AUC, VSA, Positive Foundation offer free breast and health screenings for women

GREAT BAY-- Women ages 18 and older in St. Maarten are being encouraged to register for free breast and general health screenings being offered through a partnership involving the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour and the Positive Foundation.

The first screening will take place Saturday, October 3, from 8:30am to 3:00pm, with registration required by September 30. A second screening is scheduled for November 28, with participants required to register at least three days before the event.

AUC medical students will conduct general health checks including height, weight, vision, blood sugar, blood pressure and total cholesterol. Breast examinations will be performed by AUC physician and board-certified oncologist Dr. Naira Chobanyan.

The initiative is being conducted by AUC with support from the Positive Foundation and the Ministry of VSA, including Collective Prevention Services, to help women better understand breast health, breast abnormalities and the risk factors associated with breast cancer.

Participants will also receive information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, ways to reduce risk, how breast cancer risk is evaluated and how individual risk can be calculated.

While breast cancer cannot always be prevented, organizers hope that increased awareness, screening and information can contribute to earlier detection and treatment. The Positive Foundation continues to encourage women to “Feel It, Find It, and Fight It” by becoming familiar with their bodies and seeking medical attention when changes are noticed.

“These screenings are about more than examinations, they are about empowering women with information that can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes,” Positive Foundation President Shelly Alphonso said.

“The Positive Foundation is honored to support this initiative alongside AUC School of Medicine and the Ministry of Public Health, Collection Preventative Services. We encourage women to participate, not only for their personal health, but also because the findings from the project could help shape future breast screening guidelines for St. Maarten. Every woman who participates contributes to a healthier future for our community.”

Information collected through the research project could also contribute to the development of future breast screening guidelines for St. Maarten, potentially strengthening efforts to identify breast abnormalities at an earlier stage.

Women who have not participated in previous AUC breast screening initiatives are especially encouraged to register.

Appointments can be made by calling 721-545-2298 ext. 404 2248, via WhatsApp at +1 (937) 450-3948, or by emailing ehypolite@aucmed.edu.

The screenings will take place at the offices of Collective Prevention Services at Vineyard Office Park, 33 Buncamper Road, Philipsburg.

‍