‘Pinktober’ in Parliament

LEGISLATORS THURSDAY CUT A FIGURE OF SARTORIAL ELEGANCE AND RELEVANCE when most arrayed themselves in pink in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month celebrated globally every October.

“I am delighted that we are donned in pink on both sides of the House. We recognise that breast cancer is not present only in October. However, we use this month and this moment to register our support for, and solidarity with, those diagnosed with this disease and their families as well as caregivers who struggle with them,” newly-elected Speaker, Lanien Blanchette said.

Blanchette made the observation Thursday when parliamentarians met for the first time in the new parliament to debate three Bills.

“We also offer our support to the survivors and thrivers who have won the battle. We join the medical community in encouraging and promoting healthy eating, regular exercise, and knowing your body,” she noted.

While breast cancer afflicts mainly females, males also suffer from the malady. In the US for example, less than one percent of all breast cancers will afflict men and one in every 1,000 will die. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that two years ago, some 2.3 million women globally were diagnosed with the disease. Of these, 685 000 died. Citing 2020 statistics, WHO disclosed at the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer “in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer.”

“There are more lost disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) by women to breast cancer globally than any other type of cancer.  Breast cancer occurs in every country of the world in women at any age after puberty but with increasing rates in later life,” WHO said on its website.  

“Women 40 and over are encouraged to have annual mammograms as well,” the Speaker Blanchette advised.

She added, “Let us continue to support organisations who assist breast cancer patients such as the Pink Lily Cancer Care Foundation in Nevis, as well as the Reach for Recovery Breast Cancer Group and the Essence of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation in St. Kitts.”
Appealing for support in the annual Essence of Hope cancer walk, the Speaker reminded law makers that the pink walk is scheduled for tomorrow, beginning 5.30 am.

“I encourage all to participate and support this event,” Blanchette said.