The Cayman Islands Government has published its first National Cancer Policy, setting out a Cayman Islands framework for cancer prevention, screening, early detection, diagnosis and care across the Islands.

The policy aims to make cancer services more consistent and evidence-based, so that residents receive the same guidance regardless of where they access care.

The policy also aims to standardise cancer screening for bowel, cervical and female breast cancer, the three cancers for which the evidence supports population screening. By adopting United Kingdom National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, or NICE, Quality Standards and Guidelines, the Government said it had created a clearer basis for clinical pathways and public advice across the health system.

A national framework for screening and prevention

The new policy marks the first time the Cayman Islands has published a national cancer policy. It establishes national screening recommendations and sets out how screening should be delivered in a more consistent way across the Islands. Officials said the aim is to improve outcomes through prevention and earlier detection, while also giving healthcare professionals a clearer framework for care.

Under the policy, population screening recommendations have been set for colorectal, cervical and female breast cancer. For bowel cancer, adults aged 45 to 74 are recommended to have a FIT test every two years or a colonoscopy every 10 years. For cervical cancer, women aged 24½ to 64 are recommended to have HPV testing every five years, with cytology triage where indicated. Catch-up HPV vaccination is to be offered at the first appointment where needed.

For female breast cancer, women aged 40 to 74 are recommended to have mammography every two years. The policy also said radiology could recommend additional screening where breast density requires further assessment. All people in the recommended age groups are encouraged to speak with their general practitioner about eligibility and the screening option that best suits them.

Cervical cancer screening can also be carried out by a women’s health provider or a GP. The policy said this approach was intended to support access and make the screening pathway easier for the public to understand across the Cayman Islands health system. It also aims to reduce confusion about when and how residents should be screened.

Minister for Health, Environmental & Sustainability Katherine Ebanks-Wilks MP said the publication of the policy marks a significant step for the Islands. She said the document reflects a commitment to building a proactive, patient-centred health system and to improving outcomes through prevention.

"The publication of the Cayman Islands' very first national Cancer Policy marks a historic milestone in our commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of our people. This groundbreaking policy establishes a robust, evidence-based framework aimed at strengthening cancer prevention, screening and early detection, with an initial focus on bowel, cervical and female breast cancer," the Minister said.

She added that cancer affected individuals, families and communities across the Islands and said strong governance, collaboration and a focus on prevention had to remain central to the response. The Minister also said the Government was advancing work on a Cancer Registry Bill and that a White Paper would first be shared with the public for community input.

"This includes feedback from cancer patients and their families, healthcare practitioners and other stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered in this important initiative," she said.

Chief Officer Tamara Ebanks said she recognised the amount of work that had gone into the policy and thanked everyone involved in its development.

"I thank everyone who contributed to the development of this important policy and look forward to continuing this work with our partners and the wider community as we strengthen cancer care, improve outcomes and build a healthier, stronger and more resilient Cayman Islands," she said.

Chief Medical Officer Dr Hilary Wolf said early detection had a major influence on cancer outcomes. She said the earlier cancer is identified, the greater the opportunity for effective treatment and improved survival. She described the policy as a standardised guideline that aligns Cayman’s approach with internationally recognised, evidence-based practice.

"Cancer outcomes are strongly influenced by when the disease is detected and acted upon. The earlier cancer is identified, the greater the opportunity for effective treatment and improved survival," Dr Wolf said.

Dr Wolf said the policy gives healthcare professionals and the public greater clarity and confidence in the pathways designed to achieve the best possible health outcomes. She said it reinforces the importance of prevention, timely diagnosis and coordinated care across the Cayman Islands health system.

The policy notes that only bowel, cervical and female breast cancer currently have effective population screening approaches supported by evidence. Other cancers remain under consideration for future population screening recommendations.