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Background Few national registries exist in the Caribbean, resulting in limited cancer statistics being available for the region. Therefore, estimates are frequently based on the extrapolation of mortality data submitted to the World Health Organization. Thus, regional cancer surveillance and research need promoting, and their synergy must be strengthened. However, differences between countries outweigh similarities, hampering registration and availability of data. Methods The African-Caribbean Cancer Consortium (AC3) is a broad-based resource for education, training, and research on all aspects of cancer in populations of African descent. The AC3 focuses on capacity building in cancer registration in the Caribbean through special topics, training sessions, and biannual meetings. We review the results from selected AC3 workshops, including an inventory of established cancer registries in the Caribbean region, current cancer surveillance statistics, and a review of data quality. We then describe the potential for cancer research surveillance activities and the role of policymakers. Results Twelve of 30 Caribbean nations have cancer registries. Four of these nations provide high-quality incidence data, thus covering 14.4% of the population; therefore, regional estimates are challenging. Existing research and registry collaborations must pave the way and are facilitated by organizations like the AC3. Conclusions Improved coverage for cancer registrations could help advance health policy through targeted research. Capacity building, resource optimization, collaboration, and communication between cancer surveillance and research teams are key to obtaining robust and complete data in the Caribbean.

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There is an abundant volume of literature available on the varying techniques of reduction mammaplasty, possible complications, and long-term evaluations from the surgeon's perspective. However, there is very little to be found on the patient's perspective and personal experience with this procedure during the perioperative and early postoperative period. This article deliberately concentrates on patients' experiences and impressions during the first and second postoperative months. A prospective study was undertaken to look at patients' personal experiences and satisfaction with different aspects of their reduction mammaplasty and their overall satisfaction with the procedure. Thirty-one consecutive patients were recruited during a six-month period and evaluated one month postoperatively. Twenty-seven of these patients were evaluated again two months postoperatively. The overall satisfaction rate was high: 80.6% for the one-month survey group and 88.9% for the two-month survey group. There was a high incidence of minor complications (38%) and a significant number of the patients (32.3% of the one-month survey group and 33.3% of the two-month survey group) felt the need for more preoperative discussion.