Fighting Cancer One Step at a Time

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, September 29, 2015: Trinidad and Tobago has the highest cancer mortality rates in Latin America and the Caribbean. This statistic was revealed by Republic Bank’s General Manager, Designate, Commercial and Retail Banking, Hilton Hyland, at the media launch, held at Siegert Square, Woodbrook, on September 16, to commence the annual Cancer Awareness Month Campaign.

"In fact, according to a 2013 PAHO report, Trinidad and Tobago is one of three countries in the region that top the cancer rate. A closer examination of the report reveals that while the mortality rates differ between men and women, it is typically higher in men, driven by high rates of prostate cancers."
Hyland added that given the prevailing statistics in T&T, it was clear to see why it was important that both the Bank and the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society collaborate in order to keep cancer awareness on the top of the agenda, if it is to be successful.

October has been designated Cancer Awareness Month and in building its on-going commitment to fighting the disease, Republic Bank has for the seventh consecutive year, joined hands with the Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, towards hosting a number of events to raise public awareness.

Some of these activities includes; Edu fest, (Trinidad and Tobago) Walk for Life, (Trinidad and Tobago) Thanksgiving Mass and Candle Light Virgil. Edu Fest is geared toward educating both Primary and Secondary Schools students on the various kinds of cancers.  This will be held in both Trinidad and Tobago on October 6 and 7 and October 15 respectively.

Chairman Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, Dr. Jacqueline Sabga commended Republic Bank for its on-going commitment over the years, adding that the Bank has made a tremendous difference in the lives of many cancer patients.

"Thanks to Republic Bank Limited, it is clear that we all make a formidable team. Nothing is done successfully alone and Republic Bank understands that. We continue to remain United against Cancer, to fight cancer", she stressed.

Also present at the launch was breast cancer survivor Dennis Williams, who shared his testimony with the audience. Williams was diagnosed in 2000.

"I urge men especially, to man up, accept it, get tested and put the rest in God’s hands. It can happen to anyone. I never knew it could have happened to me, but I had to deal with it anyway," he said.

For the month of October, the TTCS will be providing to members of the public, free Pap Smears and Breast Cancer screening at Republic Bank branches throughout the country, at selected branches from 9:30am to 2:30pm.

Republic Bank is proud to collaborate with the Society in the hosting of these events, in their quest to effectively combat cancer, the second leading cause of death in the world. The public is invited to join with us on Saturday October 24 for the “Remembrance Walk” at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain, starting at 3pm, as we Walk for Life and Stand for Hope. In the sister isle, the Walk for Life will be held on October 18, at Gulf City, Lowlands, starting at 6am.