By Aabigayle McIntosh

Discussions are underway to establish a National Childhood Cancer Registry in Antigua and Barbuda.

The creation of such a registry is essential for collecting detailed information on all new cancer cases, including patient demographics and cancer types within a specific population.

Dr. Shivon Belle Jarvis, head of the Pediatric Department at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Center, emphasized the importance of this initiative during a recent program on state media.

“We’re currently working to compile the necessary data for the registry. In fact, there is formal training scheduled for next month specifically for the childhood cancer registry,” Belle Jarvis said.

She also explained. “This is a critical step in effectively tracking children diagnosed with cancer.”

She also highlighted that the registry is part of a broader commitment to improving pediatric healthcare services in Antigua and Barbuda, whether for patients treated locally or abroad, in both public and private practices.