The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Minister Dr Michael Darville said the prevalence of cancer in Grand Bahama raises questions about the environmental affects of the industrial sector and its impact on residents.

Dr Darville said that due to high rates of the disease on the island, the government has commissioned a study with the Pan American Health Organisation and the World Health Organisation to assess the environmental and health impacts, particularly on communities near the industrial park.

“In fact because of the current prevalence, we can predict that one person in every family neighbourhood or workplace on this island will be affected by this life-threatening disease,” he said on Saturday at the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama’s Hope Ball at Grand Lucaya Resort.

He stressed that the health and wellbeing of Grand Bahamians is a priority for the government. “I would like to express my appreciation to the executive and members of the Grand Bahama Cancer Society for the innovative programme of free screening, referrals and support services to Grand Bahamians who need to be housed at the Cancer Care Centre in New Providence,” he said. The facility assists many individuals and families affected by cancer.

Ed Pavey, an executive of the Cancer Society of Grand Bahama, reported that the island per capita has the highest cancer rating in the Caribbean.

“We discovered that there are three hot spots on Grand Bahama where cancer seems to be more prevalent than the remaining parts of the island. They are Pinder’s Point, Lewis Yard and High Rock,” he said.

Mr Pavey – who has lost his parents, wife, and several good friends to cancer – stressed that education and early detection are the keys to fighting cancer.

The Cancer Society of Grand Bahama is affiliated with Sister-Sister, a support group for women suffering from breast cancer; and Us Too, a male group for prostate survivors.

The organisation conducts a few clinics a year at Hawksbill, Eight Mile Rock and High Rock, offering free pap smears and mammograms and prostate exams. Mr Pavey said most of funds raised by the organisation stays in Grand Bahama to fund the free clinics, and send patients to Nassau for treatment. The Hope Gala Ball is a major fundraiser for the organisation. Under the theme, Life is Beautiful, Live Life Celebrate, several cancer survivors were recognised and honoured on Saturday.