News

• Barbados recorded 960 new cases of cancer in 2018 (Barbados recorded an average of 977 cases from 2013-2018). 
• Prostate, breast and colo-rectal cancer remain the leading types of cancers in men and women in Barbados respectively (2018).  
• Lung cancer remains lower in the Barbados population (ranked 8th in the top 10 cancers locally, ranked 3rd globally). 
• The number of prostate cancer cases per 100,000 people remains high when compared to global figures. 
• There is an overall trend toward increasing cancer deaths over 2013 -2021. 

 

 

Leading Cancers in Barbados, 2018 

As part of its ongoing advocacy to increase the health and wellness of Caribbean populations, the Barbados National Registry is highlighting areas where, through collective efforts, there can be improvements in cancer care.  The reality is that for many persons in the Caribbean, cancer care is expensive, lengthy, physically, and emotionally taxing [1]. What makes it more difficult are the limitations which may impact timely access to care and treatment, these include:  

1. The cost of diagnostic studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), laboratory testing, and medications, 

2.  The wait times for access to treatment and services in both the public and private sectors. 

Additionally, our data indicates that the likelihood of a person being diagnosed with cancer in Barbados increases as they age. The reality is that many elderly persons may not have the financial resources and support they need. 

As part of formulating this sensitization piece, the BNR  gathered insights from  clinicians academic who are members of its Professional Advisory Board on issues of high priority  related to cancer care. Dr. Natalie Greaves,  clinician -researcher, Lecturer in Public Health at The University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus and Co-Chair of the colo-rectal working group for the African Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) suggests that one of the key elements of translation of the BNR  report is in the are of informing  screening and early detection strategies The BNR report shows that the incidence and mortality of CRC in Barbados continues  to be high (-- Include  both stas147 cases in 2018).  Dr Greaves notes that health education activities focused on the signs and symptoms of colo-rectal cancer is crucial. Further she advocated for clinicians to educate clients on their options of minimally invasive screen test available in  in Barbados like “FIT-Testing” and M2pK kits – where the stool is tested for blood and altered DNA, can be recommended even in the absence of symptoms.  

 

Symptoms of colo-rectal cancer might include: 

1. Blood in stool 

2. Changes in bowel movement pattern 

3. Changes in the shape and size of stool 

4. Abdominal pain 

5. Loss of appetite 

6. Unexplained weight loss and tiredness 

 

Dr. Cheryl Alexis, Haematologist, Oncologist and  Senior Lecturer in Clinical Haematology also at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill indicated that the trend of rising breast cancer deaths reported in the BNR report is of great concern to her. This is because globally, breast cancer deaths are decreasing. She believes the costs of investigation and treatment are a challenge for cancer patients without insurance. In order to provide directed treatment for breast cancer, which is the standard of care (the minimum expectation of care that patients should receive) patients should not only have immunohistochemistry (tests to determine what proteins and hormones the tumour is releasing), but genetic testing (for example, BRCA 1 and 2 gene tests). Other newly available ‘gene-oncotype tests’ which allow doctors to give patients a score indicating the likelihood of the cancer coming back, can be used to determine how aggressively the cancer should be treated. She notes the health system challenges in cancer care provision in Barbados and the region [1] with inadequate access to   what are  now Gold-standard, diagnostic and treatment modalities e.g, PET Scans,  i linear accelerators, stereotactic proton radiation machines and other precision or  individual care methods .  

As part of it social responsibility- scientist at the BNR and the Wider UWI are advancing the  work to,  close the care gap and ensure each Barbadian receives equitable care.  However, success will require all sectors and citizens  working  collaboratively. Join the Barbados National Registry in bringing national awareness to the challenges in cancer care. The Barbados National Registry will continue to provide data on cancer, heart attacks and strokes in Barbados. For more information and to access out report visit: www.bnr.org.bb or follow our Facebook page to receive updates.