The Positive and Elektralyets foundations invite the community – especially women ages 18 and older – to take advantage of free breast cancer screening services at the medical clinics posted.
No appointment is necessary; simply visit the clinic at the specified times for a free clinical breast examination. The foundations, in collaboration with St. Maarten Medical Center, will cover the cost of a mammogram for uninsured individuals who may need one.
Key facts (by Pan American Health Organization)
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the most common cause of cancer death in women in the Americas.
- In 2020, there were more than 210,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean, and nearly 68,000 deaths.
- Characteristics that are associated with higher risk of developing breast cancer include obesity, alcohol consumption, family history of breast cancer, exposure to radiation, reproductive and hormonal history and tobacco use. Around half of cases develop in women with no identified risk factors other than female gender and age 40 years and older.
- Breast cancer arises in the lining cells of the ducts (85%) or lobules (15%) in glandular tissue of the breast.
- When confined to the duct or lobule where it started, it causes no symptoms, but may progress and invade the surrounding tissue, and eventually local lymph nodes and other organs.
- The burden of breast cancer can be reduced by identifying and treating cancers early, before they give any symptoms. In well-resourced settings, organized screening with mammography are recommended every two years for women ages 50-69 years. In limited-resource settings, where mammography screening programs may not be feasible, clinical breast examination seems to be the way forward (see WHO/PAHO Position Paper and Summary of Recommendations on Mammography Screening).
- Breast cancer most commonly presents as a painless lump in the breast. It is important that women finding an abnormal lump consult a health practitioner as soon as possible, even if there is no pain.
- Breast lumps may develop for reasons other than cancer (up to 90%). Breast cancer may present in a many ways, which is why a complete medical examination is important. Other symptoms of breast cancer include breast thickening, alteration in size, shape or appearance of the breast, alterations of the skin such as redness, pitting or dimpling, change in nipple appearance or the surrounding skin (areola), and/or abnormal nipple discharge. Advanced breast cancers can erode through the skin and spread to other body parts, triggering additional symptom.
- Breast cancer treatment can be effective, particularly when caught early. It usually entails surgery with. or without. radiation and medication. The effectiveness of treatment depends on undergoing the full course of treatment.
- Palliative and supportive care can help improve the quality of life of patients and their families and may also positively influence the course of illness, aiming to meet the supportive care, psychosocial and spiritual needs of women with breast cancer.
The Positive and Elektralyets foundations are hosting a series of events throughout October. For more information about other breast cancer awareness events, contact Shelly Alphonso at 580-9658 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.positivefoundationsxm.com. You can also reach Elektra at 523-7418 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For additional activities and events, please check the Positive and Elektralyets Facebook and Instagram pages.
