With cancer ranking as the second leading cause of death in the Cayman Islands, the symposium is a vital resource in underscoring the profound impact cancer has on the individual, their families and communities.

The forum will feature CME presentations, including:

  • Fireside Chat: The Lifestyle Impact of Breast Cancer
    Dr. Danielle Smellie & Dr. Lundie Richards, HSA Consultant Haematologists & Medical Oncologists
  • Preserving Fertility in Uterine Cancer Care: The Role of Uterine TransportationDr. John Diaz, Gynaecologic Oncologist, Baptist Health
  • Preserving Sexual Function in Breast and Gynae CancerDr 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 4 CME credits.

“It is not just about highlighting what happens when someone has cancer,” emphasizes Dr. Lundie Richards, Consultant Haematologists & Medical Oncologists at the HSA. “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 stresses 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 noted. “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.”

To register for the symposium, visit: info.hsa.ky/worldcancerday2026 . Space is limited.

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 cancer epidemic.