The launch of Tobago’s cancer research in December was a critical moment for health on the island.

Secretary of Health, Wellness and Family Development Dr. Agatha Carrington said local statistics for breast cancer suggest the island’s citizens have to play a more active role in the fight against this disease.

“We think that the magnitude of the problem, it is important we pay attention to this priority, and hence the reason we want to look closely to what ishappening with our women on this island,” Dr. Carrington said.

The Health Secretary said the data collected by the study should help Tobago strengthen its response to breast cancer, and support the island’s women in this area.

The project will include training, especially for those collecting the data and managing the records.

“We encourage the persons responsible for the management of the records that they understand how important this is. We want to and we anticipate in coming out of that, that we will be able to acquire new knowledge in terms of breast cancer epidemiology in Tobago.”

The study being undertaken is entitled: “The Molecular Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in Tobago—Identifying Challenges and Opportunities”.