SLBMC Cancer Symposium Expands to Include Community Discussions

Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) has expanded its annual Multidisciplinary Cancer Symposium to include a dedicated community day, bringing patients, families and caregivers into discussions previously focused on healthcare professionals.

The recently concluded 2026 event marked another stage in the symposium’s development from a breast cancer-focused initiative into a broader platform for cancer education and engagement.

Medical Director Dr. Shivon Belle-Jarvis credited Dr. Duncan with recognising the potential for an event that brought together different specialties and the wider community.

“Dr. Duncan saw where this could go,” she said. “He understood that cancer care is bigger than any one specialty.”

She noted that cancer care involves those who diagnose and treat the disease, professionals who support patients and families, and communities living with its effects.

The first day, held under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: Integrating Innovation, Evidence, and Empathy in Cancer Care,” offered healthcare professionals opportunities for continuing medical education through presentations and discussions on current approaches to cancer care.

The second day shifted the focus to the public under the theme “Beyond Boundaries: From Awareness to Action: Making Cancer Care Everyone’s Conversation.” It aimed to make information more accessible and encourage people to take a greater interest in their health and that of those around them.

Christine Joseph, chair of the Symposium Organizing Committee, said the addition recognised that cancer care extends beyond clinical settings.

“Cancer care does not happen in isolation. It affects patients, families, caregivers and entire communities,” she said.

Joseph said community engagement would remain part of future symposiums, with organisers seeking to help people feel comfortable asking questions and discussing cancer before they or a loved one receives a diagnosis.

This year’s symposium booklet also included scholarly contributions from healthcare professionals in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider region. Abstracts and an article explored aspects of cancer care and palliative medicine, providing another avenue for sharing local and regional expertise.

SLBMC encouraged professionals to continue submitting research, clinical experiences and perspectives as the initiative develops. The centre also acknowledged participating healthcare workers and thanked the partners and sponsors supporting the event.

The next SLBMC Multidisciplinary Cancer Symposium is planned for the first weekend of October 2027, with further details to be announced.

“Cancer care is always evolving, and so must the way we respond to it,” Dr. Belle-Jarvis said, adding that the symposium would continue providing professional education while creating opportunities for the community to understand cancer and participate in the conversation.