The Cable holds successful Breast Cancer forum

The Cable on Thursday 4^th October hosted a discussion session on breast cancer as part of its social outreach activities to mark its 40^th anniversary in business.

The nearly three-hour discussion drew on the medical expertise of Dr. Derrick Jeffers who led the discussion with an eye-opening presentation that included causes and treatments of the disease.  Over the course of his presentation, he repeatedly emphasized that a diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence and urged those in attendance to strongly consider testing. Representatives from two of the local support organizations were on the program and provided a snapshot of the work they do to assist and support support persons affected with cancer.  They both spoke about the worrisome reluctance of women in St. Kitts & Nevis to do mammograms which is the best way for early detection of breast cancer.  They used the forum to appeal to women to access free testing via any of their organisations.

The Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Association was represented by Janice Payne while Pamela Armstrong-Hendrickson shared the work of the Essence of Hope Foundation.

In her opening remarks at the start of the session, Chief Executive Officer of The Cable, Patricia Walters chronicled her life-long personal work with breast cancer support organizations. She said that The Cable, which had identified health as one of its pillars of corporate social responsibility, was happy to help shine light on this problem during the month designated to observe Breast Cancer awareness.  “As CEO I would like to leverage my organization’s influence to strongly urge our people to ensure they include annual mammograms during their annual checks, since early detection saves lives.

Consider The Cable a partner in this fight to change behaviour from a culture of reluctance for testing to one of willingness, given the importance of early detection.” She applauded Dr. Jeffers’ professional contribution to the session, saying that it was a willing commitment to provide information that people can use to make life-saving changes.

There was active participation from the cross section of attendees, who not only asked questions but shared personal testimonials about the disease.  At the end of the session, each person was given two vouchers valid for one year, that would afford them a discount on breast cancer screening services- mammograms from Dr. Mark Hodge, and Breast Cancer Gene Testing at NextGen Medical Laboratory.

In wrapping up the activity, Chief Commercial Officer, Bibiana Hamilton Henry encouraged the participants to make good use of the information that was provided.  “We would leave here tonight pregnant with vital information that I urge you to share with your family, friends or work colleagues as collectively we join in the fight against this disease,” she encouraged.

Over the course of the coming weeks other Breast Cancer awareness sessions will take place as part of the company’s health outreach program that has been incorporated into the celebration of its 40^th anniversary.