Today we are excited to share the news that our abstract, “The Bermuda Model: Achieving World-Class, Equitable, and Efficient Cancer Care in a Small Island Nation,” is being presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential and respected oncology conferences, the ASCO Annual Meeting brings together leading cancer specialists, researchers, healthcare institutions, and health system innovators from around the globe. The conference attracts tens of thousands of oncology professionals annually and is considered one of the world’s leading forums for advancing cancer research, innovation, and improvements in healthcare systems.
The BCHC abstract is being presented during ASCO’s Quality Care and Health Services Research session.
Less than a decade ago, every Bermudian requiring radiation therapy had to leave the island for treatment.
For many patients and families, this created overwhelming emotional, logistical, and financial strain during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives. Some delayed treatment or went without care entirely because of cost, disruption, uncertainty, or barriers to access.
In 2017, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre introduced Bermuda’s first local Radiation Therapy service as part of a broader effort to strengthen coordinated cancer care on the island.
Today, the work being presented at ASCO highlights Bermuda’s progress in improving access to local treatment, strengthening care coordination, reducing financial barriers, and supporting more patient-centred cancer care close to home.
The abstract explores an evolving approach to cancer care delivery that BCHC refers to as “The Bermuda Model”, combining local treatment access, coordinated care, equitable support programmes, and international clinical collaboration within a small island healthcare system.
The presentation reflects growing international recognition that BCHC’s approach to coordinated, equitable cancer care may offer valuable insights for other healthcare systems navigating similar challenges.
Dr Chris Fosker, CEO and Medical Director of Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, said the presentation represents an important milestone not only for BCHC, but for Bermuda’s wider healthcare system.
“Presenting this work at ASCO places Bermuda’s experience within one of the most important global conversations currently happening in cancer care,” said Dr Fosker.
But the real story is not the conference itself.
The real story is that more people in Bermuda are now able to access cancer care closer to home, with greater support, coordination, and dignity during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Cancer care is about far more than treatment alone. It is about reducing fear, improving access, supporting families, coordinating care, and ensuring people do not feel lost while navigating an incredibly difficult journey.”
The abstract highlights several outcomes associated with BCHC’s approach to cancer care, including expanded access to radiation therapy, reduced need for overseas treatment, shorter care timelines, higher patient satisfaction scores, and lower overseas insurance claims related to cancer treatment.
The research also highlights the importance of international clinical collaboration in supporting high-quality local care delivery.
BCHC’s Radiation Therapy service operates through an alliance with Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, supporting shared treatment systems, protocols, peer review, and quality assurance.
Dr Fosker said Bermuda’s experience demonstrates that smaller healthcare systems can still make meaningful progress and have a global impact through collaboration, innovation, and a strong commitment to equitable, patient-centred care.
“Healthcare systems around the world are facing rising cancer rates, increasing complexity of care, workforce pressures, and growing financial challenges,” he said.
“What Bermuda demonstrates is how smaller jurisdictions can build high-quality, coordinated cancer care systems when there is sustained investment, collaboration, and a commitment to putting patients at the centre of care.
We are proud to contribute Bermuda’s experience to an important international conversation about the future of cancer care.”
The abstract’s first author is Ross Jarrett, BA, MSc, who is presenting the poster at ASCO alongside BCHC and collaborating clinical teams.
BCHC noted that the work reflects contributions from multiple local and international healthcare professionals, researchers, operational leaders, and clinical collaborators.
The Centre also emphasised that strengthening cancer care in Bermuda remains an ongoing effort.
“Cancer will continue to affect families across Bermuda in the years ahead,” said Dr Fosker.
“There is still much work to do.
But we are seeing what becomes possible when healthcare systems focus not only on treatment, but on access, coordination, compassion, equity, and supporting people through the entire cancer journey.”
About Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre is an independent nonprofit medical centre dedicated to reducing the impact of cancer in Bermuda through prevention, early detection, diagnostic imaging, oncology, radiation therapy, oncology nursing, patient navigation, and coordinated cancer care.
The Centre’s vision is:
“A Bermuda where everyone has equitable access to exceptional, compassionate cancer care delivered with trusted expertise.”
