Women ages 18 years and older across Sint Maarten are being reminded to register by September 30th for the free breast and health screening taking place on Saturday, October 3rd.
The screenings will be hosted by the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine and are scheduled for October 3rd and November 28th from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. The deadline to register is three (3) days before the scheduled event.
The health screening will be conducted by AUC medical students. They will be checking height, weight, vision, blood sugar, blood pressure and total cholesterol while the breast exam will be performed by board-certified AUC physician, oncologist Dr. Naira Chobanyan.
AUC is conducting these screenings, with support from the Positive Foundation and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) to help the Sint Maarten population understand the prevalence and risk factors associated with breast abnormalities, including breast cancer.
During this free screening opportunity, participants will also be educated and informed on:
1. What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
2. What can be done to decrease the risk?
3. How the risk is evaluated.
4. How the risk can be calculated.
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, it is our hope that through education and results from this research project, Sint Maarten women can be empowered by knowledge resulting in earlier detection and treatment. The Positive Foundation urges women to take measures to “Feel It, Find it, and Fight it” early on when it’s easiest to treat.
“These screenings are about more than examinations, they are about empowering women with information that can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes,” says Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation.
“The Positive Foundation is honored to support this initiative alongside AUC School of Medicine and the Ministry of Public Health – Collection Preventative Services (CPS).
“We encourage women to participate, not only for their personal health, but also because the findings from the project could help shape future breast screening guidelines for St. Maarten. Every
woman who participates contributes to a healthier future for our community.”
The results from this research project may provide a basis for screening guidelines for Sint. Maarten, which could lead to earlier detection for all women on Sint. Maarten.
To make an appointment, call: 721-545-2298 ext. 404 2248 or WhatsApp: +1(937) 450 3948, or email ehypolite@aucmed.edu.
The screenings will take place at the office of Collective Prevention Services, Vineyard Office Park, 33 Buncamper Road in Philipsburg. The organizers encourage women who have not participated in past AUC breast screenings to participate.
