The number of cancer cases in St. Kitts has increased over the past five years with a total of 229 new cases; data from the Health Information Unit has shown.

According to a press release issued through the office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Patrick Martin, the incidence in cancer can be reduced through healthier lifestyles starting in childhood, however, in the Federation, the consumption of processed food and alcohol is too high. Certain cancers are linked to obesity and the Federation’s rates of obesity in adults and children are too high, the release stated.

The total number of new cases in women is 224 with the average annual incidence of 43, the most common cancers in women are breast with 75 incidents, cervix 63, uterus 17, colon 16, skin 11. Meanwhile, the total number of new cases in men is at 75 or average annual incidence of 15 with the most common cancers in men being prostate 18, colon 17, skin 14.

The most common cases in both women and men according to the release is colon with 33 cases and skin with 25.

The CMO advises a lifestyle based on good nutrition and regular exercise protects against cancers as well as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Health promotion provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to choose and adopt healthier habits, and to detect medical problems at an early stage.

An effective response to cancer requires a whole of society – state and civil – approach. A major challenge is the continuous escalation in the costs of high technology healthcare which usually rise faster than the rate of general inflation, the release said.

"Additionally, the Federation’s small population size makes it difficult if not impossible to negotiate quantity discounts. Notwithstanding, the ministries of health of both islands will continue to plan and allocate resources to make diagnostic and treatment services available to all residents regardless of their income status."

The release outlined cancer detection services that are routinely available in the Federation such as pap smears, mammography and colon endoscopy. Simple measures such as breast self-examinations are taught in health centres and private doctor offices.

Cancer treatment services such as radiation and chemotherapy are not available locally but may be accessed in the region and beyond. Since prevention is better and cheaper than treatment, the Ministry of Health continues to place resource emphasis on programmes such as immunisation.

According to the release, "The Hepatitis B vaccine is offered free of charge as part of the immunisation programme. The Hepatitis B virus is a cause of liver cancer. No cases of liver cancer were reported between 2004 – 2009. The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cancer of the cervix. The ministry is actively exploring the introduction of the HPV vaccine."