Nassau, Bahamas - 14 April 2026 - The Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is supporting The Bahamas in undertaking a comprehensive imPACT Review, a joint assessment of national cancer control capacities and needs conducted in partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The official Kickoff meeting for the review took place, which brought together international and national experts, government officials, and launched this important health systems strengthening initiative. The assessment will culminate in an in-country mission scheduled for June 2026.
Dr. Phillip Swann, the Director of the Department of Public Health, emphasized the government's commitment to the assessment which will provide evidence-based recommendations to strengthen national cancer control efforts.
"Last May, PAHO co-hosted a Breast Imaging Seminar that brought together 41 health professionals from 11 institutions," said Dr. Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO Representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. "The imPACT Review represents a detailed extension of that process, examining the full cancer control landscape from prevention and early detection to treatment, palliative care, and radiation safety." The imPACT Review will assess national capacities across the cancer continuum, identify opportunities for partnerships and resource mobilization, and generate evidence-based recommendations tailored to the Bahamian context. The assessment focuses on priority cancers, including breast, cervical, colorectal, lung, and childhood cancers, taking into account the country's specific epidemiological profile.
Cancer remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in the Caribbean. In The Bahamas, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death among women, with nearly half of those diagnosed under the age of 50 and almost half presenting at an advanced stage. These realities underscore the critical need for a comprehensive, systems-based approach to cancer prevention, detection, and care.
PAHO/WHO The Bahamas will provide ongoing technical support to the Ministry of Health and Wellness as the country implements strategies to enhance cancer reduction and control across The Bahamas.
