Belize joined the global community on February 4th in observing World Cancer Day under the international theme ‘United by Unique,’ emphasizing personalized care and support for cancer patients. The Belize Cancer Society, under the leadership of President Kim Simplis-Barrow, is championing a humanized approach to cancer awareness that prioritizes individual patient experiences and needs.
Simplis-Barrow emphasized the Society’s commitment to placing ‘cancer at the center of the conversation’ while maintaining a people-centered perspective. ‘No two cancer journeys are the same,’ she noted, highlighting the importance of recognizing the unique challenges faced by each patient and holding society accountable for supporting those affected.
The Society has announced an ambitious calendar of events for 2026, building on recent initiatives during January’s Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. A significant upcoming event is the Cervical Cancer Forum scheduled for February 27th at St. Catherine Academy, organized in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Belize’s Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The forum will feature educational components, empowerment sessions, and personal testimonials from cervical cancer survivors. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will provide on-site HPV testing and vaccination services during the event. Additionally, the Society confirmed plans for its annual cancer walk in May and committed to monthly awareness campaigns covering all cancer types, moving beyond the focus on only the most publicized forms of the disease.