The incidence of cancer among young people is making the Dominica Cancer Society uneasy according to the President of the Society, Yvonne Alexander. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the society is using this time to encourage women including young ladies to pay closer attention to their health. “We’re noticing many more individuals are being diagnosed at an earlier age and this is of concern to us because in t he past many people were diagnosed with cancer were advanced in years. “Of concern as well is the rate of mortality; many more people are succumbing to cancer-related illnesses within months of being diagnosed. It speaks to late diagnosis.” Alexander cited a lack of treatment as another concern. While she notes that a lack of financial resources is a hindrance to many women, she says early detection is still the best protection. The society appeals to women, even young ones to get regular pap smears. A pap smear is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix or colon. Alexander reminds that the procedure is quick, less than five minutes long- and much less painful than many other cosmetic services that women get. She is adamant that women do not have to die from cervical cancer since it can be screened for and treated successfully.