PAHO, Ross University, and UN Women partner for cancer and genetics awareness session

Bridgetown, Barbados, 31 October 2025 (PAHO) - As Breast Cancer Awareness month came to a close, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), in collaboration with the Ross University School of Medicine and UN Women, hosted an engaging wellness activity for staff, an awareness session titled "Cancer and Genetics: Understanding Your Risks, Empowering Your Health."

This hybrid session, facilitated by Dr. Rashida Daisley, Assistant Professor at Ross University School of Medicine, brought together PAHO and UN personnel to deepen their understanding of the links between cancer risk, genetics, and lifestyle.

By the end of the session, participants were expected to:

• Explain the difference between inherited and acquired genetic changes in cancer;
• Identify who should be screened and when for at least three common cancers (breast, colorectal, and prostate); and
• List key personal or family history indicators that suggest the need for genetic counselling or testing.

Dr. Daisley highlighted that up to 50% of cancers are preventable, and that only 5-10% are due to inherited genes, with the majority resulting from acquired genetic changes influenced by lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption.

She also explored the role of inherited genetic mutations, which can increase the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers, underscoring the importance of early screening and knowing one's family medical history. The discussion further addressed the role of cultural perceptions and fears in breast cancer screening, and the need to promote open, evidence-based conversations around treatment, including the use of herbal remedies.

Dr. Daisley reminded participants that breast cancer, though rare in men, can occur, and emphasized the importance of awareness across both genders. The discussion also addressed prostate, colorectal and cervical cancers and screening options, noting that early detection through routine screening can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Angela Davis, Planning and Coordination Specialist, UN Women, raised a concern about the increasing incidence of cancer in younger populations and asked if medical guidelines for screening are being reviewed and if public education is being enhanced to address this issue. "We used on think of cancer as something that impacted the older population, but with occurrences happening more with younger people although these might not be the largest cohort of diagnoses that we have, it's still important."

One of the key takeaways from the session was the value of sharing family medical history, especially with younger relatives, to encourage early and informed screening.

Dr. Amalia Del Riego, PAHO/WHO Representative for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Countries, thanked Dr. Daisley and by extension Ross University School of Medicine for supporting the wellness activity. "The more we talk about it, the more we are empowered to make the right decisions. We dedicate our life to health and public health, and it's important that we dedicate time to ourselves, to keep healthy."

The interactive session included quizzes and open dialogue, allowing participants to test their knowledge and reflect on ways to take proactive steps toward reducing cancer risks.