Carib Scope

分类： health

  • The fight against cancer reveals the genocidal face of the blockade

    The fight against cancer reveals the genocidal face of the blockade

    Cuba continues to advance its Comprehensive Cancer Control Program despite significant constraints stemming from the longstanding U.S. economic embargo, demonstrating the nation’s unwavering commitment to public health and patient care. On World Cancer Day, medical authorities revealed the substantial challenges facing oncology treatment in the country while reaffirming their dedication to maintaining cancer care services.

    Dr. Luis Martínez Rodríguez, Director of the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, emphasized that cancer represents the second leading cause of mortality in Cuba and the primary contributor to potential years of life lost. The country records approximately 50,000 new cancer diagnoses annually, with many cases being preventable through lifestyle modifications.

    Dr. Carlos Alberto Martínez Blanco, Head of the Cancer Control Section at the Ministry of Public Health, detailed how the U.S. blockade has directly impacted disease management outcomes. The restrictions have created substantial obstacles across multiple domains including procurement of preventive vaccines, maintenance of critical medical technologies, acquisition of replacement components, access to specialized cancer medications, and implementation of advanced surgical technologies.

    Despite these operational challenges, Cuba maintains a structured three-tiered healthcare approach that integrates primary care with specialized institutional services. The nation’s strategy emphasizes prevention, health promotion, and the development of an integrated national network coordinating clinical oncology, radiotherapy, and pediatric oncology services. This comprehensive framework underscores Cuba’s continued efforts to uphold the fundamental right to health care despite external economic pressures.

  • SLBMC Marks World Cancer Day, Urges Early Detection and Patient-Centered Care

    SLBMC Marks World Cancer Day, Urges Early Detection and Patient-Centered Care

    In a significant observance of World Cancer Day, the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has embraced the global theme “United by Unique” to emphasize the distinctive nature of each cancer journey while advocating for collective action against the disease. As Antigua and Barbuda’s premier national referral hospital, SLBMC is leveraging this international platform to reinforce its commitment to personalized oncology care that integrates clinical excellence with profound compassion.

    The hospital’s leadership underscores that while every patient’s experience with cancer is inherently unique, there exists a powerful unity among patients, families, and healthcare professionals in combating this health challenge. This unified approach forms the cornerstone of SLBMC’s patient-centered philosophy, which prioritizes individualized treatment plans and respects the specific needs and dignity of each person under their care.

    Central to SLBMC’s World Cancer Day message is the critical importance of early detection and preventive health practices. Medical authorities at the institution identify awareness and timely intervention as the most effective weapons in the cancer fight. The public is strongly encouraged to adhere to recommended screening schedules, seek prompt medical consultation for concerning symptoms, and maintain transparent dialogue with healthcare providers.

    The occasion also serves as an opportunity for SLBMC to recognize the extraordinary dedication of its oncology team—including clinicians, nursing staff, and support personnel—whose relentless efforts ensure comprehensive patient support throughout treatment journeys. Their work embodies the institution’s commitment to both medical excellence and human connection.

    Looking forward, SLBMC reaffirms its strategic mission to enhance cancer care services through continued collaboration with national and international partners. This commitment aims to ensure all patients receive treatment that reflects both their personal experience and the highest standards of medical quality, advancing toward improved outcomes for everyone affected by cancer.

  • Rotary Club of Antigua Promotes Healthy Living at Old Road Primary

    Rotary Club of Antigua Promotes Healthy Living at Old Road Primary

    ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA – In a proactive move against childhood obesity, the Rotary Club of Antigua executed an impactful awareness initiative at Old Road Primary School on January 29, 2026. Dubbed ‘Healthy Bounce, Happy Bodies,’ the event marked a significant effort within the broader Rotary MOVES campaign to instill healthier habits among the youth.

    The session provided a dual focus on nutritional education and physical activity, addressing core components in combating non-communicable diseases. Renowned nutritionist Ms. Charity Dublin spearheaded an interactive workshop, educating students on the fundamentals of a balanced diet and the critical role of various food groups. In a practical demonstration, she prepared two wholesome smoothies—banana chocolate and banana vanilla—showcasing them as delicious alternatives to sugar-laden snacks. The student body responded with notable enthusiasm to these nutritious samples.

    Complementing the dietary segment, the program emphasized the necessity of consistent physical exercise. Each participant was gifted a bouncing ball and engaged in a guided demonstration of straightforward exercises. The children were advised to incorporate at least five to ten minutes of such active movement into their daily routines, whether at home or within the school environment.

    Further reinforcing these health-centric messages, all students received a copy of the District-published booklet, ‘Eat Well, Move Well,’ designed to serve as a continuing resource. This initiative is a cornerstone of the Rotary District 7030’s Childhood Obesity Prevention (COP) Programme, which mobilizes clubs throughout the Caribbean to enhance awareness, bolster advocacy, and deploy localized interventions for improved community health outcomes.

    The Rotary Club of Antigua has reaffirmed its dedication to equipping the nation’s next generation with the knowledge and tools required to make informed, healthier lifestyle decisions, signaling an ongoing commitment to public health advancement.

  • Awareness, Education, Empowerment: Belize Observes World Cancer Day

    Awareness, Education, Empowerment: Belize Observes World Cancer Day

    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.

  • World Cancer Day 2026: ‘United by Unique’

    World Cancer Day 2026: ‘United by Unique’

    BELIZE CITY – The Belize Cancer Society has issued a powerful call to reframe the national conversation around cancer, positioning it not merely as a medical condition but as a profoundly human experience. This paradigm shift was announced as the nation joined global observances of World Cancer Day 2026 under the international theme “United by Unique.”

    Society President Kim Simplis Barrow articulated this transformative vision, emphasizing that effective cancer care extends beyond clinical treatment to encompass mental health support, family dynamics, and financial burdens. “Our mission transcends conventional medical approaches,” Barrow stated in an official release. “We are humanizing this disease by placing individuals at the core of our efforts, recognizing that each cancer journey carries distinct challenges and narratives.”

    The organization has unveiled an extensive 2026 agenda designed to sustain engagement beyond symbolic observances. Among the inaugural events is a cervical cancer forum scheduled for February 27 at St. Catherine Academy. This collaborative initiative with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and PAHO will feature survivor testimonials, public education sessions, and on-site HPV testing and vaccination services.

    The “United by Unique” theme resonates deeply with Belize’s approach, acknowledging diverse cancer experiences while emphasizing collective action. Barrow affirmed that through unified efforts, “we can forge a future where Belize’s cancer care becomes truly inclusive, accessible, and fundamentally centered on the people it serves.”

  • Wereld Kanker Dag: Suriname zet in op versnelde strijd tegen baarmoederhalskanker

    Wereld Kanker Dag: Suriname zet in op versnelde strijd tegen baarmoederhalskanker

    Suriname faces a severe healthcare challenge as cancer ranks as the nation’s second leading cause of death, with distinct patterns emerging across genders. Women predominantly suffer from breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers, while men most frequently develop prostate, lung, colorectal, and head-neck cancers. This alarming situation comes into sharp focus on World Cancer Day, observed globally on February 4th, which emphasizes cancer’s profound impact and the critical importance of prevention, early detection, timely treatment, and comprehensive care.

    The World Health Organization reveals that approximately 40% of all cancer cases are preventable through avoiding key risk factors including tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution. Vaccination against Hepatitis B and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) plays a pivotal role in preventing liver and cervical cancers respectively. Regular screening significantly enhances early detection and successful treatment outcomes for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers.

    Across the Americas, cervical cancer diagnoses exceed 78,000 annually among women, resulting in over 40,000 deaths. The situation is particularly dire in Latin America and the Caribbean—where Suriname is located—where mortality rates triple those in North America, highlighting substantial disparities in prevention and care access.

    The Pan American Health Organization has issued an urgent call to accelerate efforts toward eliminating cervical cancer by 2030. This ambitious goal requires achieving three targets: 90% HPV vaccination coverage for girls under 15, 70% screening coverage with high-quality tests for women at ages 35 and 45, and 90% treatment access for women with pre-cancerous or invasive cancer. While 24 countries have implemented single-dose vaccination schedules and regional first-dose coverage reaches 70%, screening and treatment programs lag significantly behind.

    PAHO is supporting member states through technical assistance and leveraging regional funds to ensure affordable vaccines, screening equipment, and treatment tools. Collaborations with partners including Unitaid and Spain’s AECID strengthen this comprehensive approach to make quality care accessible through primary healthcare systems.

    Meanwhile, Suriname’s Ministry of Health emphasizes the crucial role of mental and emotional support for cancer patients and their families, recognizing that psychological care is indispensable within overall cancer management.

    Marking World Cancer Day 2026, WHO/PAHO is hosting the webinar ‘Supporting the Elimination of Cervical Cancer’ to accelerate action on vaccination, screening, and care access to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.

  • Cancer Society hails early diagnosis ‘breakthrough’

    Cancer Society hails early diagnosis ‘breakthrough’

    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.

  • Cancer second leading cause of death in the Caribbean

    Cancer second leading cause of death in the Caribbean

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has issued a sobering assessment of the region’s healthcare challenges, revealing that cancer continues as the second leading cause of mortality throughout Caribbean nations, trailing only cardiovascular diseases in fatalities.

    In conjunction with World Cancer Day observances under the theme “United by Unique,” CARPHA’s comprehensive analysis documented approximately 119,000 new cancer diagnoses and over 66,000 cancer-attributed deaths across the Caribbean in 2022. The agency projects a disturbing 69 percent surge in cancer incidence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean by 2045, attributing this alarming trend to demographic aging and escalating exposure to primary risk factors.

    The Caribbean region demonstrates particularly concerning statistics for specific cancer types. Medical research identifies nine Caribbean territories among the fifteen global jurisdictions with the highest age-standardised incidence rates for prostate cancer, including Guadeloupe—which records the world’s highest prevalence—followed by Martinique, Barbados, Puerto Rico, French Guiana, The Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Additionally, eight Caribbean nations rank among the top fifteen for prostate cancer occurrence, with Jamaica, Barbados, and Haiti featuring prominently.

    The cervical cancer mortality landscape appears equally troubling, with Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Barbados occupying the second, third, and fourth highest global mortality rates respectively for this preventable disease.

    Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director, announced the forthcoming publication of “Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I,” a seminal surveillance report compiling data from seven national cancer registries. This landmark document will provide unprecedented insights into cancer patterns across Barbados, Bermuda, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago.

    While fifteen Caribbean countries have implemented dedicated national cancer control plans or integrated cancer management into broader noncommunicable disease strategies, CARPHA acknowledges significant disparities in healthcare responses across the region. Challenges persist regarding limited access to diagnostic services, treatment facilities, screening programs, and palliative care, with late-stage diagnosis remaining prevalent in numerous healthcare systems.

    Since 2015, CARPHA has operated the International Agency for Research on Cancer Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub in collaboration with global health organizations including the US National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Pan American Health Organization. This initiative represents a concerted effort to enhance data quality and inform policy decisions through robust cancer surveillance mechanisms.

  • CARPHA champions people-centred cancer care across Caribbean

    CARPHA champions people-centred cancer care across Caribbean

    The global community observes World Cancer Day annually on February 4th, focusing international attention on cancer awareness, education, and coordinated action against the worldwide cancer burden. This year’s observance continues the ‘United by Unique’ campaign, emphasizing person-centered approaches to cancer care that position individuals, families, and communities at the core of healthcare systems.

    Cancer persists as a predominant global health challenge, representing the second leading cause of mortality in the Caribbean region after cardiovascular diseases. Recent epidemiological data reveals approximately 119,000 new cancer diagnoses and over 66,000 cancer-related fatalities recorded across the region in 2022. Demographic aging coupled with increasing exposure to key risk factors projects a concerning 69% surge in cancer incidence throughout Latin America and the Caribbean by 2045, necessitating immediate and coordinated intervention strategies.

    Epidemiological surveillance identifies several Caribbean nations among global leaders in site-specific cancer prevalence. Notably, nine of the world’s fifteen highest age-standardized incidence rates for prostate cancer occur within the Caribbean region, with Guadeloupe demonstrating the highest global rate. The region also shows disproportionately high cervical cancer mortality rates, with Jamaica, The Bahamas, and Barbados ranking second, third, and fourth worldwide respectively.

    This substantial disease burden underscores the critical requirement for comprehensive cancer control policies and sophisticated surveillance mechanisms capable of generating high-quality epidemiological data to monitor trends, establish priorities, and assess intervention effectiveness.

    Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), announced forthcoming publication of ‘Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I’ in 2026. This landmark surveillance report will aggregate cancer incidence data from seven Caribbean nations’ national cancer registries, providing crucial evidence to shape policy development and enhance prevention strategies while advancing regional cancer surveillance capabilities.

    Significant progress has emerged through regional cooperation, with fifteen Caribbean countries now implementing dedicated national cancer control plans or incorporating cancer management into broader noncommunicable disease strategies. The establishment of population-based cancer registries has expanded, enabling systematic data collection on cancer incidence, mortality, survival rates, and prevalence patterns.

    Despite these advancements, substantial challenges persist across the region. Disparities in cancer control responses remain evident, with inconsistent access to diagnostic services, treatment facilities, screening programs, and palliative care resources. Late-stage diagnosis continues to prevail in numerous healthcare settings, highlighting areas requiring intensified intervention.

    To address these disparities, CARPHA established the International Agency for Research on Cancer Caribbean Cancer Registry Hub in 2015. Operating under the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development, this collaborative effort involves partnerships with leading international organizations including the US National Cancer Institute, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Pan American Health Organization.

    The Caribbean Hub, headquartered at CARPHA’s Port of Spain facility, provides technical support to enhance population-based cancer registry availability, quality, and coverage through specialized training, research initiatives, technical assistance, and advocacy for improved data management systems.

    The anticipated ‘Cancer Incidence in the Caribbean, Volume I’ represents a seminal achievement for regional cancer surveillance, consolidating comprehensive incidence data from 2000-2020 across seven participating nations. This report will reveal significant variations in cancer burden while identifying persistent challenges including data quality inconsistencies, resource limitations, and policy constraints – reinforcing the necessity for continued regional investment in surveillance infrastructure and technical support.

    As the region commemorates World Cancer Day, sustaining momentum through the Caribbean Hub remains essential for advancing equitable, evidence-based, and person-centered cancer control strategies throughout the Caribbean community.

  • PAHO urges strengthening cervical cancer prevention and care to advance toward its elimination

    PAHO urges strengthening cervical cancer prevention and care to advance toward its elimination

    With the 2030 deadline fast approaching, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an urgent call for accelerated action to eliminate cervical cancer across the Americas. Marking World Cancer Day (February 4), the organization warned that current progress remains insufficient to meet elimination targets despite significant advancements in vaccination programs.

    Regional health data reveals stark disparities in cervical cancer outcomes. Annually, over 78,000 women receive diagnoses while more than 40,000 succumb to the disease. A disturbing 83% of these fatalities occur within Latin America and the Caribbean, where mortality rates triple those documented in North America. These statistics underscore profound inequities in accessing preventive measures, early detection services, and appropriate treatment timelines.

    PAHO’s elimination framework establishes three critical benchmarks for 2030: achieving 90% HPV vaccination coverage for girls under 15; screening 70% of women aged 35 and 45 using high-performance tests; and ensuring 90% treatment access for women with precancerous lesions or invasive cancer.

    Notable progress includes HPV vaccine availability in 49 of 51 Americas countries and territories, with 70% programmatic coverage for the initial dose. Twenty-four nations have adopted single-dose scheduling, substantially improving vaccination accessibility. However, Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa emphasized that screening and treatment infrastructures require massive strengthening. Only 14 countries have incorporated HPV testing into screening programs, with coverage remaining inadequate and data collection limited. Radiotherapy services are reportedly available in just 18 nations.

    Projections indicate cervical cancer deaths could exceed 46,200 annually by 2030 without intervention scaling. PAHO is supporting member states through technical cooperation for national care plans and leveraging Regional Revolving Funds to procure affordable vaccines, screening tests, colposcopes, thermal ablation devices, and electrosurgical equipment. Integration into primary healthcare systems aims to bridge accessibility gaps regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.

    Strategic partnerships with Unitaid and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) further bolster prevention, detection, and care initiatives. A virtual seminar on February 4 will facilitate knowledge exchange regarding elimination strategies and introduce new planning tools for HPV screening and treatment protocols.