Dr Cecilio Eck Faces Cancer Relapse

Paediatrician Dr Cecilio Eck is battling cancer once again. In an interview today, he confirmed today that his biliary tract cancer has returned, months after he resumed work following treatment last year.

Dr Eck was first diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2024 and underwent several treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery abroad. He returned to his office to care for his ‘little patients’ in October 2025.

Two months later, he said that new pain led to further scans, which confirmed the cancer had spread.

“I started to feel some pain in my left hip. And despite the medications that were prescribed, it became progressively worse,” Dr Eck said. “We had to fly to Mexico City to get a scan done, which proved that the cancer had returned.”

Dr Eck has served Belizean children for more than 20 years and is widely regarded as a trusted and compassionate doctor. Community support has once again rallied behind him.

A fundraiser titled ‘Hope for Dr Eck’ will be held on January 30 at the Belize House of Culture in Belize City. Proceeds will assist with ongoing treatment costs.

“I’ve chosen to make this my illness public for the simple fact that I want to raise awareness for cancer, and I want everybody to not be so afraid of it. This is what usually happens… No hope is lost. We’re still hopeful that we can get over this,” he added.

Tickets cost $100 and are available through MADISCO, online, or at the door.