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Free genetic tests available @ upcoming Cancer Prevention Conference

- up tp 250 people to receive free genetic tests
Genetic testing will be available in the Virgin Islands (VI) for the first time at the upcoming BVI Cancer Prevention Conference. Photo: Internet Source
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
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
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Genetic testing will be available in the Virgin Islands (VI) for the first time at the upcoming BVI Cancer Prevention Conference.

The conference, a collaboration between the BVI Cancer Society and the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), will take place on June 21, 2025, in the lobby of Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital. 

Trustee of the BVI Cancer Society Ms Kamika A. Forbes said that in addition to statistics and details available to attendees, and a wide range of topics covered by expert regional medical professionals, genetic testing will be offered at the conference. 

“I think we are going to do up to 250 persons who will be able to get free genetic testing. This is something that costs several hundreds of dollars if you were to go privately, but it is going to be free,” she told the Umoja programme on May 21, 2025. 

Genetic testing to determine more than cancer risk

Forbes added that the genetic test will determine risk scores for high-risk diseases other than cancer in the VI community, such as diabetes and hypertension. 

“Some of us know a little bit of our family history, but…there’s nothing that compares to when you actually get that scientific evidence behind what you think you know about your risk profile.”

Genetic test takes seconds 

Forbes encouraged persons to register and attend the conference and make themselves available to take advantage of the free genetic test.

She said the test is conducted using cheek swabs, which will be done on-site. 

Forbes also said that while some may be tired of hearing about cancer and are sure they are not at risk, they should still ensure to care for their bodies. 

“Here’s an opportunity for you to not just prevent cancer but also prepare yourselves and take better care of yourself, and avoid falling into those traps that we have as Caribbean persons of African descent in terms of avoiding some of the diseases that we know run in our genes.”

See link to related story published on May 24, 2025

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/bvi-cancer-prevention-conference-scheduled-for-june

5 Responses to “Free genetic tests available @ upcoming Cancer Prevention Conference ”

  • ann (26/05/2025, 11:21) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Too confusing for me
  • Tricky (26/05/2025, 13:11) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Sounds like a good idea but it can be fraught with difficult issues. For example, what counsel will be given to a young woman with breast cancer genes? Or with cancer genes that can be passed on to the next generation? What happens if certain cancer genes are found to be prevalent here? Will funds be set aside for diagnoses and treatment? There is also the issue that having particular gene is not guarantee that it will be expressed. Is there even a genetic counselor on hand in the Territory? Are there even any cancer statistics for the Territory adjusted by age and site?
    • @Tricky (27/05/2025, 13:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Understand all the concerns, but let's just first be grateful for this free oppurtunity presented to us. I wanted to get one before, but I was told that NHI does not cover the costs, and it is quite expensive on its own. I am grateful to the organizers for taking this step, and I'm sure they will be able to direct any person who needs follow-up guidance and assistance. Thank you to the organizers of this conference.
  • 5G (26/05/2025, 13:19) Like (7) Dislike (11) Reply
    Be careful here. This is another way they implant that chip to control you.
  • A Fahie (26/05/2025, 22:41) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wellsa


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