The Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Breast Cancer Foundation brought the community together in powerful displays of unity and remembrance through two candlelight vigils held in observance of World Cancer Day.
The first event took place on 2 Feb. at Government House, followed by a second community vigil on 4 Feb. at The Crescent in Camana Bay.
The organisers said that, together, these events “created meaningful spaces for reflection, honouring those who have lost their lives to cancer, standing in solidarity with those currently facing a diagnosis, celebrating survivors, and recognising the families and caregivers who provide unwavering support every day”.
At the Camana Bay vigil, patients, survivors, caregivers, family members and support networks gathered at The Crescent to demonstrate their strength, resilience, and solidarity in the face of cancer, sending a powerful message of unity and hope across the community.
At Government House, patrons and supporters of both organisations came together, including Governor Jane Owen; Minister of Health, Environment and Sustainability Katherine Ebanks-Wilks; and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hilary Wolf.
The vigils also highlighted the importance of continued progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and care.
A press release on the events noted that special recognition had been given to the Ministry of Health for its ongoing advocacy for improved cancer screening and for the implementation of a mandatory, comprehensive national cancer registry – key measures to strengthen cancer care, improve outcomes, and support evidence-based planning for the future.
Wolf delivered an address reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to strengthening cancer care in the Cayman Islands, including confirmation of plans to introduce a national cancer policy.
“Establishing a national cancer registry is a priority for the Ministry. A registry is not just about numbers – it is about knowledge that saves lives,” she said.
Rebekah Brooks, chair of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society board of directors, added, “I am reminded every day that behind every cancer statistic is a person, a family, and a story forever changed. Too many in our islands have walked this difficult path, and we owe it to them to do better. A mandatory national cancer registry is not just a policy initiative; it is a lifeline.
“It will give us the accurate, comprehensive data we need to prevent suffering, diagnose earlier, strengthen care, and ultimately save lives. By understanding the true burden of cancer in Cayman, we honour those we have lost, support those in treatment, and bring hope to the generations that follow.”
The release noted that both vigils reflected the growing collaboration between the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and the Breast Cancer Foundation, “two organisations united by a shared commitment to education, early detection, patient support, and advocacy. Their deepening partnership underscores the power of working together to better serve the community and those affected by cancer”.
“This vigil is not only about remembrance – it is also about hope,” said Beverly Edgington, the Breast Cancer Foundation’s chief administrator. “Hope that through partnership, education, and advocacy, we can reduce the burden of cancer. Hope that through awareness and screening, more lives will be saved.”
The Cayman Islands Cancer Society also expressed sincere gratitude to its patrons and sponsors, noting that the organisation is not government funded and relies entirely on the generosity of local businesses, organisations, and individual philanthropists. “This support is essential to sustaining vital programmes and services for individuals and families impacted by cancer across the Cayman Islands,” it said.
“World Cancer Day is both a moment of remembrance and a call to action,” said Dave O’Driscoll, head of operations at the Cancer Society. “Through these two vigils, we were reminded of the strength of our community and the importance of continuing to work together – through partnership, advocacy, and compassion – to improve cancer care and support for everyone in the Cayman Islands.”
Both organisations thanked Government House, Camana Bay, their partners, board of directors, volunteers, and all who attended and stood in solidarity with those affected by cancer.
For more information about the Cayman Islands Cancer Society or the Breast Cancer Foundation, or to learn how to support their work, visit cics.ky, breastcancerfoundation.ky or call 949-7618 and 923-1135, respectively.
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I understand that in 2023 in the UK that the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer, exceeded the cases of women diagnosed with breast cancer. I have to say that in Cayman prostate cancer seems to have a low profile and I wonder if the ratio is different here.