November 5, 2021 | St. John’s, Antigua | Kay White
The month of October is globally recognized as breast cancer awareness month, with the pink ribbon a universal symbol for the disease. With this in mind, the Women's Ministries department of the South Leeward Conference (SLC) held a breast cancer educational session on Sunday, October 10, 2021, captioned, “Early Action! Better Results! "
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that in 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths, globally. Additionally, at the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women living with breast cancer, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.
The session coordinated by Hazel Riley of Montserrat, and the Women's Ministries director of the South Leeward Conference, Pastor Kay White, featured the encouraging testimony of breast cancer survivor, Heather David of St. Kitts. Prayer sessions were then conducted by Roma Roberts and Samantha Forde for women who are presently living with breast cancer and families affected by the disease.
The guest speaker, Dr. Jasunella Gore, shared the factors that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Some of these factors include, early menstruation, late menopause, and a family history of breast cancer. Dr. Gore encouraged the women to conduct frequent breast self- examination and mammograms.
As families continue to contend with the reality and prevalence of breast cancer, the Women's Ministries department stands committed to supporting women through awareness, advocacy and education.