GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Natalie Tackling and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten have joined the national observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging women across St. Maarten to prioritize their health, undergo regular screenings and pay close attention to changes in their bodies.
Both ministers addressed the issue during the Council of Ministers briefing on Wednesday, October 7, using their opening remarks to highlight the impact breast cancer continues to have on families and communities.
Tackling said breast cancer has touched the lives of many people, whether through a family member, friend, colleague or personal experience.
“As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage everyone to prioritize their health, support those on this journey, and remember the importance of early detection and regular screenings,” Tackling said.
Heyliger-Marten also used her remarks to speak directly to women who often spend much of their lives caring for others while placing their own health needs last.
She said the familiar pink ribbon associated with Breast Cancer Awareness Month represents much more than a symbol, pointing to the women, families, fear, courage and loss connected to the disease.
Heyliger-Marten said women frequently carry multiple responsibilities as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, caregivers, professionals and providers, while sometimes overlooking warning signs concerning their own health.
Her message to women was to make their health a priority by scheduling appointments, getting checked, paying attention to their bodies and encouraging other women to do the same.
“Do not push yourself last. Make an appointment, get checked, pay attention to your body, encourage the women around you to do the same,” Heyliger-Marten said. “Taking care of yourself is not selfish. Your life matters, your health matters, and early detection can save lives.”
The ministers’ comments come as St. Maarten observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October, a period traditionally used to encourage education, screening, early detection and support for persons affected by breast cancer.
Their messages also emphasized the role of the wider community in encouraging women to take their health seriously and supporting those undergoing diagnosis, treatment or recovery.
Tackling called on residents to support persons on the breast cancer journey, while Heyliger-Marten stressed the importance of women also looking out for one another and encouraging friends, relatives and colleagues to seek medical attention when needed.
Both ministers placed early detection at the center of their messages, urging women not to postpone screenings or ignore changes in their health.
The Government’s October awareness messages add to ongoing community efforts by health organizations, foundations and other partners to keep breast cancer education and screening at the forefront during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
