BVI Moves to Create Cancer Registry
Plans are advancing to establish what could be the British Virgin Islands' first cancer registry, officials said on ZBVI Radio. Health leaders say the registry and expanded genetic testing will improve data collection, early detection, and planning for cancer care across the territory.
Plans are progressing to establish the Virgin Islands' first cancer registry, a development health officials and advocates say will strengthen local data on cancer incidence, diagnosis and treatment. The update was given on the Talking Points programme on ZBVI Radio, where General Practitioner Dr Sharlon Lewis stressed the need for evidence-based information. "Evidence makes such a better argument than just pulling things out of the sky and out of the air," Dr Lewis said, urging residents to come forward and share health information even if they have not previously sought care locally.
Gloria Fahie, president of the BVI Cancer Society, described the registry as a potential milestone for the territory and confirmed that groundwork is already underway. Fahie said community outreach is taking place and highlighted the role of an individual named Harmonie, who is interviewing residents as part of initial data collection efforts.
Fahie also reiterated the Society's push for wider genetic testing, a programme introduced at the recent BVI cancer conference. She told listeners that Dr Weldon had secured approval to extend testing to about 2,800 more people in the territory and urged swift action from political leaders. "I'm waiting on the minister — minister, I'm waiting on you — and we need to do something right away with that genetic testing," Fahie said.
Talking Points host Damion Grange praised the initiative, noting that genetic testing has already helped members of the community better understand their predisposition to certain cancers and prompted many to take greater control of their health. Health advocates have long called for a cancer registry in the BVI to enable better planning, monitoring and response.
Once operational, the registry is expected to provide critical data on cancer incidence and mortality, support earlier detection and treatment initiatives, inform screening and prevention programmes, and strengthen local public health research. Officials say the registry will also help the territory allocate resources more effectively and support applications for regional partnerships and external funding.
To be successful, the project will require broad community participation and robust privacy protections to safeguard personal medical information. Residents are encouraged to engage with the BVI Cancer Society and local health authorities for updates and to consider participating in outreach and genetic testing programmes.
As the registry effort continues, officials say it will be an important tool for improving cancer outcomes across the territory.
Primary source: BVI News