The Barbados Cancer Society (BCS) has achieved a landmark medical advancement, positioning itself as a regional leader in oncology through the successful completion of two groundbreaking clinical trials. These trials focused on prostate and colon cancers and introduced a novel diagnostic protocol utilizing DNA blood tests to differentiate between false-positive results and genuine malignancies—a first-of-its-kind initiative in the Caribbean.
Under the leadership of President Professor David Rosin, the BCS has established a unique patient support system where medical personnel guide individuals with positive screening results through subsequent confirmatory testing and treatment pathways. The DNA-based verification method significantly reduces unnecessary medical interventions by distinguishing cancers from conditions such as prostatitis or other non-cancerous infections.
In the prostate cancer trial, which involved 565 participants, the Society identified not only 20 known cancer cases but also detected 50 asymptomatic individuals with normal PSA levels who exhibited early genetic markers indicating high future cancer risk. These individuals are now under close monitoring. A parallel colon cancer study included 610 participants and demonstrated similar success in early risk detection.
Professor Rosin emphasized that early detection through this method can prevent the need for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy. He also acknowledged the role of family members in encouraging timely screenings, particularly among men who may be hesitant to participate. The Society plans to expand its trials and continue promoting public awareness about the critical importance of proactive cancer screening.