Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 15, 2013 (SKNIS): Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis will soon have increased access to information about breast cancer and possible treatment options, thanks to a budding relationship between the local Ministry of Health and the Natalie Williams Breast Care Foundation (NWBCF).
Natalie Williams, chairwoman of the Washington D.C.-based NWBCF, visited the twin-island Federation last week and held discussions with a number of officials to review services that can be offered to improve awareness of and testing for breast cancer.
Ms. Williams, who is a breast cancer survivor, was the guest on this week’s edition of SKNIS Perspectives and explained her vision for St. Kitts and Nevis.
“We’re [NWBCF] comprised of a full team of doctors … [that] do mammograms, ultrasounds and primary care,” she said, adding that the team travels with a mammography machine and other equipment used in breast screenings. “The idea is to be here over a period of about 10-days to be able to do a heavy level of promotion about the need for early detection.”
Minister responsible for Health Honourable Marcella Liburd welcomed this new partnership and described the meeting with Ms. Williams as “fruitful.” She said the Government was very receptive to the ideas, noting that it will serve the interest of local women and men impacted by the disease.
Minister Liburd told SKNIS that she was able to negotiate the inclusion of an oncologist – a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer – to the team when arrangements for the visit have been finalized.
In the meantime, staff at the NWBCF is preparing a proposal to submit to the Federal Cabinet for consideration. St. Kitts and Nevis’ Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Jacinth Henry-Martin has been working closely with the group.
Chairwoman Williams encouraged every woman to live by the slogan of her foundation: “Test, Empower, Live.”
“You must get tested!” she said. “When you’re tested you’re empowered and when you’re empowered you live.”