The Belize Cancer Society Hosts Groundbreaking Men’s Health Forum and Men Against Cancer Initiative

Press Release

THE BELIZE CANCER SOCIETY HOSTS GROUNDBREAKING MEN’S HEALTH FORUM AND MEN AGAINST CANCER INITIATIVE

Belize City
June 21, 2024

An unprecedented and open discussion among some 150+ men at the Old Belize Pavilion on Thursday 20th June marked the launch of the first initiative to address men’s health issues as a fundamental pillar for our national development.

Thanks to the leadership of the Belize Cancer Society with assistance from PAHO/WHO, The Ministry of Health and Wellness, UNICEF and Belize Healthcare Partners, this first of a kind interaction allowed men to speak freely among themselves about issues pertaining to the physical and mental health of men in our society.

This event featured a keynote address by Belize’s only oncologist, Dr. Ramon Yacab, and panel discussions by leading health and other experts and dealt with issues ranging from the physical causes of cancer and the financial, emotional and mental toll that it takes on men and their families. The heartfelt testimonials from cancer survivors that outlined their journey and their coping mechanisms, were instrumental in showing that cancer does not discriminate between age, wealth, race or gender; and that the coping takes great courage and support. It highlighted the fact that men are generally less likely to seek treatment due to many cultural preconceptions and for fear of the negative impacts on their ability to continue their perceived societal role as a love partner, breadwinner, and masculine figure.

The atmosphere, void of any female participant, allowed for frank and open discussions. Men spoke about often taboo topics like sexual virility, personal pride, emotional tolls and their own fears of failure in the event of chronic illness, all communicated in ways that only men can appreciate. Participants left the event with a wealth of new information, and with the motivation to look at their own daily activities and how they contribute to their own personal wellness journey, and to share what they learned with their own families, co-workers and friends.

The highlight of the event was the launch of the Men Against Cancer (Mac) Initiative, led by Dr. Jorge Hidalgo, Dr. Ramon Yacab, Dr. Hugh Sanchez, Mr. Francis ‘Cisco’ Woods, Dr. Ivan De Paz, Juan Carlos Dussan, as a new resource to champion Men’s health issues and to support those men that need assistance when faced with the daunting challenges brought on by cancer. This partnership with the BCS, PAHO, UNICEF, BHCP, and the Ministry of Health and Wellness is a powerful step towards changing that narrative on men’s health and wellness in Belize.

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