U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) will host its annual Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk this Friday on St. Thomas and next Friday, October 24, on St. Croix, with hundreds of participants already registered in each district.
“Breast and prostate cancer are the two most common cancers in the Virgin Islands, and it’s important that we continue to raise awareness about early detection — getting annual mammograms, performing regular self-breast exams, and for men, completing prostate screenings,” said Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “The most powerful cancer intervention starts with you.”
Commissioner Encarnacion added, “This walk also honors survivors and caregivers while standing in solidarity with those who are bravely battling cancer today.”
On St. Thomas, the walk will begin at 5:30 p.m. this Friday, starting from Crown Bay Marina to the Cancryn Bridge and back.
On St. Croix, the event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, October 24, beginning at Claude O. Markoe School and ending at Buddhoe Park in Frederiksted.
To date, more than 350 participants have registered for St. Thomas and nearly 300 participants for St. Croix.
Both events will feature giveaways, prizes, contests, and moving testimonials from breast and prostate cancer survivors. T-shirt distribution will begin at 4:00 p.m. for registered participants.
Registration remains open at Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.com/) under the event title “Walking Together, Fighting as One.”
“We not only want to raise awareness about the importance of early detection, but we also want the community to know that the Department of Health is working every day to address barriers to care so that we can reduce the cancer burden in the Virgin Islands,” Commissioner Encarnacion continued. “Recently, our Chronic Disease Division, in collaboration with the USVI Cancer Coalition, hosted the Third Annual Cancer Summit to review and strengthen the USVI Cancer Plan, ensuring it continues to meet the evolving health needs of our territory.”
Commissioner Encarnacion expressed her appreciation to Dr. Lyna Fredericks, Director of the Chronic Disease Division, and her team for their leadership in organizing this year’s walks.
The Breast and Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk is sponsored by the VI Department of Health’s Chronic Disease Division through GVI Award M1924 and Title V funding.