Health officials in Dominica have expressed concern about the high rate of prostate cancer cases in the country.
Dominican Health Minister Cassani Laville said that the country has one of the highest mortality rates from the disease in the region.
He said that data from 2019 indicates that prostate cancer related deaths in Dominica stands at 39.2 per 100,000, placing them at the top of the list among 35 countries in the sub-region.
Minister Laville said that the statistic is alarming and necessitates immediate action.
He said that the island is working with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to identify consultants to assist in developing a programme.
Dominica’s Health Minister noted that they had already met with stakeholders, saying that their expertise will aid in the development of standard operating procedures for prostate cancer screening.
