News

Healthcare providers and members of the public are invited to the Health Services Authority (HSA) free annual World Cancer Day event on Tuesday, 4 February, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. This year’s theme, “Empowering Progress: New Frontiers in Cancer Care Pathways,” highlights some of the latest advancements and collaborative efforts in cancer care within the Cayman Islands.

The forum will feature CME presentations including:

• Cancer Burdens in the Cayman Islands – Preliminary Insights - Rachel Corbett, National Epidemiologist, Ministry of Health
• Developments in Multiple Myeloma - Dr Danielle Smellie, HSA Consultant Haematologist & Medical Oncologist
• Artificial Intelligence in Breast Cancer Imaging - Dr Jamaal A. Brown, HSA Consultant Radiologist
• Surgical Management Breast Cancer - Dr Ajit Mathew, HSA Consultant General Surgeon
• Oncologists Discuss Breast Cancer Management - Dr Danielle Smellie & Dr. Lundie Richards, HSA Consultant Haematologists & Medical Oncologists
• Minimally Invasive Surgery in Colorectal Cancer - Dr Paul Lidder, HSA Consultant Colorectal Surgeon
• Latest Advancements in The Surgical Approaches to Pancreatoduodenectomies - Dr Domenech Asbun, Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgeon, Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute
• Advances in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer - Dr. Lundie Richards, HSA Consultant Haematologist & Medical Oncologist
• Cayman Islands Cancer Registry Overview – Amanda Nicholson, Cancer Registrar

There will be display booths and a panel discussion with representatives from the Breast Cancer Foundation, the Cayman Islands Cancer Society, Jasmine, CINICO and the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nick Gent. Guests will also hear inspiring stories from cancer survivors and healthcare professionals who attend the event may also receive up to 4 CME credits.

Dr Lundie Richards, HSA Consultant Haematologist and Medical Oncologist emphasised the importance of a compassionate, personalised and collaborative approach to cancer care. “Cancer is not merely a medical diagnosis; it is a profoundly personal journey,” he noted. “Each diagnosis carries with it a unique story of struggle, healing, and resilience. This event is an opportunity for healthcare providers, survivors, and the public to come together, exchange knowledge, and discuss concerns about local cancer care. It demonstrates the collective commitment to improving cancer pathways and empowering progress in our community.”

“By uniting our efforts, we can ensure that health systems are centred on the needs of individuals and communities, looking beyond the disease to truly see and support the person behind the patient,” he added.

Registration for the HSA World Cancer Day event is available here: World Cancer Day 2025 | HSA. Spaces are limited.

World Cancer Day is an international day observed every 4 February to raise awareness about cancer, encourage its prevention, and mobilise action to address the global cancer epidemic.