Report finds High Rates of Late Cancer Diagnoses in Barbados
February 4, 2026
As Barbados joins the rest of the world in marking World Cancer Day, new national data reveal that nearly 1,000 Barbadians are diagnosed with cancer each year, with too many cases still being identified at a late stage—when treatment is more difficult and survival rates are lower.
According to the latest findings from the Barbados National Registry (BNR), covering the years 2013 to 2022, cancer incidence in Barbados remains higher than the global average. In 2022 alone, 983 new cancer cases were recorded, affecting approximately one in every 300 people on the island.
The report shows that breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers continue to be the most common and the deadliest. Prostate cancer accounts for nearly half of all cancers diagnosed among men, while breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women. Colorectal cancer affects both sexes and continues to be a major cause of illness and death. Although slightly more women are diagnosed with cancer overall, men experience higher cancer rates, largely driven by prostate cancer.
“One of the most important messages from this report is that too many people are still being diagnosed late,” said Dr. Christina Howitt, Principal Investigator of the Barbados National Registry. “When cancer is found early, treatment is more effective, survival is higher, and the impact on families and the health system is much lower. Early detection really does save lives.”
A particularly concerning finding is that in 2022, more people were first diagnosed only after their cancer had already spread to other parts of the body—the highest level observed in nine years. This suggests that many patients are entering the health system later in the course of their illness, limiting treatment options and increasing pressure on health services.
Survival outcomes remain modest. Approximately two-thirds of patients survive the first year after diagnosis, while fewer than half are alive five years later.
While lung cancer is relatively uncommon in Barbados, it remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, reflecting how difficult it is to treat when diagnosed late.
“With an ageing population, we are likely to see more people needing cancer care in the years ahead,” Dr. Howitt added. “This makes it even more important that we strengthen screening, improve access to diagnosis, and ensure that patients can receive timely treatment.”
What Needs to Happen Next
In keeping with World Cancer Day’s call to improve prevention, care, and survival, the report highlights several priority actions:
- Expand and strengthen screening for breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers
- Reduce delays in diagnosis by improving access to tests, scans, and specialist care
- Increase health-system capacity to meet the needs of an ageing population
- Promote healthy lifestyles, including physical activity, good nutrition, and tobacco control
- Continue investing in strong cancer surveillance to guide national policy
The Barbados National Registry plays a critical role in tracking cancer trends and supporting evidence-based decision-making to improve health services for patients and families.
“World Cancer Day reminds us that everyone has a role to play,” Dr. Howitt said. “By getting screened, paying attention to symptoms, and supporting one another, we can reduce the impact of cancer in Barbados.”
Professor Simon Anderson, Co-Principal Investigator of the BNR, added:
“If we want to change cancer outcomes and increase survivorship in Barbados, we must also focus upstream—by equipping primary care teams and communities to identify risk and respond early, long before patients require complex or emergency care.”
END
Media Contact
Ms. Gabrielle Aché, Project Manager, Barbados National Registry
Tel:(246) 243 0324; Email: gabrielle.ache@uwi.edu
