For the past four years, Senator Ray PuPa Fonseca has served as Chairman of the Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services with one clear mission: improving healthcare for the people of the Virgin Islands. Today, that commitment is producing measurable results.
After sustained oversight, discussions, and advocacy, the Cancer Institute has hired a qualified radiation oncologist to oversee radiation therapy services. In addition, a new CT simulator and a new linear accelerator have been installed and are undergoing final testing, bringing the Territory closer to providing modern, high-quality radiation treatment for cancer patients right here at home.
While these are significant milestones, Senator Fonseca emphasized that the work is far from over. “Cancer remains the second-leading cause of death in the Virgin Islands. Behind every diagnosis is a mother, father, husband, wife, child, or friend. We have a responsibility to give our people every opportunity to survive through early detection and access to the best available care.”
As part of that commitment, Senator Fonseca is championing the acquisition of a state-of-the-art 3D digital mammography system for Schneider Regional Medical Center. This advanced technology can detect 20 to 65 percent more invasive breast cancers than conventional mammography and is especially effective in women with dense breast tissue, allowing cancers to be found earlier when treatment is most successful.
He is also working with the Department of Health to expand the use of its rural health vans to provide free prostate cancer screenings throughout the Territory. Approximately 22 percent of prostate cancers in the Virgin Islands are diagnosed only after the disease has spread, making early detection critical to saving lives.
The need is urgent. According to the Virgin Islands Central Cancer Registry, 2,910 cancer cases were reported between 2016 and 2023, with prostate and breast cancer representing the highest number of diagnoses. Colon Cancer incidence was second for both males and females.
“For four years, I have made healthcare one of my top priorities, and I will continue fighting to bring better technology, stronger cancer services, and expanded screening opportunities to every Virgin Islander,” Senator Fonseca said. “Progress is being made, but we cannot stop until every resident has access to the quality cancer care they deserve. Together, we can save more lives.”
For more information, please contact the Office of Senator Ray PuPa Fonseca at 340-693-3577 or by email at SenatorRayFonseca@legvi.org.
