Bahamas Plans Cancer Control Boost After ImPACT Review

Like many Small Island Developing States, the Bahamas faces unique health system challenges, including geographical dispersion, climate-related vulnerabilities and a growing burden of noncommunicable diseases.

Cancer remains a major public health concern, with nearly 1000 new cancer cases and over 500 deaths reported each year, according to 2022 Globocan figures. Prostate and breast cancers are among the most common cancers among men and women, respectively.

The imPACT review , a joint effort between the IAEA, the World Health Organization (WHO)/Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), was carried out at the request of The Bahama's Ministry of Health and Wellness to assess national cancer control capacity and needs.

During a mission from 9 to 11 June, a team of experts, including an expert from the MD Anderson Cancer Centre, met with key stakeholders and visited cancer care facilities, including the Princess Margaret Hospital and The Cancer Centre Bahamas in Nassau, and the Rand Memorial Hospital in the Grand Bahamas Island.

The mission highlighted the country's strong foundation for improving cancer services, including a dedicated health workforce. Recommendations focused on improving coordination across the cancer care pathway to reduce delays in diagnosis and treatment and on developing a comprehensive National Cancer Control Plan.

"The Government of The Bahamas is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure equitable access to quality cancer care for all our citizens" said Michael Darville, Minister of Health and Wellness. "This mission is therefore coming at an opportune time as it highlights both the progress made and the opportunities that lie ahead."

The Bahamas' geographic dispersion among 700 islands means that health services struggle to provide specialized quality care across the entire territory. As a result, many patients experience delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for people living outside the two main islands of New Providence and Grand Bahamas.

"As an archipelagic nation, The Bahamas faces unique challenges in ensuring equitable access to cancer care", said Eldona Boisson, PAHO/WHO Country Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. "WHO/PAHO is committed to working with the IAEA and IARC to support The Bahamas in strengthening coordinated cancer services through a comprehensive National Cancer Control Plan, which would be an important first step in addressing gaps."

The IAEA has been collaborating with national partners across the Caribbean region to strengthen cancer management capacity. In recent years, for example, a training course enabled over 40 Caribbean imaging professionals-including specialists from The Bahamas-to refine their skills in medical imaging and breast cancer biopsies. This initiative significantly improves access to vital breast diagnostic services for the region's 3.8 million women.

The review identified several strengths that can support more equitable cancer care, including strong government commitment, active civil society engagement, and dedicated specialists in oncology, pathology, imaging, radiotherapy and palliative care.

The country also has established cancer screening programmes, introduced HPV vaccination and maintained a population-based cancer registry. Radiotherapy services, however, are limited to a private hospital within the capital city, requiring travel from different islands and resulting in considerable out of pocket costs for patients. Experts identified opportunities to increase access to radiotherapy, including through public-private partnerships to expand its use in public healthcare and to carry out equipment upgrades.

"The Bahamas has a strong platform on which to establish a coordinated cancer control programme and strategic investment in governance and key radiation medicine services would increase access to care," said Lisa Stevens, Director of the IAEA's Programme of Action for Cancer Therapy (PACT). "Findings from the imPACT Review will inform IAEA technical cooperation support to the country, including through the Rays of Hope initiative nationally and potentially regionally."

imPACT Reviews assess a country's cancer control capacities and need and identify priority interventions to effectively respond to its cancer burden. Conducted jointly by the IAEA, WHO and IARC, they support Member States in their efforts to strengthen cancer control and improve services.