Cancer support does not begin only after a diagnosis. Some of the most important cancer-related services are intended for people who feel completely well. Prevention, screening and awareness can help people reduce certain avoidable risks, recognize concerning changes and detect some cancers—or precancerous changes—earlier.
These areas remain important after cancer treatment as well. Cancer survivors may need screening for other cancers, follow-up related to a cancer they have already had and health guidance that supports their long-term well-being. Understanding the difference between prevention, screening and diagnostic investigation is a helpful place to begin.
Prevention Can Reduce Risk, but It Cannot Remove It
There is no lifestyle that guarantees a person will never develop cancer. Cancer is a complex group of diseases influenced by factors such as age, genetics, certain infections, environmental exposures, hormones, lifestyle and biological changes outside a person’s control. Prevention should therefore never become blame.
Depending on the type of cancer, risk-reduction measures may include avoiding tobacco, limiting harmful exposures, receiving recommended vaccines against cancer-related infections, staying physically active, following a balanced eating pattern, moderating alcohol use and protecting the skin from excessive ultraviolet exposure. Taking part in recommended screening is also important. These measures can lower certain risks, but they cannot guarantee that cancer will not occur.
What Is Cancer Screening?
Screening looks for cancer, or for abnormal cells that may become cancer, before a person has symptoms. Screening programs are usually designed for particular age or risk groups. The right tests and timing can depend on age, sex, family history, previous results, personal medical history and other risk factors. Screening is therefore not identical for everyone.
Screening is not the correct pathway for a new or concerning symptom. Persistent unexplained bleeding, a new lump, a significant change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or another new and persistent physical change should be discussed with a healthcare professional. A doctor may recommend diagnostic testing rather than routine screening.
It is also important to remember that an abnormal screening result is not a cancer diagnosis. It means that further assessment may be needed to understand the finding.
Fundashon Prevenshon—Caribbean Prevention Center
Fundashon Prevenshon, also known as the Caribbean Prevention Center, is one of Curaçao’s main preventive-health resources. It provides organized screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer, as well as other preventive-health services.
Its currently published cancer-screening age groups are:
| Screening program | Current published age group |
| Breast cancer screening | Women ages 45–75 |
| Cervical cancer screening | Women ages 25–65 |
| Colorectal cancer screening | Women and men ages 50–75 |
Eligibility and screening guidance may change, and a person’s medical history or individual risk may call for a different schedule. Anyone who has symptoms or believes they may be at increased risk should consult a doctor rather than relying only on general screening guidance.
Contact information
Rialtostraat 2–4, Molenplein, Curaçao
Free telephone line: 0800-1811
Telephone: +599 9 462 3380
Email: info@fundashonprevenshon.com
Published hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00–17:00
Website | Appointments
Understanding the Three Screening Programs
Breast Cancer Screening
Fundashon Prevenshon provides organized breast screening using mammography. A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to create images of breast tissue and may identify an abnormality before it can be felt. Screening mammography is intended for people without breast symptoms.
If you notice a new lump, nipple change, unexplained discharge, skin change or a persistent change in the breast or underarm, contact a healthcare professional instead of waiting for a routine screening appointment.
Cervical Cancer Screening
Cervical screening can identify changes linked to the development of cervical cancer. Persistent infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus, or HPV, can cause cervical-cell changes over time. Screening may identify people who need further assessment before cancer develops or while the disease is at an earlier stage.
An HPV-positive result does not mean that cervical cancer is present. It is important to follow the next step recommended by the healthcare team.
Colorectal Cancer Screening
Colorectal screening looks for signs of colorectal cancer or precancerous changes before symptoms develop. Fundashon Prevenshon’s program uses the fecal immunochemical test, known as FIT, to look for small amounts of blood in the stool that may not be visible.
A positive FIT result is not a cancer diagnosis. Blood in the stool can have several causes, but further evaluation is important so the cause can be determined.
What Happens After Screening?
A normal result generally means that you should continue screening at the recommended interval. It does not mean cancer can never develop later. Report any new or concerning symptom even if your previous screening result was normal.
Sometimes a test must be repeated because a sample or image could not be assessed properly. This does not necessarily mean that disease is present. Follow the instructions provided for repeating the test.
If further investigation is recommended, try not to panic—but do follow up. Additional tests help healthcare professionals determine whether the finding is cancer, a precancerous change or another condition.
Awareness and Community Support
Fundashon Sinta Ros
Fundashon Sinta Ros is a Curaçao community foundation associated particularly with breast-cancer awareness, education, survivor support and community initiatives. Organizations like this help bring cancer awareness into neighborhoods, workplaces, events and social networks. They can encourage screening, support patients and survivors, reduce isolation and make conversations about breast health easier.
Fundashon Sinta Ros website | Facebook page
Because its contact details were not available on a currently accessible official page, confirm time-sensitive information directly through the foundation’s website or social-media page.
Prinses Wilhelmina Fonds
Prinses Wilhelmina Fonds supports people affected by cancer in Curaçao. Its work includes psychosocial support, practical assistance, therapy and recreation, family programs and referrals to appropriate services.
Scharlooweg 52, Willemstad, Curaçao
Telephone/WhatsApp: +599 9 461 1998
Email: info@prinseswilhelminafonds.cw
Website
Knowing What Is Normal for You
Cancer awareness does not mean becoming frightened by every physical change. It means noticing changes that are new, unusual or persistent for you. These might include changes in the breast, skin, bowel habits, urination, swallowing, appetite or body weight; unexplained bleeding; a lump or swelling; persistent pain; or a lasting cough or voice change.
Many of these symptoms can have non-cancerous causes. The message is not that every symptom means cancer. It is that a persistent or unusual change deserves appropriate medical attention.
When Cancer Runs in the Family
Having a family history of cancer does not mean that you will develop cancer. However, certain patterns can be important. Tell your doctor if several close relatives have had the same or related cancers, if relatives developed cancer at an unusually young age or if your family has a known inherited cancer-related genetic variant.
Your doctor can help determine whether your screening plan should change and whether genetic counseling may be appropriate. Genetic counseling is generally recommended before testing for an inherited cancer risk so that the possible benefits, limitations and results can be properly understood.
Screening After Cancer Treatment
Cancer survivors may need both surveillance and screening. Surveillance is follow-up related to a cancer a person has already had. Screening looks for cancer in a person who does not currently have symptoms of that disease. The tests may differ depending on the previous cancer, treatment received and individual risk.
Ask your oncology or primary-care team which appointments are surveillance for your previous cancer, which routine screening programs you should still attend, whether your treatment has changed your screening needs and which symptoms should be reported between appointments.
Be Careful with Cancer Claims Online
Cancer misinformation can spread quickly through social media. Be cautious of claims that one food prevents cancer, a supplement can replace screening, “detoxing” removes cancer risk, a particular herb cures cancer, routine screening is always harmful or positive thinking alone prevents disease. Cancer biology is far more complex. Discuss uncertain health information with a qualified healthcare professional before acting on it.
Where to Begin
For organized breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening in Curaçao, Fundashon Prevenshon is an important starting point. Fundashon Sinta Ros and Prinses Wilhelmina Fonds may also provide helpful awareness, community and support resources.
If you already have symptoms, contact a healthcare professional instead of waiting for a routine screening appointment. Cancer prevention is not about living in fear. It is about having reliable information, understanding your options and taking appropriate action.
This section provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Screening recommendations and service details can change; confirm current guidance with the relevant organization or your healthcare professional.
Sources Consulted
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