The Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society (TTCS) continues its tireless efforts in education and advocacy to educate the public on screening and care.

TTCS President Dr Asante Le Blanc spoke with Loop news on the initiatives of the organization and the importance of changing the discourse when it comes to men and the way they approach their health.

As part of its Movember plans, TTCS will participate in Sagicor’s Man Chat webinar to support men’s health tomorrow at 6 p.m., with Dr. Le Blanc as one of the guest speakers. Register for the webinar at this connect.

Dr Le Blanc spoke of the reluctance to get tested because of societal and cultural beliefs.

“There are cultural blocks and myths when it comes to the digital rectal exam,” she said, explaining that fear of a potential diagnosis and of the test itself is at the root of the problem. “More and more, thanks to education, we are seeing an increase in the number of men in our clinics.

Referring to the TTCS as a “very inclusive” environment where there is “no judgment”, Dr Le Blanc called on men to be proactive about their prostate and testicular health. She added that testicular cancer, with early diagnosis and the right care, is on the list of cancers with a very high survival rate.

Dr Le Blanc claimed that Covid-19 had ‘overtaken’ other diseases and spoke of the continuing challenge of drawing public attention to the importance of cancers and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are quite common. important, not only locally, but across the region.

She said when peaks in Covid occur, it causes an urgent shift in the organization’s priorities regarding decisions about who needs screening and whether they are at risk of getting tested. “We are very careful with the numbers [of patients] to Society, ”she said.

Dr Le Blanc recalled that NCDs, cancers and Covid-related deaths are all linked, as the virus may have the greatest impact on people with NCDs, who can go unchecked and untreated without attention. appropriate to them. “This is proof that the body is not isolated; he’s a holistic being, ”she said. “We must try to improve the health of society from this point of view.”

The director of the Victoria Clinic, explaining that the TTCS is part of the NCD Alliance, said we need to hold governments in the region accountable for the “mandate to really take care of lifestyles and [addressing] lifestyle-related diseases ”through legislation and policies that impact imports and ensure the involvement of agro-industries.

She argued that preventive measures against lifestyle-related illnesses that can, in turn, lead to the development of certain cancers are “more than just directions from your doctor.” She warned: “Lifestyle is the cornerstone [and] if we don’t do it right, we will be fighting a losing battle.

Dr Le Blanc said that women are often the ones who encourage their male partners to take more interest in their health, as men themselves, in addition to struggling with stigma and other cultural beliefs, are always ” on the move, as providers and advocates ”. “

“It’s time for us to really empower men to be open about their emotions,” she said, acknowledging that “health encompasses body, mind and soul” and what to strive for. improving one aspect of health can lead to holistic well-being and a caring approach. .

The Company is also preparing for its Bubbles For Life event on December 4th. The virtual interactive event, usually held in person, encourages physical activity to raise awareness about cancer screening and diagnosis.

Dr Le Blanc affirmed that the TTCS is always open to share information and that organizations can request conferences throughout the year by contacting the projects team via [email protected] Where 280-3353 / 280-4536.

Check out the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society for more information and to register for Bubbles for Life 2021 at Facebook and Instagram.