The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA), in observance of World Cancer Day, will host its annual free symposium on Monday, 2 February.
The event will take place from 4:30pm to 7:30pm at The Westin Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa.
The theme, ‘Different Stories, Shared Hope’, highlights the collective resilience of patients and families in their fight against cancer – the second leading cause of death in Cayman.
The forum will feature several presentations, including:
- Fireside Chat: The Lifestyle Impact of Breast Cancer
Dr Danielle Smellie and Dr Lundie Richards, HSA consultant haematologists and medical oncologists - Preserving Fertility in Uterine Cancer Care: The Role of Uterine Transportation
Dr John Diaz, gynaecologic oncologist, Baptist Health - Preserving Sexual Function in Breast and Gynae Cancer
Dr Leroy Campbell, consultant obstetrician/gynaecologist, HSA - Honouring the Individual Narrative through a Psychosocial Lens
Dr Paulette Gayle, clinical psychologist, HSA
Additionally, there will be booth displays from Cayman Islands Cancer Registry, Jasmine, Cayman Islands Cancer Society, and the Breast Cancer Foundation.
Healthcare professionals attending the event may also receive four CME credits.
Dr Lundie Richards, consultant haematologist and medical oncologist at the HSA, said: “It is not just about highlighting what happens when someone has cancer.
“We want to echo the full human experience of the disease, the emotional, physical, and psychological toll it takes, and how it reshapes daily life for patients and their loved ones.
“When people are supported and informed, they can begin to see beyond the diagnosis and regain a sense of normalcy, develop resilience, and hold on to hope for a future that still has meaning and possibility.”
While acknowledging the realities of the challenges that cancer brings, Dr Richards stressed that the focus of the symposium is firmly rooted in preservation and hope.
“We remain committed to educating patients, community, and family since many of us are affected by cancer, whether directly or indirectly,” he said.
“With medical advancements, our chances of early detection and successful treatment have improved, reaffirming our priority of preserving quality of life, dignity, and function.
“It is important to communicate these insights to the community.”
Anyone wanting to register for the symposium can visit info.hsa.ky/worldcancerday2026
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 epidemic.
