Oct 4, 2026
2 min read
Five cancer survivors are using their journeys to encourage citizens to take charge of their health, stressing that early detection can save lives.
For nine-year survivor Desiree Edgill, the message is simple, “…check yourself, and if you see a sign, follow the sign. Do something about it. We don’t want anybody else to get cancer.”
Five-year survivor Judy Bailey also urges people to get checked early, noting that early detection can lead to better outcomes.
After 25 years as a breast cancer survivor, Vanessa Collymore encourages women to make self-examination a monthly habit. “Please examine your breast every month. Early detection saves lives,”she urged.
For six-year survivor Sally Singh, faith, love and hope have been central to her journey. “Death is not the answer, healing is the answer and your faith,” she said, encouraging those battling cancer to keep pressing forward.
And five-year survivor Sylvia Dias reminds others that setbacks do not define the journey, “It’s all about the comeback. If I can do it, you can do it too,” she encouraged.
Their stories were presented by the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, which has increased public messaging that promote public awareness, and encourage citizens to take proactive steps towards their health and well-being. It also comes in observance of Breast Cancer Month held every October.
