12 April 2022
The NRH is handicapped by equipment shortages and reportedly still without a single mammogram machine so vitally important for breast screening of women for early detection of breast cancer, a killer disease in the Solomons.
Without its own budget the NRH is handicapped to acquire and put to use the essential medical equipment needed but has to reply very much on assistance from donors, development partners of the government and some international agencies such as the WHO and Pentax Medical which as committed to support the NRH with endoscopy equipment, services and advice.
Each year to celebrate Pink-tober BSP staff normally wear something pink and then make a small donation for funds to be used for cancer research.
Funds raised are then matched dollar for dollar by BSP.
BSP staff has been wearing pink for Pink-tober for more than 6 years and I believe almost 100% of its staff participate in the fundraising.
Comment
Unfortunately, perhaps, all of us know of a family member or friend who has had cancer, and BSP staff are praised to have raised funds consistently to assist the NRH Cancer Unit.
BSP has, I understand, often challenged more businesses to get involved with cancer detection and care and I really encourage others to do so
Early detection is important because when abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat. By the time symptoms appear, cancer may have begun to spread and be harder to treat. Several screening tests have been shown to detect cancer early and reduce the chance of dying from that cancer.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
