October is recognised worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness, encourage regular screenings, and highlight journeys of hope and healing. In this feature, we share the story of Mrs. Hyacinth E. Hughes, a remarkable woman who has been cancer free for 23 years. Reflecting on her experience, Mrs. Hughes offers words of encouragement and a powerful reminder that with early action and support, hope and healing are possible.
In 2001, Hyacinth E. Hughes’ life changed with the discovery of a lump in her breast—something she found during a routine self-examination. At first, she brushed it off, but when the lump was felt a few days later, her instincts told her she needed to act. “I asked my husband, Elvet, to feel it too,” she recalls. “When he felt it as well, I knew I couldn’t ignore it anymore.”
Despite the concerning discovery, Hyacinth delayed her visit to the doctor to attend her eldest daughter’s graduation in the United States. But even as she celebrated her daughter’s milestone, she felt a cloud of worry hanging over her. Upon her return to Anguilla, she immediately visited Dr. Brett Hodge, who, after his own examination, confirmed her concern; something was indeed there. This confirmation would be the beginning of a journey marked by courage, faith, and support from family, friends, and her church community.
At the time, Anguilla had no mammography machines, so she was referred to St. Maarten for a mammogram and sonogram. Two areas of concern appeared on the scans, with one on the left breast proving more serious. A biopsy was performed, and the sample was sent to Trinidad for testing. Weeks passed in anxious waiting. “Dr. Brett told me the longer it took, it might be good news,” Hyacinth says. But when he finally called her in and she was asked to bring her husband, she knew the diagnosis wouldn’t be easy––breast cancer, stage 2 going to 3.
Under the recommendation of Dr. Brett, Mrs. Hughes sought care off-island. She travelled to England, where she had close family, including a cousin-in-law who was a nurse. That cousin helped her connect with The Royal Marsden Hospital, a non-profit cancer treatment centre.
After consultation with the team of doctors at the Royal Marsden, the original reports from Trinidad were requested and reviewed. The team then decided to reopen the wound site for additional testing. During that procedure, they also removed some lymph nodes from the underarm area for further examination. It was after that procedure that they discovered the cancer was in situ—meaning it was contained within the tissue where it began. Following that, her treatments began.
A treatment plan was laid out for her with chemotherapy from July to December, followed by radiation. They also discussed surgical options, but given the contained nature of the cancer, she declined mastectomy and proceeded with the prescribed treatments. It wasn’t easy. Her blood count was monitored closely before each session, and low levels meant delayed treatment. The physical side effects left her weak and nauseated for two to three days after each round. “I remember walking past a deli with sandwiches and feeling sick—not because of the food, but because those were some of the foods offered to me during treatment, and I associated it with chemotherapy sessions.” One particularly unforgettable day during treatment was September 11, 2001, the day of the attacks on the U.S. “The tray with the chemo drugs was there in front of me, as I watched the news showing the planes hitting the buildings on the TV screen. It was overwhelming.”
Leaving home behind was one of Hyacinth’s greatest emotional burdens. Her father-in-law was ill and living with her family, and her daughter, Deslyn (now a doctor), and son were left to care for him. “My thoughts were constantly with them. But I had to calm myself and trust that God would take care of things at home.”
She reflects on how life can take unexpected turns. Her dream of becoming a nurse had shifted to a fulfilling teaching career—a calling she came to love. Her mother, unable to pursue her own dream of teaching, once told her that she had offered Hyacinth up to God and asked that she be used in the best way possible. Mrs. Hughes speaks passionately about the power of prayer in her healing. Her church in Anguilla lifted her up constantly. Members like Sylvanie, Alicia Ballin, Mrs. Owen, Dr. Rhona Hodge and others regularly called her to check in. “I felt the power of those prayers. They gave me courage and peace.”
She had carried a letter from her local Methodist congregation to the Methodist Church in Tooting, England, where her cousin worshipped. There, Rev. Brown, the minister at the time, visited her regularly. “Just sitting with him and talking, I felt comforted. Even though I was far from home, someone was still ministering to me. That really stood out.”
One of the most impactful moments during her treatment came not from a doctor, but from observing other patients at the hospital. “There were people from all over the world—young and old, some with no hair—but all had a look of hope; no one looked down or defeated. Everyone had this quiet confidence, this hope. It lifted me too.” She also credits her husband, Elvet, for being her constant companion through it all. “He never left my side. He arranged our journey by trains to and from the treatment centre, sat and waited at the hospital; knew when I felt sick and helped me through those times. That’s the kind of support every patient needs.”
After she returned to Anguilla, Hyacinth became involved with a local support group, a safe space for survivors and those undergoing treatment to share their struggles, offer encouragement, and remind each other to stay vigilant with screenings. She remained active in church activities. “I chose to live,” she says simply. “And I wanted to hear people say, ‘I’m glad you’re doing well.’ Not just ‘trust in God’—but also ‘live, be happy.’”
She has a message for men and women alike and urges: “Stay aware of your body and be alert to any changes you observe. Breast cancer in men is rare here, but it can happen. If you notice pain, swelling, or changes—don’t wait. And women, don’t delay. Do your self-exams. Don’t fear doctors. That hesitation can be dangerous.”
Now, 23 years cancer-free, Hyacinth E. Hughes continues to live a life of purpose. “I see surviving cancer as a gift. It’s a second chance, a reminder that God isn’t finished with me yet. If I can help someone else, I will. Just call me.” If you or someone you know is facing cancer and would like to speak with Hyacinth E. Hughes, she is ready and willing to offer a listening ear and words of encouragement.
She now only needs yearly checkups. At 79, approaching 80, she’s grateful for each day. When asked if there was a favourite hymn or scripture that buoyed her spirits during her diagnosis and treatment, she said: “My favourite hymn? It’s from the old Methodist Hymnal, number 337, particularly the words of the chorus–– O ‘twas love, ‘twas wondrous love, the love of God to me; It brought my Savior from above, to die on Calvary.”
To anyone facing a cancer diagnosis her advice is this: “If cancer ever comes your way––and I pray it doesn’t—but if it does, face it with courage. Don’t delay. Follow your doctor’s advice. Even one day can make a difference. Maintain a careful diet, exercise daily, and give God thanks every day for your life. Most of all—choose life.”
