Health Minister Mitcy Larue’s message on World Cancer Day |04 October 2013

‘Make simple lifestyle changes to reduce cancer risk’

On the occasion of World Cancer Day today, October 4, the Minister for Health Mitcy Larue has sent out this message.
It reads:

“World Cancer Day is commemorated annually in Seychelles and activities are organised by the Ministry of Health in its effort to create awareness about this disease.
 
“It is also a time where we want to remind all that it is by every person, organisation, and government, individually doing their part that the world will reduce the burden of cancer and

premature deaths by 25% by 2025 – a target the World Health Organisation believes is achievable.
 
“Cancer cases are projected to almost double to 21.4 million by 2030 with nearly two thirds of these occurring in low and middle-income countries.
“It Can Happen To You is the chosen local theme for 2013.

“Cancer will touch us all at some point in our lives. Everyone should make simple lifestyle changes so as to reduce their cancer risk and that of their loved ones. Making use of all the free

diagnostic tests which are available within the ministry will help in the early detection of cancer.

“Cancer knows no boundaries so we all must take responsibility for beating this devastating disease.
 
“In 2012, a total number of 158 new cancer cases and a cumulative total number of 111 cancer-related deaths were registered in Seychelles. Cancer is the second cause of death in Seychelles after

cardiovascular diseases. The two most common cancers in men are prostate and colorectal cancers and in women breast and cervical cancers.
 
“Half of all cancers can be prevented by things you can do. Take control of your health and that of your family.  Let us all take responsibility to reduce the burden of this disease.

“It Can Happen To You.”