15 October 2025
A new group, formed to make sure Islanders affected by cancer have a say in shaping Jersey’s
Cancer Strategy, has met for the first time.
The Cancer Advisory and Patient Strategy, CAPS, Group is a new patient advisory sub-committee established in partnership by Health and Care Jersey, Macmillan Cancer Support
Jersey and Jersey Hospice Care.
On Saturday 11 October the group held its first meeting at Jersey Library during which
participants shared their experiences and identified priorities for improving cancer care,
support, and outcomes across the Island.
The session, facilitated by Tim H.J. Rogers and Lauren Perchard-Rees, focussed on open
discussion, co-production, and the setting of shared priorities for the next phase of the Cancer
Strategy, which is expected to be published in 2026.
Dr Elizabet Gomes Dos Santos, Chair of the Jersey Cancer Strategy Implementation
Committee, said: “The CAPS Group represents a vital step in making our Cancer Strategy truly
co-produced.
“By listening to people with lived experience, we can ensure that services, policies, and
innovations genuinely reflect what matters most to those affected by cancer in Jersey.”
The CAPS Group will meet regularly and feed directly into the Jersey Cancer Strategy
Implementation Committee, ensuring that patient insights remain a cornerstone of cancer
service development, from prevention and early diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and palliative
care.
Group member Antonia Rubio said: “I decided to join the CAPS group as I wanted to be able to
use my cancer experience to inform and inspire future changes and implementations to cancer
care in the Island. I especially want to make sure children, teenagers and young adults are also
considered when making decisions to improve our local cancer service. I feel so hopeful after
meeting the other members and I was so happy that despite being the youngest member of the
group, I felt heard and that my voice was really valued. There were such a range of different
diagnoses and personal experiences within the group, I really feel as though this group will be
able to make a positive impact moving forward.”
Fellow member April Marques added: “There are so many reasons as to why I've joined the
CAPS group, that I couldn't possibly describe every single one of them in just a few lines! One of
the biggest motivators is without a doubt, the inspiring work done by all of these wonderful
people and amazing professionals who have been helping continuously cancer patients and
their families throughout some of the darkest days of their lives. I want to use my own
experience and be able to spread knowledge regarding how important it is to be self-aware and
get yourself a regular checkup – an early diagnosis for any types of cancer at any age is the key
to increase survival rate.”
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “I’m delighted that the first
meeting of the CAPS Group has been held. Ensuring that the voices of those affected by cancer
are heard is fundamental to building a compassionate and effective health service."
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