Cancer society alarmed by sharp rise in assistance requests
President of the BVI Cancer Society, Gloria Fahie, has expressed concern over a sudden increase in the number of people applying for assistance due to cancer-related illnesses, describing the trend as troubling.
Fahie revealed that the organisation received 15 new applications in just two weeks, a sharp jump from what is normally seen in an entire month.
“Normally, we might get about three in a month. Now we’re getting 15 in two weeks, which is not good at all,” she said.
She explained that while the Society has already processed about 10 of the applications, others remain pending because applicants have not yet submitted the required documentation, such as official diagnoses or outstanding medical bills. Fahie stressed that the organisation cannot process applications without the full set of information requested on the application form.
While noting that she is not a medical professional, Fahie shared her personal concerns about possible contributing factors behind the rise in cancer cases. Among them, she pointed to the handling of imported bottled water in the territory.
“One thing that we have in common is the water that is being imported here in the BVI,” she said, explaining that bottled water is often exposed to repeated heat during shipping and storage. “I have seen them personally, out in the sun for long periods of time.”
Despite the concerns, Fahie welcomed recent improvements in cancer treatment services in the territory, including the addition of a resident oncologist at the Bougainvillea Clinic. “That’s a good sign that we are getting persons coming in now to deal directly with cancer,” she said.
She noted that oncology services remain limited in the territory and stressed the need for more specialised medical training and long-term planning. She also expressed hope that cancer care and specialist training will be included among the government’s national health priorities.
The BVI Cancer Society continues to encourage early screening and remains committed to supporting individuals affected by cancer, even as demand for assistance continues to rise. For World Cancer Day (Feb 4), the Society partnered with Penn Medical Clinic, which saw them covering the cost of laboratory work, medical supplies and doctor visits for affected persons.
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NHI sucks and it’s a waste, cancel it and let people get insurance through the insurance companies. Waste for the government, waste to the citizens, beneficial to the 1%.
This is the typical response. While NHI does have challenges a lot of the issues are personal responsibilities. Some persons may get sick even when they try their best to live a ‘healthy’ life however, there are many who do not care what they eat etc. and once they become ill they expect insurance to be an unlimited credit card. It does not work that way! If you really understood private health insurance you would know that cancer especially is very tricky when it comes to treatment and the max caps etc. What we should learn from these stories is to try our best to watch what we eat, lifestyle we live, be more active etc. as these simple things can reduce the risks of not only cancer but other chronic ailments. Our systems may not be perfect but let’s start holding people accountable and having personal responsibility. There is no reason why so many persons under 50 have cancer, diabetes etc. if not for poor health choices. Nobody wants to hear it but it’s a fact.
What about the ingredients that are known carcinogens being added to the food supply. Certain additives are not allowed in Europe but that are allowed in America, personal responsibility does play a part, but so does regulation!
To do that, the average and most vulnerable will be put at the mercy of the greedy and unregulated of the insurance, medical and pharmarceutical industry worst than it is today.
The greater issue is, government neither has the expertise nor the will to persue and or create meaningful instruments that will benefit the people and not just share holders.
Therein lies the greater problems.
A country must important ministry to improve the mation are
Heatlh
Food security
Edication
The rest will fall into place
Better insurance is not the answer to issues like cancer, diabetes etc. Take care of your bodies!
The population, and consequently the nation as a whole, are currently experiencing the intended effects of an untested vaccine.
It is also seeing and living the possible exposure to other substances and the purposeful contamination of foods.
People are still being naive that there are entities who are deliberately trying to decrease the world’s Black population. This is not myth; it is a fact. It is a reality.
Therefore, it is advisable to reduce dependence on imported foods and encourage the cultivation and utilization of locally available plant-based ingredients wherever feasible.
As, satan is not going to stop coming after us.
One cannot blame Government for everything.
Education begins in the home
Soda
Lots of process red meats
Other process foods
High oils and fats used to cook food
Couch potatoes
Internet games
High sugary snacks, juices have given way to
1- Walking and playing outside in the fresh air
2. Home or locally grown produce
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Sitting in front of a television , surfing on our phoe, children locking up
In rooms on social media eating down processed foods
Has a lot to do with our state of health
Walking is seen as poverty
Eating greasy oxtail, lasagna, macaroni pie, lots of fried chicken , pork products is viewed as being signs of being weatlth
We have to take control what is in our scope to do
Pockwood pond smokes, rain leaches through the waste and out to the sea where a water intake is for generator cooling AND MAKING ALEDGE FRESH WATER FOR DRINKING.