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An Article on Mammography
The Occurrence of Breast Cancer in Jamaica
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in Jamaica. Data
from the Jamaica Cancer Registry indicates that in 1988-92 the disease
accounted for 26.4% of all female cancers. It has also been increasing
in incidence and there was a 30% increase in the number of breast cancer
cases diagnosed in Kingston and St. Andrew in a ten-year period between
1978-92 and 1988-92. Whereas there were 447 cases in 1978-82, there were
582 in 1988-92. As the Jamaica Cancer Registry is a population-based
registry, which collates data for only Kingston and St. Andrew only, the
absolute number of cases of breast cancer in Jamaica is therefore likely
to be significantly higher.
Statistics collected at the Jamaica Cancer Society also corroborate an
increasing trend in breast cancer with the case detection rate doubling
from 43 to 97 between 1997 and 1999. Given the high prevalence of those
lifestyle factors associated with breast cancer in Jamaica such as
inappropriate diet and lack of exercise, the country is likely to see an
increase in disease burden due to breast cancer unless effective
programmes for prevention, early detection and control are implemented.
The Control of Breast Cancer in Jamaica - Mammography
Effective control of breast cancer requires prevention, early diagnosis,
and access to effective treatments. The advent of mammography has
resulted in the disease being found at an earlier stage of development
when the cancer is smaller and less advanced. The Jamaica Cancer Society
recommends that women do a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35-39;
and annual mammograms from the age of 40. However, a review of access to
mammography services conducted in 1993 estimated that less than 1.0% of
the female target population aged 40 years and over had had a mammogram
in that year. Low screening coverage is explained by a lack of awareness
of the importance of breast cancer screening, as well as the fact that
very few mammography centres exist for the early detection of breast
cancer exist.
Justification for a Mobile Mammography - Programme
Women who lack access to mammography services may be diagnosed at an
advanced stage in the natural history of the disease when treatment is
less effective, more expensive, and death is a more likely outcome. In
order to address the breast cancer screening needs of women in Jamaica,
the Jamaica Cancer Society launched a mobile mammography programme
called "A Drive to Breast Care" in October 2000. This programme has been
facilitated by the generous donation of a fully equipped mobile
mammography vehicle by the ScotiaBank Jamaica Foundation.
In bringing breast cancer screening services to communities in
geographic and economic isolation, the mobile mammography programme will
save the travel and waiting time of a visit for mammography screening;
safeguard productivity; contribute to a healthy female workforce; and be
invaluable in the effective control of breast cancer in Jamaica.
Article contributed by:
Dr. Suzanne Shirley, Lecturer & Consultant Pathologist Department Of
Pathology, UWI. |
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Copyright © 2006 Jamaica Cancer Society :: All Rights Reserved |
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