently battling cancer," de Jongh said. The proclamation called for the community to show "support for every individual and every family struggling with breast cancer" and "to remember those we have lost." It also urged work sites, community organizations, churches, synagogues and other places of worship to educate employees and members about breast cancer risk factors, early signs of the disease, and available treatments.
The proclamation stated that 98 percent of "all breast cancer patients survive when the disease is detected early." It is estimated that in 2013 more than 230,000 women and over 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. Women with personal or family history of breast cancer, who are older, or who are overweight have an increased risk of developing the disease, although the exact causes are still unknown.
Governor deJongh added, "During the last two decades there have been enormous strides in the fight against breast cancer through research, the development of new treatments, and better understanding of the disease. Greater public awareness of breast cancer has helped save lives too, as more women now have mammograms and seek treatment during early stages of the disease." Throughout the country, ‘National Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ is celebrated in October.
