CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS

November 2000 Table of Contents

CANCER SOCIETY OF THE BAHAMAS
ANNUAL PAP-SMEAR AND PROSTATE EXAMINATION CLINICS
Hugh Cottis, President Abaco Branch

Saturday 7th October saw a record number of men and women appearing at the four government clinics at which free pap-smear and prostate examinations were being offered. Clinics were held at Marsh Harbour, Coopers Town, Sandy Point and Moores Island. In all, 206 examinations were conducted with 28% being males. This represents an increase of approximately 400% in the number of males having prostate examinations at these clinics. Results of the tests should be available in two to three weeks at the clinic at which they were performed.

A team of four doctors (Williams, Curruth, Conliffe and Kemp), four Society members from Headquarters under the leadership of Dr Stephanie Hutcheson, and members of the Abaco Branch were well supported by the resident clinic physicians and their nursing staff. It ought not to be forgotten that in each case these people gave up the weekend to volunteer their services. This is not a government service.

As was to be expected, the Marsh Harbour clinic processed the greatest number of patients. The load could not have been satisfactorily handled had it not been for the exemplary assistance given by the two resident doctors. Dr Benerji Swarna and his wife Dr Shirin Swarna worked tirelessly to ease the burden on Dr Williams. The nursing staff are also to be commended. They were out in full force and worked diligently throughout the day.

It should be said that, although the clinics tested a record number of persons, the number represents a fraction of the population that should have these tests on a regular basis. The Society urges those who did not avail themselves of this opportunity to see their family physician. Early detection remains the most important course of action.

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