The T&T Cancer Society has received $100,000 from the Scotiabank T&T Foundation to bolster its breast cancer outreach initiatives.Anya Schoor, managing director at Scotiabank T&T, made the presentation to Nicole Jordan, general manager at the Cancer Society at the 16th Annual Scotiabank Women Against Breast Cancer Charity Golf Tournament at St Andrews Golf Course in Moka, Maraval.
"We are happy to announce that we are able to contribute $100,000 to the T&T Cancer Society for a community outreach breast cancer awareness initiative. Early detection is of utmost importance. According to the research done, no one dies from breast cancer that remains in the breast. The lump itself is not what kills. The spread of cancerous cells to a vital organ is what kills. This is called metastasis and this is why events such as today's, where funds are pumped into screening and breast cancer prevention are critical," Schnoor said.
"We are grateful that so many of you took time out of your busy scheduled to be here with us for the lovely day of golf, as we raise funds for a cause that has affected at least one person we all know, be it a friend or family member."Gisele Marfleet, chairman of the Foundation, said year after year the organisation was heartened to see that corporate T&T answered its call to raise awareness about breast cancer. This year, the tournament attracted five new sponsors.
They were: Elena and Dennis de Gannes, Horizon Gallery, blink/bmobile, Memory Bank, RS Audio, El Pecos and Superb Caterers.What began as a small all-female initiative, she said, had grown steadily to 41 teams, the highest number in the history of the event.This was aided by the efforts of the women's arm of the St Andrews Golf Club and male members, too.
"One in eight women born today will get breast cancer at some point in their lives and as yet there is insufficient knowledge of the causes of this dreadful disease that affects so many. Early detection remains the cornerstone for its control.
According to the World Health Organisation, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in developed and developing countries like T&T. In low and middle income countries, the incidence of breast cancer has been rising steadily in the last few years due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanisation and adoption of western lifestyles," she said.
Marfleet added: "Breast cancer knows no bounds. It does not discriminate. We have all heard that it affects mainly women over the age of 40, and also men, but an analysis of breast cancer trends has found that new cases of advanced breast cancer are increasing among women age 25-39.
This is an especially troubling finding. Experts are not sure why breast cancer incidence is increasing among younger females and there are different schools of thought as to the causes of breast cancer. Nonetheless, there are precautions we can all take to reduce the risk. It is of extreme importance that we adopt healthier habits."
She said better nutrition from a decrease in sugar intake, a reduction in the consumption of alcohol and increasing physical activity were key factors in achieving major lifestyle benefits.