NASSAU, The Bahamas -- The Flamingo Gardens Urban Renewal Centre used the annual observance of Breast Cancer Month this past October to promote cancer awareness, education and early testing and detection  through the celebration of “Pinktoberfest.”

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was observed locally and globally from Thursday, October 1 to Saturday, October 31. The observance is used to increase attention and support for awareness, early detection and treatment, as well as palliative care for the disease. The observance of Breast Cancer Month coincided with the observance of Older Persons Month throughout the Urban Renewal communities.

According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide with 1.38 million new cases each year. More than 450,000 women are said to die from the disease annually. The majority of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in the late stages of the disease mainly because of a lack of awareness and early detection. Men are also negatively impacted by breast cancer.

Mrs. Nicole Miller-Nabbie, Centre Manager for the Flamingo Gardens URC, said the celebration of “Pinktoberfest” allowed Centre personnel to address “the very relevant issue of Breast Cancer Awareness” utilizing a number of methods that fall within the safety protocols established by the Ministry of Health as a means of reducing community spread of the COVID-19 Virus, including virtual meetings and an Immune Health Curbside Lunch N Go.

“Even though we are in a COVID-19 Pandemic phase, we still saw the need to host Pinktoberfest as a means to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” Mrs. Miller-Nabbie said. “We also wanted to showcase our seniors during this period because it was Seniors Month therefore we decided to have an immune health curbside lunch and go to maximize the well-being of our seniors in the Flamingo Gardens Community while following strict protocols guidelines as per COVID-19.

“It is our view, now more than ever, that we need to shift our eating patterns and educate ourselves as to how we can improve our immune systems as a preventive measure against most illnesses -- COVID-19 and cancer included -- therefore we had electronic awareness lectures from the Cancer Society archives via What’s App to our Seniors Association’s What’s App Page, while also utilizing information from the Ministry of Health for proper guidance because it was key to provide the correct information.

“Additionally, during the last week of October, we engaged our audience with trivia relative to the lectures and our Centre. It was important that we share the facts about the disease and show our support for the Fight for the Cure.”

Mrs. Miller-Nabbie said Seniors were asked to wear pink during the month to show their support for “The Fight for the Cure.” The Seniors also heard from Mrs. Nora Thompson, who is celebrating her 34th year as a breast cancer survivor.

“This was the highlight of the event to me as Mrs. Thompson was able to share her journey as a means of empowering others through education and awareness,” Mrs. Miller-Nabbie added.

Centre personnel also used October to celebrate its Seniors during the annual celebration of Older Persons Month.

“We were able to commemorate the occasion following strict social distancing and hygiene protocols while treating our Precious Pearls to a hearty Curbside Lunch N Go. We also presented them with hygiene bundles, detox bundles and green teas for their wellness.”

The Centre also honored three of its Seniors – Mr. Barry Lightbourne, Mr. Martin Flowers and Mrs. Lydia Armaly – for their contributions to their community.

“We wanted to acknowledge their efforts by presenting them with gifts, certificates and the hygiene and detox bundles as a gesture of our appreciation for their contributions to the community and our Senior Citizens Association,” Mrs. Miller-Nabbie added.