Linden youth group spreads breast cancer awareness

As part of the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Connection Youth Group, based in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) has embarked on a number of activities in the mining town, which are aimed at educating persons on cancer prevention.
On Wednesday, the Group launched its ‘Making Linden Pink’ initiative, which is being executed in collaboration with the GTT ‘Pinktober’ event. The initiative aims at promoting the wearing of pink as a symbol of breast cancer awareness. Speaking at the launch which was held at the Lichas Hall, Mackenzie, Linden, Dr Salome Henry spoke to women and girls on the importance of breast cancer prevention as she stressed the need for women to take charge in learning simple steps to cancer prevention and detection. She focused on how to conduct a self-breast examination, which was complete with a live demonstration. Dr Henry also

explained how abnormal lumps can be detected in the breast. As a precaution, she encouraged those present to perform self-breast examinations every month and for women over 40 years to have a mammogram done at least once every year. “If you feel a breast lump, tell someone… So you can identify it early and have treatment early… For those who are 40 years and over, you can have a mammogram done at least once a year. For the younger ones, those that are menstruating and are just below 40, you can have an ultrasound done”, Dr Henry explained. She urged those present to spread the word, as she noted that breast cancer is on the rise. October 12 is designated ‘Pink Friday’ by the Group, aimed at spreading awareness of breast cancer and showing support for survivors. An Inter-Primary Spelling Bee competition is also scheduled to take place, where schools will compete for prizes to be won. A youth walk/run is also being planned for October 13.
Lindeners participating in the activities will also get the opportunity to be registered for the ‘Pinktober’ event in Georgetown on October 20.