Health
TCI Hospital Marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with “Know. Check. Act. Support.” Campaign
Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile reinforces the importance of breast awareness, appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and continuing cancer care
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – 1st October 2026 – Turks and Caicos Islands Hospital (TCI Hospital) is marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2026 with a month-long public awareness campaign under the theme “Know. Check. Act. Support. – Early Detection Saves Lives.”
This year’s campaign is being informed by TCI Hospital’s Ten-Year Cancer Register Profile, 2016–2025, which demonstrates that breast
Throughout the ten-year period, TCI Hospital continued to record new cases of malignant neoplasms of the breast each year. Annual new registrations fluctuated, reinforcing an important message: breast cancer is not an occasional concern confined to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it requires sustained awareness, appropriate screening, timely investigation and diagnosis, access to treatment, follow-up and support throughout the year.
What Our Cancer Register Tells Us
The TCI Hospital Cancer Register recorded 21 new breast cancer cases in 2016, the highest annual figure reported during the ten-year profile. In subsequent years, the overall annual new-case count ranged from 8 to 18 cases, with 18 new cases recorded in 2024 and 10 in 2025.
The register also demonstrates the continuing accumulation of breast cancer cases within the hospital’s cancer records. The total registered breast cancer caseload increased from 79 in 2016 to 192 by 2025. More recently, the register increased from 160 cases in 2023 to 181 in 2024 and 192 in 2025. These figures represent the hospital’s registered caseload and should not be interpreted as population incidence, prevalence or the number of people currently living with breast cancer.
Behind every registration is more than a statistic. Each represents a person whose diagnosis has implications for their family and for the healthcare professionals and services involved in cancer investigation, treatment, coordination, follow-up and support.
The ten-year profile therefore reinforces the importance not only of identifying breast cancer, but of ensuring that people affected by the disease are supported throughout their cancer journey.
Know the Signs and Act on Changes
Breast cancer can present in different ways. Changes that should prompt assessment by a healthcare professional may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm; a change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast; dimpling, puckering or other unusual changes to the breast skin; nipple changes or unusual discharge; or another new or persistent breast change.
Finding a change does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. However, an unexplained or persistent change should not be ignored.
TCI Hospital encourages members of the community to become familiar with what is normal for their breasts and to seek medical advice if they notice something different.
Know Your Risk. Know Your Family History.
Breast cancer risk is influenced by several factors. Understanding personal and family medical history can help individuals have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers about their individual risk.
Having no known family history of breast cancer does not mean that breast health can be ignored. Equally, people with a significant family history or other factors that may increase their risk should discuss this with an appropriate healthcare professional.
The TCI Hospital Cancer Register also records male breast cancer, reminding the community that although breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men.
Screening and Early Diagnosis Matter
Breast awareness and screening have different but complementary purposes. Screening is intended to identify possible breast abnormalities in people who may not have symptoms, while a new or concerning breast change requires appropriate clinical assessment.
There is no single screening approach that is appropriate for every individual. TCI Hospital therefore encourages people to discuss their age, personal risk factors, family history and appropriate breast screening with their healthcare provider.
Similarly, people experiencing a concerning breast change should not wait for their next routine screening appointment before seeking medical advice.
The campaign’s message “Early Detection Saves Lives” emphasizes the importance of timely action. It does not mean that every breast change is cancer. Rather, seeking medical attention allows appropriate investigation to take place and, where cancer is diagnosed, enables the healthcare team to determine the most appropriate next steps.
From Cancer Registration to Better Cancer Care
TCI Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Denise Braithwaite-Tennant said the Cancer Register has an important role beyond recording the number of cancer cases seen by the hospital.
“Our Cancer Register is not simply about counting cases. It helps us understand the cancer burden presenting to our hospital, identify patterns over time and inform how we plan and strengthen cancer services. Behind every number is a patient, a family and a cancer journey. The continued recording of new breast cancer cases reminds us why awareness must lead to action and why our health system must continue to strengthen the pathway from appropriate screening and timely diagnosis through treatment, follow-up and survivorship support.”
“During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want our community to understand that fear should not become a reason to delay seeking care. Know what is normal for you, understand your risk, participate in screening that is appropriate for you and seek medical advice when something changes. Just as importantly, we must continue to support those undergoing cancer treatment and those living beyond a cancer diagnosis.”
Know. Check. Act. Support.
Throughout October, TCI Hospital will deliver a programme of activities designed to turn breast cancer awareness into practical action.
Activities will include an educational breast cancer awareness video addressing signs and symptoms, screening, early detection and support;
The campaign will also highlight the important role of families, friends, caregivers, healthcare professionals and the wider community. Support can take many forms; from listening and accompanying someone to an appointment to assisting with transportation, meals, childcare or other practical needs during treatment.
TCI Hospital’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month message to the Turks and Caicos Islands community is:
KNOW – Know your body, your family history and your individual risk.
CHECK – Participate in appropriate screening and pay attention to changes.
ACT – Do not ignore a new or concerning breast change. Seek medical advice.
SUPPORT – Stand with patients, survivors, families and others affected by breast cancer.
Know. Check. Act. Support.
Early Detection Saves Lives.