The Bureau of Health Education in the Ministry of Health and Wellness will observe Breast Cancer Awareness month under the theme “Early Detection for Improved Protection.”

For the 2016 observance, the core activities planned will specifically target government agencies and private sector organizations, and include "Pink Fridays" and "It Takes Three to Live Healthy."

The Pink Friday activity invites organizations to dress in pink or decorate work stations in pink on Fridays during the month of October, to generate visibility and champion of the cause of breast cancer prevention. To add even greater value to this activity, staff members who dress in pink are encouraged to make a donation to a cancer charity of their choice. At the end of the month, the Ministry of Health and Wellness will host an official hand-over ceremony where all participating institutions will officially present their donations.

The It Takes Three activity encourages women who visit their healthcare provider during the month of October, to bring along two other women who have not previously had a breast examination done.

The Bureau of Health Education  has undertaken breast cancer awareness activities in collaboration with public sector partners, NGOs and the corporate sector in the past, to heighten awareness and encourage the adoption of healthy habits, primarily through the dissemination of information that promotes healthy behavior. Over the years, this approach has helped build a strong platform for engaging persons on the topic of breast health and by extension, holistic health and well-being.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness extends an invitation to the management and staff of all organizations to join this year’s observance.

For information contact Nadiege Smith, Family Life Educator, at 758.468.5342 or 758.285.5460.