World Cancer Day to be observed on Friday

By Aaron Humes: Belize joins the international community to observe World Cancer Day on February 4, 2022, under the theme, ‘Close the care gap.’ 

Cancer is now the second-leading cause of death worldwide per the World Health Organization (WHO), with 70 percent of deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries. In Belize, as of 2018, cancers of the breast, cervix, uterus, colon, and rectum in women and prostate in men are the leading causes of cancer and death in the adult population. In Belize, as in other developing nations, specifically those in the Caribbean, the aging and expansion of the population in cities increases the prevalence of cancer risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.  

To fight cancer, the Ministry is promoting the Adolescent Cancer Prevention Program with the HPV vaccine administration done at public health facilities and schools; and through primary health care facilities, promoting early detection of breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.

It is also working with stakeholders including the private sector to finalize the National Comprehensive Cancer Control Strategic Plan, including prevention through promoting wellness and healthy lifestyles which decrease existing risk factors that stimulate the development of cancers. 

The public is encouraged to get regular medical check-ups that can lead to early detection and increase the chance of successful treatment. Also, during this COVID-19 pandemic, persons living with cancer, cancer survivors, and families of cancer patients are strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine and to continue to practice all public health and social measures implemented to reduce the risk of becoming infected as well as the severity of symptoms. 

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