The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs is encouraging all Saint Lucians to participate in Pink Friday activities during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is an annual international health campaign, organised by major breast cancer charities every October, to raise awareness of the disease.

During a Sitting of the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Oct. 11, the Hon. Minister for Health, Moses Jn Baptiste gave some insight into the impact that the disease has on individuals and lives.

“Breast cancer in Saint Lucia is the most common cancer found in women and contributes to the years of productivity loss due to disease and death,” he explained. “Worldwide there are more lost disability-adjusted life years by women due to breast cancer than any other form of cancer. Breast cancer can also occur in men at any age but is more common after the age of 50. What is very important is that it is more women from the afro-ethnic group who die from breast cancer.”

The Minister continued by asking all to play a part during the month of awareness.

“I wish to encourage Saint Lucians to join the Pink Friday activities. Every Friday you can wear a pink tie, a pink top, a pink blouse or you can participate by calling the families of those who have passed away, sadly due to breast cancer, and any support that you can give will be welcomed,” he said.

For a full list of the activities outlined for Breast Cancer Awareness Month visit the Ministry of Health and Wellness - Saint Lucia on Facebook.