The Virgin Islands’ battle against cancer has been boosted to the tune of $67,000 thanks to grassroots action and corporate sponsorship.
A cancer research and analysis project by the territory’s Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit received $10,000 of the money to compile information that officials said will help advance a long-promised cancer registry in the Virgin Islands.
The BVI Cancer Society will receive the rest of the money, all of which was raised by the CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure through individual participants and some 27 corporate sponsors.
The move came as officials announced that 53 people were diagnosed with the disease in the VI last year.
National Epidemiologist Harmonie Brewley-Massiah said compiling a database of information is crucial for lowering cancer rates and catching the disease early.
“Without the medical data, we are shooting blanks. We are actually just fighting in the dark,” she said during a cheque-presentation ceremony last Thursday at CIBC Caribbean in Road Town. “We cannot fully understand the burden of cancer in the territory, allocate resources effectively, or advocate for better health care services.”
‘Absolutely no idea’
The expert said the dearth of information could cost lives.
“In fact, we don’t even know how our patients navigate cancer: We have absolutely no idea,” she said. “This lack of information is not just costing us lives, but it is negatively impacting the quality of life.”
However, she added that there is hope.
“By systematically collecting and analysing data, we can identify trends, improve early detection,” she said.
A cancer registry, she added, can help save lives.
“It helps to ensure that every person in the BVI who is diagnosed with cancer has the best possible chance at life,” she said. “This is why the development of the registry and research initiatives has commenced this year. It is a collaborative effort between health, [National Health Insurance], and the BVI Cancer Society.”
‘It is a lot’
Dr. Dominick Frazer, NHI medical director, said cancer rates in the territory are concerning.
“We had 53 new cancer cases last year, and it is a lot,” he added.
Dr. Frazer stressed the need for people to seek medical help as early as possible if they are concerned about their health.
Fabian Devonish, CIBC country head for the VI, also spoke.
“One of the progressive steps towards the fight against cancer is having better insight to cancer in the community,” he said. “We are proud to donate $10,000 to support a data collection and analysis initiative undertaken in partnership with the BVI [Cancer Society] and conducted by the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit within Public Health.”
