BY TYNIA BROWN
JOURNAL STAFF WRITER

In an attempt to tackle the high incidence of breast cancer in The Bahamas, Oaktree Medical
Center has unveiled the “Million Mammogram Movement 242”. This ambitious program is set to
provide thousands of free mammograms to women across the nation, with a commitment of one
million dollars in-kind to support the cause.
Dr. Deveaux, Chief Medical Officer of Oaktree Medical Center, addressed media partners at a
press conference held on Wednesday morning, highlighting the urgent need for improved breast
cancer screening in the country. Dr. Deveaux revealed that nearly 48% of women in the country
are diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50, with the average diagnosis age at 42.
Alarmingly, 44% of these diagnoses are at stage 3 or 4, indicating late-stage cancer.
“The Million Mammogram Movement 242 is our way of giving back to our community and
addressing this critical health issue, “Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths
here, and we are determined to make a significant impact through early detection,” Dr. Deveaux
said.
The program, set to launch today, will not be limited to October’s Breast Cancer Awareness
Month. Instead, Oaktree Medical Center aims to offer mammograms throughout the year to
ensure continuous access to screening. Dr. Deveaux says that cancer does not wait for a specific
month, and neither should screenings.
The press conference also featured emotional testimonies from individuals affected by breast
cancer. Audrey Seymour, a breast cancer survivor and patient at Oaktree Medical Center, shared
her journey and urged Bahamian women to prioritize routine screenings. “If it weren’t for my
regular check-ups and the support from Oaktree Medical Center, I might not be here today,”
Seymour said.
Dr. Carmen Cartwright, Clinical Director at Oaktree Medical Center, further underscored the
importance of the program. She noted that breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer
among Bahamian women, significantly surpassing colon cancer in annual diagnoses.
To ensure the success of the Million Mammogram Movement 242, Oaktree Medical Center has
partnered with local organizations such as the Cancer Society of the Bahamas and Sister Sister
Cancer Support Group. The program will distribute 25 to 40 mammogram vouchers monthly
through these partners, facilitating structured access to screenings and reducing the burden on
healthcare facilities.
The program will offer state-of-the-art 3D mammograms, which detect up to 30% more breast
cancers compared to traditional 2D mammograms. This advanced technology will be available at
two designated locations, reflecting Oaktree Medical Center’s commitment to providing top-tier
healthcare services.
Dr. Deveaux concluded the announcement by emphasizing the broader impact of the Million
Mammogram Movement 242.

“This initiative is about more than just screenings; it’s about saving lives and improving health
outcomes for our community. We are honored to lead this effort and make a tangible difference.”
For more information on the Million Mammogram Movement 242 or to schedule a
mammogram, residents can contact Oaktree Medical Center or visit their website.