Our History
About the Belize Cancer Society
Founded in 1996 by Juliet Soberanes, the Belize Cancer Society began as a small grassroots initiative driven by a shared vision of providing hope and support to those affected by cancer.
Over the years, we have grown into a national organization with a network of chapters across the country, advocating for better healthcare policies and providing essential services to the Belizean community.
Defining Our Path to Improved Cancer Care and Awareness
Mission & Visions Statements
Our Mission
At the Belize Cancer Society, our mission is to reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, families, and communities in Belize through education, early detection, advocacy, and compassionate care.
Our Vision
A Belize where cancer is no longer a death sentence, and every individual has access to the care, information, and support they need to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
Our Impact
For over 25 years, we have made significant strides in the fight against cancer:
- Provided over 10,000 cancer screenings annually across Belize.
- Supported 5,000+ patients with counseling, financial aid, and advocacy.
- Facilitated community outreach programs that reached over 50,000 Belizeans with cancer prevention education.
- Advocated for national policies that improved cancer care and prevention.
Public Awareness & Education
Annually a Cancer Walk from Ladyville to Belize City is held which serves to highlight issues associated with cancer prevention and control. This activity facilitates recruitment of members/volunteers, fundraise for the Society, while energizing and activating the private sector, public sector and communities to respond to the call for action as it relates to cancer awareness.
Other education and awareness activities utilize the knowledge and skills of our volunteers to hold workshops, presentations and seminars across the country. These education activities are geared at survivors and their families, health practitioners, and the community.
The Society has participated in several international conferences and workshops, increasing its knowledge on the illness, while strengthening partnerships with valued partners that can offer services to the Society and its stakeholders it seeks to serve. The ultimate goal in this area is to establish linkages with international clinics that can offer care for Belizeans who can little afford the treatment, while fielding specialists who can visit Belize and offer their expertise locally. Through international and local linkages, a PAP smear campaign and research was successfully implemented, producing evidence on the particular genotype of HPV virus that are affecting women in Belize.
International Outreach & Linkages
Program of Emotional & Technical Support
The Society facilitates support groups for cancer survivors and families, helping people to adjust to life changing effects of cancer. This emotional support includes home visits, and information on available services in Belize and abroad. The Society’s long term goal is to establish a clinic where local and visiting specialists can offer consultation, chemotherapy, and other oncology services to survivors. An additional goal is to establish a hospice for the terminally ill allowing patients to spend their last days in comfort and dignity.