Westmoreland Residents Urged to Undergo Regular Screenings as Colon Cancer Cases Rise

Residents of Westmoreland are being urged to undergo regular cancer screenings, amid growing concern over rising cases of colon cancer in the parish.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Marcia Graham, noted that the illness is becoming increasingly prevalent among both men and women.

“So if you see a little blood in your stool… don’t take it lightly. Come in and get checked,” she said.

Dr. Graham was addressing the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Savanna-la-Mar recently.

She noted that February is observed globally as a month dedicated to cancer awareness, including World Cancer Day on February 4 and International Childhood Cancer Day on February 15.

“Yes, children can get cancer, unfortunately. A lot of them usually get cancers of the blood… as well as certain cancers of the brain,” she explained.

Dr. Graham further encouraged residents to utilise available screening services, emphasising that early detection greatly enhances treatment outcomes.

“Cancer can affect us at any age. So we encourage persons to get the age-appropriate screening,” she implored.

The Medical Officer further outlined the most common cancers affecting men and women, noting that prostate cancer remains a major concern for men, while breast and cervical cancers are among the leading diagnoses for women.

She reiterated that colon cancer affects both genders and is being seen more frequently in the parish.

Dr. Graham underscored that routine screenings—including prostate blood tests, mammograms, and pap smears—are critical in detecting disease early, often before symptoms become severe, and can significantly improve treatment outcomes and survival rates.