The Health Services Authority (HSA) and Cayman Islands Cancer Registry support National Cancer Research Month to highlight the importance of lifesaving research to people in Cayman and the millions of people around the world affected by more than 200 diseases collectively called cancer.“May is National Cancer Research Month and during this time we recognise and celebrate the medical professionals, researchers and cancer survivors who contribute to cancer prevention efforts. Additionally, we raise awareness of the importance of high-quality, innovative cancer research to the Cayman Islands and the world,” stated Cancer Registrar Amanda Nicholson. “Cancer survivors in the Cayman Islands have the unique opportunity to support progress toward the prevention and treatment of cancer locally by joining our national cancer registry.”When a person is diagnosed with cancer in the United Kingdom, information about them is automatically included in their national cancer registry. This is not the case in the Cayman Islands where cancer patients have to voluntarily register themselves.The data held in cancer registries are at the heart of efforts to improve cancer survival, treatment and care. A cancer registry can show how many people are diagnosed with cancer at a national level, what treatments they have, how long they live and most importantly, whether management of the disease is getting better or worse. This information can then be used to help find out potential causes of cancer, plan cancer services, develop more effective treatments and identify where further progress is needed in order to improve the lives of all people affected by cancer.The Cayman Islands Cancer Registry currently houses nearly 600 cases of cancer with the majority of registrants comprising of female (approximately 66%). The most commonly reported cancers among females are breast cancer (36% of reported cases), colon cancer (7% of reported cases) and ovarian cancer (5 % of reported cases). The average age of diagnosis for registrants reporting breast cancer is 50.The most commonly reported cancers among males are prostate (19% of reported cases), cancers of the blood (13% of reported cases) and lung cancer (12% of reported cases). The average age of diagnosis for registrants reporting prostate cancer is 61.Registration involves filling out a short one-page form that collects basic information about a cancer diagnosis. This form may be obtained at the office of the registrar at the Health Services Authority, through the Health Services Authority’s website (
https://www.hsa.ky/cancer-registry/
) or the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s website.The registration process is quick and confidential. Anyone who is considering registering is encouraged to call Ms Nicholson at (345) 244-2560 or email at
Amanda.nicholson@hsa.ky
. She is always happy to answer any questions regarding the registry.
The Health Services Authority (HSA) and Cayman Islands Cancer Registry support National Cancer Research Month to highlight the importance of lifesaving research to people in Cayman and the millions of people around the world affected by more than 200 diseases collectively called cancer.“May is National Cancer Research Month and during this time we recognise and celebrate the medical professionals, researchers and cancer survivors who contribute to cancer prevention efforts. Additionally, we raise awareness of the importance of high-quality, innovative cancer research to the Cayman Islands and the world,” stated Cancer Registrar Amanda Nicholson. “Cancer survivors in the Cayman Islands have the unique opportunity to support progress toward the prevention and treatment of cancer locally by joining our national cancer registry.”When a person is diagnosed with cancer in the United Kingdom, information about them is automatically included in their national cancer registry. This is not the case in the Cayman Islands where cancer patients have to voluntarily register themselves.The data held in cancer registries are at the heart of efforts to improve cancer survival, treatment and care. A cancer registry can show how many people are diagnosed with cancer at a national level, what treatments they have, how long they live and most importantly, whether management of the disease is getting better or worse. This information can then be used to help find out potential causes of cancer, plan cancer services, develop more effective treatments and identify where further progress is needed in order to improve the lives of all people affected by cancer.The Cayman Islands Cancer Registry currently houses nearly 600 cases of cancer with the majority of registrants comprising of female (approximately 66%). The most commonly reported cancers among females are breast cancer (36% of reported cases), colon cancer (7% of reported cases) and ovarian cancer (5 % of reported cases). The average age of diagnosis for registrants reporting breast cancer is 50.The most commonly reported cancers among males are prostate (19% of reported cases), cancers of the blood (13% of reported cases) and lung cancer (12% of reported cases). The average age of diagnosis for registrants reporting prostate cancer is 61.Registration involves filling out a short one-page form that collects basic information about a cancer diagnosis. This form may be obtained at the office of the registrar at the Health Services Authority, through the Health Services Authority’s website (
https://www.hsa.ky/cancer-registry/
) or the Cayman Islands Cancer Society’s website.The registration process is quick and confidential. Anyone who is considering registering is encouraged to call Ms Nicholson at (345) 244-2560 or email at
Amanda.nicholson@hsa.ky
. She is always happy to answer any questions regarding the registry.