Jamaica Moves Against Cancer

An estimated 9.6 million people die each year from cancer.

By 2030, experts project cancer deaths to rise to 13 million. In light of this, the Union for International Cancer Control, established World Cancer Day. The Union for International Cancer Control, is the largest and oldest international cancer organisation dedicated to taking the lead in convening, capacity building and advocacy initiatives that unite the cancer community to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity, and integrate cancer control into the world health and development agenda.

The Jamaica Moves behaviour change campaign, as the country’s coordinated national response to the increased incidences of NCDs (Diabetes, Hypertension and certain Cancers) aims to reduce Non-Communicable Disease by 25% by the year 2025 through education, engagement and the building of supportive environments. The campaign recognises and celebrates Global Health days by the World Health Organisation such has World Cancer Day - February 4. The goal of this day is to build on awareness of cancers, as well as encourage Jamaicans to make positive health and wellness changes so that they can live a healthier life.

On this day, companies and organisations were allowed to push a very important link between their product and a healthier lifestyle and eating habits as well as provide tests on: Blood Sugar, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, BMI. The day hosted Physical Activity Challenges (Dance-Offs, Strong Man Competitions), free health tests, sampling and public education on cancer in Jamaica, the types of cancer, how to reduce the risk of developing cancer, and more.

Exhibitors included, Jamaica Moves, Diabetes Association on Jamaica , WATA, National Health Fund, Cancer Society of Jamaica, ENSURE, NCB Insurance, Brunswick, Heart Foundation of Jamaica, SERGE, Jamaican Teas/Caribbean Dreams, National Baking Company, Guardian Life and National Council on Drug Abuse. Through Sponsorship of the National Health Fund, Jamaica Moves, was able to give away 50 pap smear exams, 50 mammograms (to women over 50) and 25 prostate exams (to men over 40).