分类： health

Barbados faces a critical challenge in addressing the escalating rates of oropharyngeal cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), according to Dr. Salonee Shenoy, an ENT specialist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Speaking at the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) annual medical conference, Dr. Shenoy emphasized the urgent need for enhanced public education and awareness, particularly among high-risk groups. Recent research reveals a concerning trend in HPV-related cancers, with young women emerging as a particularly vulnerable demographic. Dr. Shenoy highlighted that while studies have identified risk groups, the focus must shift to prevention and education rather than costly diagnostic screenings. She advocated for mandatory HPV vaccination as part of the routine immunization protocol, citing its potential to significantly reduce cancer risks. The global medical community is increasingly alarmed by the role of high-risk HPV strains, such as types 16 and 18, in driving oropharyngeal cancers. Dr. Shenoy stressed that early education, behavioral awareness, and vaccination remain Barbados’ most effective tools in combating this growing health threat.

Barbadian healthcare professionals are being encouraged to implement targeted, high-risk screening strategies for head and neck cancers, as global cases continue to surge and new guidelines for thyroid cancer detection reshape medical practices. Dr. Salonee Shenoy, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, emphasized this approach during her presentation at the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) annual conference. She highlighted that routine population-wide screening for head and neck cancers is neither practical nor effective, unlike screenings for breast or prostate cancer. ‘In the general population, it is not recommended due to low prevalence and the potential for false positives,’ Dr. Shenoy explained. ‘The focus should be on identifying high-risk groups, such as heavy smokers, alcohol users, HPV-positive individuals, and those with a family history of thyroid cancers.’ Globally, head and neck cancers account for 650,000 new cases annually, with the highest prevalence in India, Pakistan, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. By 2030, mucosal cancers in these regions are projected to increase by 30%. Thyroid cancer, particularly among women, is also on the rise worldwide. While Barbados and the Caribbean have relatively low prevalence rates, Dr. Shenoy warned against complacency. She cautioned that universal screening could lead to unnecessary procedures, false positives, and over-diagnosis, with no proven mortality benefit. Instead, she advocated for regular oral cavity examinations in high-risk patients and vigilance for pre-malignant lesions like leukoplakia and erythroplakia, which have a 20–30% malignant potential. Dr. Shenoy also outlined critical warning signs requiring urgent ENT referral, including non-healing mouth sores, persistent throat discomfort, and unexplained neck masses. She highlighted advancements in thyroid cancer detection, such as the TR1–TR5 scoring system, high-resolution ultrasound, and AI-assisted diagnostics. ‘Screening should be targeted, not universal,’ she concluded. ‘Patient education and the use of advanced tools like ultrasound, biopsy, and molecular markers are essential for accurate risk stratification.’ Future directions include personalized screening, AI integration, and improved biomarker discovery.

The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) convened its annual conference this Saturday, focusing on the critical theme ‘A Holistic Approach to Cancer Care.’ The two-day event gathered prominent medical experts who underscored the alarming trend of Barbadians presenting with cancer at advanced stages. Consultant urologist Dr. Paul Rouse delivered a compelling presentation, revealing that Barbados continues to experience disproportionately high prostate cancer mortality rates. He emphasized that relying solely on symptoms is insufficient, stating, ‘Some patients have symptoms; some don’t. The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of disease.’ Dr. Rouse advocated for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testing, noting that early detection significantly enhances treatment outcomes. ‘Detecting the disease at an asymptomatic stage is crucial. Implementing lifestyle changes, medical management, or surgical interventions can dramatically improve prognosis,’ he explained. While PSA testing is not flawless, advancements in diagnostic tools have significantly improved accuracy. Dr. Rouse also highlighted the availability of advanced urological care in Barbados, reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad. Consultant gastroenterologist Dr. Avenello Maynard echoed the urgency of early detection, citing global and local statistics. ‘In 2022, over 1.9 million people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Barbados faces a high incidence and mortality rate, particularly among males,’ he said. Dr. Maynard stressed that early diagnosis is life-saving, as colorectal cancer typically develops over 10 to 20 years, allowing for less invasive treatment options. General surgeon Dr. Ian Lewis addressed breast cancer, the most common cancer among Barbadian women, emphasizing the importance of early detection. He discussed how digital mammography, combined with proper breast compression and skilled interpretation, has improved detection rates. ‘Screening is secondary prevention, aimed at identifying disease before symptoms appear,’ he stated. Dr. Lewis also highlighted the evolution of mammography technology and the importance of understanding breast density for accurate detection. He urged women to adhere to recommended screening schedules, noting that mammography remains the most effective tool for reducing breast cancer mortality. ‘The earlier we detect it, the better the outcome,’ he concluded.