The government is in the process of procuring a mobile mammogram unit to address what Health Minister Molwyn Joseph has described as “an extremely high rate of breast cancer” amongst local women and the late stages at which the disease is being diagnosed.
“To me, this is one of the greatest challenges that we face. Up to Thursday there was a case that came before me with a lady who was just diagnosed with a stage 3 tumor. We do not think this should not be the condition in Antigua & Barbuda,” Joseph said.
The minister told a recent town hall meeting that the unit would be available to all communities and will be staffed with doctors and nurses who will administer the examination to women in need of the service.
The health minister said it appears that many women are not getting mammograms despite encouragement from health officials and the fact that “state-of-the-art” equipment is installed at the Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC).
The minister also revealed plans to construct a new health centre in Bolans to reduce the pressure at the primary health care facility on island.
He said the ministry is working in close collaboration with Member of Parliament for the constituency Samantha Marshall.