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Walkers Demonstrate Their Support for Breast Cancer Awareness

Over 200 walkers turned out to support the Breast Screening Programme (BSP) of the Barbados Cancer Society as it climaxed its 10th anniversary week of activities last Saturday with the Champions In Pink Walk & Extravaganza at the Garrison Savannah. The event was held in conjunction with the Barbados Turf Club who named all the races on that day in honour of the BSP.

The walkers arrived decked out in the programme’s signature Think Pink and Go Pink shirts, some even donning pink shoes, socks and hats, to show their support. They completed a 1-mile circuit around the jogging track of the Garrison Savannah. First place finisher Darnley Ward, won a Samsung smartphone donated by Lime Barbados. The walker who was judged prettiest in pink also received two troll beads, donated by Colombian Emerald. She couldn’t contain her emotions as she revealed that she participated in the walk in support of her daughter who passed away from the disease in February.

 

 

The Extravaganza, kicked off after the walk with fitness demonstrations. Move 2 More Gym provided some of the most thrilling demonstrations on stage showcasing pole dancing and zumba to the crowd’s delight. Also on the programme were Pilates compliments Lulu Chandler and a special wedding fashion show coordinated by Affordable Weddings.

The event featured a number of vendors selling a range of local craft and handmade items. There was also a ‘Kidz' Zone area, an international food court and Wine World wine cellar. Several persons also took advantage of breast screening exams from the Breast Screening Programme’s Mobile Breast Clinic, and blood sugar testing conducted by the Diabetes Association of Barbados.

Dr. Shirley Jhagroo, Chairman of the BSP said that she was overwhelmed with the support received during the week. “The support of corporate Barbados and well wishers was truly amazing we are especially thankful to our partners and supporters the Barbados Turf Club, Wine World, Island Heritage Insurance, Seven Seas, Starcom Network Inc., Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, Gildan, Stokes & Bynoe, Coles Printery and Printex Printery ” she said. One special partnerships was with the Unit Lions Club Christ Church West who sponsored free breast examinations for persons with disabilities at the Barbados National Disabilities Unit Headquarters, Garrison, St. Michael, on Tuesday June 12.

 

About the Breast Screening Programme

Over the past ten years the BSP has performed almost 50,000 mammograms, 5,000 breast ultrasounds and diagnosed breast cancer in a number of Barbadian women.

The objective of the programme is to reduce premature deaths from breast cancer through early detection by providing affordable screening to women. Located at the Barbados Cancer Society's headquarters at Henry's Lane, Collymore Rock, 
St. Michael, it started out with a state-of-the-art mammography unit, a breast ultrasound machine, and an operating theatre for performing breast biopsies under local anesthesia. To take the early detection program to a higher level the programme recently purchased a direct digital mammography x-ray machine, with stereotactic attachments to enhance more accuracy in biopsies.

The BSP’s public awareness programmes, such as the Mobile Breast Clinic have reached thousands of Barbadian women showing them how to perform breast self-examinations and teaching them about the importance of early detection.

The BSP is currently raising funds to purchase a state-of the art, ultrasound machine which will further aid in early detection of breast cancer due to its ability to identify lumps in very dense breast tissue.

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