by: Lededra Marche/BIS

Mrs. Ann Marie Davis, wife of Prime Minister Philip Davis, emphasized the importance of World Cancer Day and early breast cancer detection at a luncheon in Grand Bahama on February 4, 2026 and thanked attendees for their awe-inspiring display of support for women’s health.

The event was hosted by Mammogram Access Program (MAP), a non-profit organisation that encourages breast health, on what is observed globally as World Cancer Day, under this year’s theme, “United by Uniqueness,” at Pelican Bay Hotel.

Mrs. Davis, the patron of MAP, delivered the keynote address and stressed that the purpose of the luncheon is rooted in something far deeper than formality.

“We are here because cancer, particularly breast cancer, has touched our families, our friendships, our workplaces and our communities,” she said while adding that among those in attendance are survivors, caregivers, those who are grieving, concerned and even fearful.

Mrs. Davis congratulated MAP Founder and Programme Director Nikeia Watson and Chairman Dr. Delton Farquharson for their vision, commitment and advance of the programme to include the launch of the “A3 Risk Assessment Study” to promote access, awareness and advocacy on World Cancer Day 2026.

In that vein, MAP has introduced a risk assessment plan (RAP), which will study a collection of data and screenings from 1,000 women between 25 – 65 years old in Grand Bahama that will aid women in safeguarding themselves against cancer through early detection.

While MAP also encourages breast cancer awareness and advocates for accessible breast cancer screenings, Mrs. Davis noted that it is a promise that access to care should not depend on income, fear, nor circumstance.

“A promise that early detection should be possible for every woman, not just some women and a promise that prevention must be a national priority, not an afterthought,” she said.

Mrs. Davis further stressed that World Cancer Day is reminder that cancer is a global challenge and that there is also a duty to give the disease local attention.

“It begins with events like this one to spark our interest in our national outlook,” she said, adding that silence and delay are no longer acceptable as there are too many diagnoses that come too late.

She pointed out that early detection saves lives while preserving quality of life, families and futures.

Mrs. Davis urged women not to ignore the symptoms, and also emphasized that while fear is understandable, silence is dangerous.

“So, we cannot keep silent, we have to face this thing and face up to it because too many of us women put ourselves last,” she said.

Mrs. Davis drove home the message that talking about one’s experience, breast screening and symptoms among women helps to spread the message about the importance of breast health to all women.

(Photos/Andrew Miller)

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