October is usually observed as the month for Breast Cancer Awareness and there were various activities held countrywide. On Ambergris Caye, the San Pedro Town Council and the Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II held a Breast Cancer Awareness Preventative Day on Saturday, October 31st. In addition, a dollar drive was also organized on Coconut Drive, which generated a whopping $5,000.06 dollars. All proceeds were donated to the San Pedro Cancer Society.
The event had a good turnout, with a total of 15 Pap Smears and 19 Breast Examinations conducted. According to the Polyclinic Public Health Nurse, Lezel Cayetano, early detection saves lives and every woman should take advantage of this free service available at the polyclinic. 
“Today we are conducting pap smears and breast examinations and raising awareness about this deadly disease. These exams can sometimes be done alone; the person can do it on herself. A woman knows her body well, so if she would detect lumps or any abnormalities, she should immediately seek medical attention by coming to the polyclinic. We run the proper examinations and find out if any cancerous activity is taking place. Once any abnormalities are found, the patient can be referred to a doctor and the treatment can start right away. The earlier we detect the damage, the best chances a person has to survive the disease, so early detection is vital,” said Cayetano. She mentioned that women should be tested at least once a year in order to be on the safe side.
Cayetano also said that they took the opportunity to promote healthy lifestyles for the general prevention and control of non-communicable diseases that contribute to the development of cancer. Some of the factors include heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, among many other diseases that have claimed many lives. All participants who were examined during the event were given a delicious cupcake for taking their participation and spreading the word of the service.
According to Cayetano, these exams are done every Monday at the clinic, free of cost. However, even though there is a set day for the test, if anyone needs an urgent exam, they can come any time to the polyclinic and the service will be provided. Everyone is urged to use the service and get tested at the slightest signs of abnormalities.
The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) would like to thank everyone who visited the polyclinic for the exams and as well everyone who contributed to the dollar drive. Special thanks are also extended to Annie’s Pastries, Casa Pan Dulce, and Sweet Treats for donating cupcakes, to the staff at the Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II and the staff at SPTC as well.
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