 Fellow St. Lucians, as we observe World Cancer Day this year, we are reminded of the impacts of cancer on families throughout St. Lucia. We fear cancer because more often than not, we associate cancer with prolonged suffering and death. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer has indicated that in 2020, an estimated 10 million deaths worldwide were attributed to cancer. Of these, 70% occurred in low and middle-income countries like St. Lucia. The 2020 data from the National Epidemiology Unit within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs indicates that cancers are the leading cause of death among women and men. In men, cancers of the prostate and in women, cancers of the breast, cervix, endometrium and ovary were the leading causes. In addition, cancers of the colon, lung, and stomach continue to affect the St. Lucian population. The data also shows that between 2018 and 2020, for example, approximately 1,500 females and 2,170 males were diagnosed with various types of cancers in St. Lucia. While it may not be possible to determine the cause of cancer for everyone who may develop it, centuries of research point to some common risk factors, some preventable and others not preventable. These preventable risk factors include habits such as inadequate physical activity, tobacco use, intake of alcohol above recommended limits, unhealthy diets, some high-insaturated fats, added sugars and processed meats, inadequate sleep, high levels of stress and unsafe sexual practices. Additionally, neglecting early detection through recommended cancer screening and not taking recommended vaccines that prevent certain cancers can also increase cancer risk. The 2020 behavioral risk factor survey results for a representative sample of St. Lucian aged 18 to 69 years highlight the presence of these preventable risk factors within our population. The percentage of respondents who were current tobacco smokers was 8.5%. Those who engaged in heavy drinking was 19.1%. Current alcohol drinkers 61.9%. Consumption of less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day 83.2% and those overweight are obese 65%. The percentage of women who had never had a breast exam was 19.3%. In St. Lucian's, we must work together to improve our ability to fight cancer. Cancer is not a death sentence. Awareness and early detection can make a big difference. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs has implemented various initiatives such as the St. Lucian Moves Initiative and the Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program in an effort to increase the awareness and adoption of healthier habits within the population on a national level. Additionally, the Ministry continues to strengthen access to quality health care within the various wellness centers and health institutions on the island to ensure that all St. Lucian's male and female have access to early detection through appropriate screening. The Ministry continues to engage private sector entities, NGOs and overseas hospitals as we work towards ensuring affordable, continued and consistent cancer diagnosis and treatment for St. Lucian's. In Observance of World Cancer Day 2024, the Ministry adopts the national theme, St. Lucian Moves to Conquer Cancer. The focus under this theme is to encourage people to take actionable steps to reduce their risk for cancers, to access available cancer screening and treatment services and to provide assistance to cancer support agencies. In an effort to aid in closing the care gap throughout the month of February, the citizenry will be encouraged via the Pledge Five Challenge to adopt or improve five healthy habits, uplift five people, donate at least $5 to a local cancer support agency, walk for at least five kilometers anywhere on the island, then upload the walk to social media and tag five friends to do the challenge. The Ministry of Health will heighten the social media campaigns, health education campaigns, health education training, screenings and call to action initiatives on cancer as part of the observance. Links will continue to be strengthened with private sector organizations, NGOs and others to engender a culture of cancer advocacy and general health-seeking behaviors among seclusion. The Ministry of Health endorses the Senutia Cancer Society's Relay for Life, which will be held on World Cancer Day Sunday, 4th of February 2024 at the Saab VG and will be actively involved in this activity. The Ministry intends to continue to bring greater visibility to the reality of living with cancer and encourage open dialogue between the public health care providers and private health care providers. These interventions will contribute to a more supportive environment and promote better quality of life as persons are informed, educated and empowered to make decisions for early utilization of cancer screening, diagnostic and treatment services. Solution, let us come together and let us move to conquer cancer. I thank you.