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Cancer Cases on the Rise : A Call for Prevention Through Plant-Based Living


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Published on: Jul 22, 2025

By: Tabanca Wellness Insights

A wholesome, plant-based Caribbean-style plate featuring:

  • Lentil stew (rich in fiber and plant protein)

  • Caramelized plantains (naturally sweet, nutrient-dense)

  • Fresh salad with cucumber, shredded carrots, and tomatoes (rich in antioxidants)


A Growing Concern in Public Health

Recent health data reveals a worrisome trend: over the past six years, an average of 41 new cancer cases have been recorded annually, with one year reaching an average high 51 cases. In the same time period, cancer-related deaths averaged 11 per year—a clear indicator that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are taking a growing toll on the population.

While these numbers are concerning, they also reflect positive progress in access to healthcare. Thanks to the national insurance program introduced in 2016, more residents are now undergoing regular screenings, receiving earlier diagnoses, and accessing treatment options that were previously out of reach. As a result, survival rates are improving, and many cases are being caught in earlier, more treatable stages.


The Numbers Don’t Always Agree

Despite these improvements, some discrepancies have emerged. A regional medical professional reports diagnosing over 100 new cancer cases annually, a figure far higher than local records. Health officials suggest this difference may stem from increased patient mobility within the territory and beyond, but official data currently does not support such elevated estimates.

What is clear, however, is that cancer and other lifestyle-related diseases continue to dominate the territory’s health challenges. These conditions account for a significant share of healthcare costs and contribute to the loss of productive, healthy years for many people.


Plant-Based Living: A Powerful Tool for Prevention

In the face of rising cancer cases and the escalating impact of non-communicable diseases, prevention must take center stage—and one of the most accessible, proven forms of prevention lies in what we put on our plates.

A growing body of research confirms that a plant-based diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats—can dramatically reduce the risk of many types of cancer. It’s also linked to lower rates of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity, all of which are major risk factors for cancer.

By embracing more plant-forward eating habits, individuals can take proactive steps toward protecting their health while also supporting a more sustainable food system. This is more than a dietary trend—it’s a public health solution.


The Way Forward

As we move toward a healthier future, education, early detection, and lifestyle changes must be at the core of our public health efforts. Community organizations, schools, businesses, and restaurants all have a role to play in promoting wellness and disease prevention.


At Tabanca Restaurant & Bar, we are proud to be part of this movement. Our plant-based Caribbean cuisine is not only full of flavor—it’s full of life. We believe that eating good can lead to feeling good, and we’re committed to making that lifestyle more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Together, through awareness and action, we can help turn the tide on cancer and chronic disease in the Virgin Islands—one healthy meal at a time.


 
 
 

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