(Kaieteur News) – Cancer cases across the Caribbean are projected to surge by approximately 55 per cent by 2050, placing even greater pressure on already stretched health systems, prompting the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Caribbean Association for Oncology and Hematology (CAOH) to forge a new five-year partnership to strengthen the region’s response.

The Global Cancer Observatory estimates that annual new cancer cases in the Caribbean will climb from 123,884 in 2024 to 191,997 by 2050, a release from the regional body said.

Against that backdrop, CARPHA and CAOH have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing a framework for cooperation in cancer surveillance, prevention, professional training, research, nutrition, workplace safety and access to safe, quality-assured cancer medicines.