Cancer Concern marks World Cancer Day with march and mass |05 February 2020

The start of the march at the Seychelles Hospital (Photo: Jude Morel)

In commemoration of World Cancer Day, marked on February 4 to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment, the Cancer Concern Association (CCA) held its annual march from the Seychelles Hospital through Victoria to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a special healing mass, yesterday evening.

The march, led by youths from Seychelles Scouts and different schools, commenced just after 4pm, following a brief ceremony at the hospital in which recently appointed secretary of state for Health, Marie-Pierre Lloyd, emphasised the need for all persons to be more aware of the plight of cancer, and to make more responsible lifestyle choices.

“The theme for this year’s World Cancer Day - ‘I am and I will’ - commits to take action to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths. We all know we can reduce and even prevent such deaths by being responsible as individuals and working together, all stakeholders including the government, civil society and private sector. As individuals, we can also play a role by being mindful of the risk-factors such as smoking, alcohol, improper diet and if we can adapt our lifestyles, at home, at work and wherever to raise awareness and remind others of their responsibility to themselves and close ones,” Ambassador Lloyd said.

“On the ministry side, more efforts will be made for better and earlier detection so if we can improve detection, this will also have an impact and reduce the number of cancer-related deaths. This means the ministry must work to engage all other sectors, work closely with CCA and other organisations to work together and collaborate to engage all groups within the population,” Ambassador Lloyd said.

Newly elected chairman of CCA, Peggy Vidot, also pronounced a few words, thanking the Ministry of Health for always being willing to collaborate and support the association and activities it organises.

She also thanked all who turned up for the march and healing service for persons suffering from cancer as well as their loved ones who are also impacted by the plight of cancer.

“We are thinking of you and will keep you in our prayers. As we walk and during the service, we will send our positive thoughts to them as we know cancer treatment can be especially hard and painful,” Mrs Vidot said.

Prior to the march, Bishop French Chang-Him, who has led the organisation for 20 years since it was established, said a reflection, praying for those who are receiving treatment at the hospitals and health centres across the country as well as for protection and blessings for persons who have contracted the coronavirus, and the efforts to find a cure or vaccine.

The march was officially launched by Ambassador Lloyd and saw the attendees make their way through the traffic to the Cathedral, where they were joined by many for the special praise and worship and healing service.

Laura Pillay