1 – 31 October 2024
October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), a time dedicated to increasing awareness about the world’s most common cancer. In alignment with this year’s theme, “No-one should face breast cancer alone,” Medical Professionals on a Mission (MPOM) stands ready to support communities across the Caribbean in raising awareness, facilitating early detection, and promoting comprehensive care. As part of the broader global effort, we are committed to addressing the specific challenges faced by resource-constrained regions.
Background
Breast cancer is a significant public health challenge, accounting for approximately 2.3 million new cases each year. It represents one in eight cancer diagnoses across genders and accounts for a quarter of all cancers in women. Despite global advances in medical science, 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in resource-limited settings, including many parts of the Caribbean.
Several barriers contribute to this high mortality rate. Limited access to healthcare, low awareness of breast cancer symptoms, and inadequate early detection services result in late-stage diagnoses. This leads to poorer treatment outcomes, particularly among younger populations, who often bear the brunt of premature mortality. This creates devastating ripple effects, such as maternal orphans and economic strain on families.
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% per year until 2040. Through health promotion, early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management, the GBCI hopes to save 2.5 million lives. MPOM proudly joins this initiative by focusing on the unique needs of Caribbean women and families.
Objectives for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This October, MPOM will work toward the following objectives:
- Raise Awareness and Drive Behavior Change
Awareness is the first step in fighting breast cancer. Many women in the Caribbean remain unaware of the importance of regular screenings, the early signs of breast cancer, and how early detection can dramatically improve survival rates. It’s urgent that we address this issue. Through advocacy campaigns, community outreach, and educational programs, we aim to break down the cultural and informational barriers that prevent women from seeking screening and early diagnosis, and we need your help to do it. - Facilitate Knowledge Sharing and Partnerships
Collaboration is critical to strengthening healthcare systems across the Caribbean. MPOM will foster partnerships with healthcare providers, local governments, and NGOs to share resources and knowledge. This ensures that breast cancer information, treatment options, and preventive measures reach those in even the most remote areas. Promoting knowledge exchange can build more robust, resilient healthcare infrastructures to fight breast cancer. - Support the National Adoption of WHO’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI)
National adoption of WHO’s GBCI pillars—early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive care—will be essential in the Caribbean’s fight against breast cancer. MPOM encourages Caribbean nations to prioritize these strategies to reduce mortality rates. Our role is to provide support and advocacy, pushing for accessible breast cancer screening, better diagnostic facilities, and the provision of affordable, comprehensive treatment for all. - Promote Patient Support and Address Disparities
No one should face breast cancer alone. MPOM advocates for patient-centered care, providing not just medical treatment but also emotional, psychological, and social support for patients and their families. Patient navigation systems, which guide individuals through the often-complex healthcare system, are crucial for reducing stress and ensuring timely care. MPOM will focus on ensuring that marginalized groups, including women from low-income backgrounds and rural areas, have equal access to breast cancer services.
As we mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, MPOM stands in solidarity with women and families across the Caribbean. By raising awareness, driving behavior change, and supporting the GBCI’s goals, we aim to create lasting change. Our message is clear: No one should face breast cancer alone. Together, through education, early detection, and comprehensive care, we can save lives and offer hope to those affected by this devastating disease.
