Cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of death globally, accounting for millions of deaths annually.

The cancer burden continues to grow worldwide, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems.

That is the main reason why Juliet Holness, member of parliament for East Rural St Andrew, is encouraging Jamaicans to get screened regularly for cancer, pointing out that this is the best way to identify the disease at its earliest stages.

“Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Jamaica, both for men and women, many because they did not know their diagnosis,” Holness noted.

She continued: “Hence when we finally know that something is happening, it is already too late. So today, I encourage all in the House and Jamaicans, generally, to get educated. Ensure that you know what breast cancer is all about and, in fact, what prostate cancer is all about.”

Holness was speaking on the motion of adjournment in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (October 4), in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed, annually, in October in countries globally to heighten awareness and support for early detection and treatment of this disease.

The Jamaica Cancer Society has designated tomorrow (October 7) as ‘Pink Day’, to honour the persons who have died from breast cancer and to show solidarity with breast cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones.

The month is being observed under the theme ‘Let us Stand with Our Women and Our Warriors, No One should fight Cancer Alone; Together We must Fight for Tomorrow’.

“This month is popularly referred to as ‘Pinktober’, and you will see many showing their support and lending a voice to a great concern in Jamaica, which is breast cancer. Last month was Prostate Cancer Month, and I know, for sure, our Jamaican men are becoming more and more aware,” Holness said.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives also said that, without screening, the ability for doctors to detect and, therefore, successfully treat cancer is greatly diminished.

“We are not supposed to wait until we see some sign that something is wrong. I encourage all Jamaican women, go out, once per year, at least, and do your screening for breast cancer. It actually saves lives. It has been shown to save lives when we are able to detect early,” she said.

She reminded men that screening for prostate cancer is critical as well.

“Our men don’t want anybody physically examining them for prostate cancer, that’s what it is in Jamaica. But guess what? No physical examination is needed for your pre-screening.

“The technology has moved to a place where just a blood test will do,” Holness pointed out.

She said a healthy population makes for a far more productive, prosperous and wealthy society.

“So, Jamaicans, get up, go out there, do your screening. Cancer robs us of our families, it robs us of our friends, it robs us of our fellow Jamaicans,” she said.

Several members of parliament wore pink in recognition and support of ‘Pink Day’, as the House of Representatives does not meet on a Friday.