GREAT BAY (DCOMM):--- The general public still has an opportunity to register to participate in the upcoming Cancer Conference that is being jointly organized by Collective Prevention Services (CPS) from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, and a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
The theme of the conference is: "Cancer and aging, collectively improving our local cancer care and responsibility!"
The four areas to be highlighted at the conference are breast cancer, cervical, colon and prostate cancer. The conference is set for Friday and Saturday October 26 and 27.
"Everyone has a different priority- some people think it should be breast cancer, others think it should be prostate, but I believe we have to collect and analyze the data that will direct where our focus should be.
"Most importantly we must synchronize our efforts, our human and financial resources in order to maximize our outreach and most importantly our prevention," Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour Hon. Cornelius de Weever said on Thursday.
'Get Checked 'is the Ministers of Public Health's campaign to draw attention to health issues.
All interested persons can register to be part of the conference. There is no coverage charge to attend the conference. You have until October 19 to do so by filling in the registration form that you can pick up at your Family Physician or visit the offices of CPS at the Vineyard Building in Philipsburg.
The form can be faxed to 542-9716 or drop it off at the CPS Office. For further information with respect to this, you can call 542-2078 or 542-3003.
The conference day that is open to the public is Saturday, October 27 at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel & Casino from 9.00am – 1.15pm and 1.30pm – 4.00pm (lunch is not provided).
Thus far the speakers at the conference will be Dr. Wassenaar from Aruba; Dr. Igor Gomes and Dr. Carmen Coronel from Curacao; Dr. Jennifer Alexander from Jamaica and Professor Hassel from Barbados the local speakers are Dr. Virginia Asin; Nurse Jasmine Cijntje; Mr. Hose Booi; Dr. Romney; Ms. Lydia Vanterpool and Graciella Zimmerman. All with a wealth of information willing to share with persons interested in learning more about cancers and how to take care of their health and recognize signs and symptoms.
The conference will focus on sharing information on the specific cancers mentioned above with the objective of developing a strategic plan and approach in registering, managing and monitoring cancers; increased awareness; and new treatments/techniques.
The stakeholders involved in this activity are: Cancer Foundation, Positive Foundation, The Lions, Kelaha Projects, St. Maarten Medical Center, Windward Islands Medical Association, St. Maarten Medical Association, St. Maarten Laboratory Services, SZV Social Insurance Bank, Pharmacies, Insurance Companies, and individuals. The Department of Communications is also providing support.
