The BVI Cancer Society, in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), will host the BVI Cancer Prevention Conference 2025 on June 21, 2025. Photo: Facebook/BVIHSA

According to Dr Aasha Marie Flax-Miller the BVI Cancer Prevention Conference takes a a holistic approach to the topic of cancer in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Facebook

The BVI Cancer Prevention Conference 2025, held at the lobby of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital. Photo: VINO/File

Speaking on the Umoja programme on Thursday, May 22, 2025, Dr Aasha Marie Flax-Miller said the free conference will be held at the lobby of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital on June 21, 2025. 

“It's an all-day affair. We start from 8:00 AM going straight on to 5:00 PM,” she said. 

Local & regional medical professionals scheduled to present

Presenting at the conference are several local and regional medical professionals who will present on a series of topics tackling the main question: “BVI, Are We a Cancer State?”

These professionals include: 

• Professor Marvin Reed from Jamaica: The relationship between the environmental factors and cancer development
• Dr. Joseph Lejeune (Cardiothoracic Surgeon): Air pollution and cancer development based on research in Jamaica
• Dr. Belinda Morrison (Urologist): Sexual health and cancer risk
• Dr. Mike Mills (Gastroenterologist): The gut microbiome and cancer risk
• Dr. Michelle Reese Mills: Risk factors and screening for pediatric malignancy, including vaccines and genetic counselling
• Dr. Ian Bambery (OBGYN): Preventive measures for gynecological cancers and the impact of hormone replacement therapy
• Dr. Kerika Weldon from Bermuda: The role of genetics in risk assessment and cancer prevention
• Dr. Bashan (Hematology Oncologist): Pancreatic cancer risk factors and prevention strategies
• Dr. Jardine Torno: Psychological factors and cancer prevention
• Dr. Dominic Fraser: Are we really a cancer state? The BVI Perspective 
• Ms. Gabrielle Joseph (Nutritionist): Diet and reducing our risk of cancer
• Dr June M. Samuel: Psychological factors

“It’s not just for adults. We're touching on the children as well…It’s a holistic approach that we're taking in this conference,” Dr Flax-Miller stated. 

All are invited

Dr Flax-Miller encouraged members of the public to attend the conference. 

The Rotary Club will also have a booth as a partner of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA). 

“They are assisting us with providing screening to the population. So, paying for persons that are unable to afford screening, they are subsidising that cost.”

BVISHA’s Primary Health Care will also have about booth. 

“[There] you’ll be able to get your BMI, your blood pressure checked, and some other things.”

Dr Flax-Miller said they are still planning the event and are in talks to have more vendors present at the conference.

“It’s going to be great,” she added.