Cancer Survivor Shares Journey of Hope at ‘Cancer Talks’ Panel

For Dawn Floissac, the battle against cancer has been a journey from fear to resilience. Speaking at the Cancer Talks panel discussion on Wednesday at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, she shared her story—one of courage, swift action, and a commitment to supporting others facing the same fight. “What is cancer? For me, for the wider population, it is fear—fear of the unknown,” Floissac said. “You get this diagnosis and immediately there is fear. But while there is fear, there is hope.” Her words resonated throughout the room, where medical professionals, students, and members of the public had gathered to mark World Cancer Day which was commemorated on February 4. The event, a collaboration between the college and the Ministry of Health, was spearheaded by renowned oncologist Dr Owen Gabriel. Discussions focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment options for various cancers prevalent among Saint Lucians, including prostate, breast, cervical, ovarian, colorectal, and skin cancer. Floissac’s journey began with a diagnosis that could have easily overwhelmed her. However, she did not allow it to. “You wouldn’t believe it, but I am a cancer survivor, and I’m a survivor because I never hesitated,” she shared. “After getting the news, my next...