These healthy habits can also help control the disease if it does occur. It is important that persons who develop a NCD manage the disorder with the help of a health professional and follow the regimen agreed on with the doctor or nurse, to control the disorder and help prevent complications. Diabetes is probably the most important NCD right now. It also, on its own, causes many deaths and disabilities. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the Caribbean right now, with cervical cancer second.
Prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among men, overall.
Health programs are offered at regional institutions and national community colleges or universities. We are in the process of compiling a directory of training programs which will be available by the end of the 1st quarter 1999. The directory will include content, length and cost of training courses in health-related areas offered in the Caribbean. PAHO's Fellowship program is coordinated by the Ministry of Health. Reference materials can be found in the Documentation Center in PAHO offices, including the CPC Office, libraries of the Ministries of Health or the University of the West Indies.