Belize’s esteemed pediatrician, Dr. Cecilio Eck, has publicly disclosed the recurrence of his biliary tract cancer, marking a significant setback in his health journey. The medical professional, who initially received a stage 4 cancer diagnosis in 2024, confirmed the development during a recent interview after experiencing renewed pain symptoms.
Following extensive treatment protocols including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical interventions abroad, Dr. Eck had resumed his medical practice in October 2025 to continue serving his young patients. However, just two months after returning to clinical duties, persistent left hip pain prompted further diagnostic investigations. Subsequent scans conducted in Mexico City revealed the unfortunate metastasis of his cancer.
Despite this challenging prognosis, Dr. Eck maintains a remarkably positive outlook. “I’ve chosen to make my illness public to raise cancer awareness and demonstrate that fear should not dominate our response to diagnosis,” he stated. “No hope is lost. We remain optimistic about overcoming this challenge.”
The medical community and general public have rallied behind the beloved physician, who has dedicated over two decades to pediatric care in Belize. A fundraising event titled ‘Hope for Dr. Eck’ has been scheduled for January 30 at the Belize House of Culture in Belize City. The event, offering tickets at $100 through MADISCO outlets, online platforms, and at-the-door purchases, aims to generate financial support for his ongoing treatment expenses.
Dr. Eck’s transparency about his health struggle has transformed his personal battle into a public awareness campaign, inspiring many facing similar health challenges throughout Belize and beyond.