Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Breast cancer can also occur in both men and women, however it’s far more common in women. According to Sullair, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) started in October of 1985. This was a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries to promote mammograms as the most effective tool to fight breast cancer. Now this event is celebrated globally in the month of October, where people deck out in pink.
On 21st October, 2023, the newly opened West Central Mall hosted its first health fair and blood drive in Leonora West Coast Demerara in collaboration with the West Demerara medical team, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over 150 residents from Region 3 (Essequibo Islands/West Demerara), including children benefited from several free services such as; blood pressure testing, dental examination, paediatric care, Hiv testing and counselling, physiotherapy, optometry as well breast examination and screening.
Ms. Marcia Barker Conducts Dental examination.
General Manager of West Central Mall, Ms. Bhabita Albert while delivering remarks welcomed all the medical volunteers to the event and expressed her delight and satisfaction that the mall was able to coordinate this event in a very short but timely manner with the help of the Medical team from WDHR. Further, she enthusiastically stated that service to humanity is service to God.
Ms.Sharon Miranjie, performs physiotherapy.
Mr. Calvin Roberts, coordinator of the event, told this publication “While breast cancer awareness was the foundation on which we planned the event, the complementary services were much needed. This event has provided some insights to the needs of residents of the region, especially the elderly and the physiotherapy patients. “We were able to facilitate the residents in a safe and comfortable environment. Access to healthcare services have proven to be hassle-free, informative and exciting, since it’s away from the busyness of the hospital environment,” Roberts noted.
General Surgeon, Dr.Chetman Ramdharry attends to a patient.
In closing, Ms Albert stated that the event was a huge success for her Company. She expressed her gratitude to all the medical volunteers, Doctors, Nurses, The National Aids Programme Secretariat (of the MOH), and the Central Islamic Organisation of Guyana(CIOG).
Nurse Jonathan Vyfhuis triages a staff of WCM.
“We are pleased to say that we will continue to work closely with the Medical Team in having frequent outreaches on a larger scale,” she noted.
Mr. Calvin Roberts, briefly stated that his adept and vibrant team is on a mission to promote and implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3(good health and well being), to the public, especially those in low income and riverain areas. The team has been voluntarily partnering with various Hospitals, Non Governmental organisations, religious organisations and community leaders to provide these services free of cost across Region 3.
Paediatric care by Dr.Persaud.
Mr. Roberts stated that it was an honour to have partnered with the West Central Mall.
“Thank you for your trust in our mission and for your unwavering support and collaboration. Our success is a testament of the exceptional relationship we’ve built. My team and I certainly look forward to future collaboration,”he said.
General Manager of West Central Mall, Ms.Bhabita Albert donating blood.
Dr.Shobana Ganess performs eye care testing on a staff of WCM.
