A cancer patient has turned a way to pass time in the hospital into a published reflection on his experience of dealing with the illness.

Brian Madeiros started writing an “invisible book” in his head to distract himself while going through cancer treatment in 2022.

This eventually morphed into a booklet, It’s a curious thing: My cancer experience, what I wish I knew, which launched at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre in February.

Mr Madeiros said: “I had no idea this would turn into a booklet — that wasn’t even remotely on the agenda.”

Reflections in the booklet address uncertainty and resilience and the importance of humour, humility and gratitude.

The insights led to the launch of the awareness-raising Cancer Conversations in 2024.

The Cancer Conversations, developed by Mr Madeiros and oncologist Chris Fosker, BCHC chief executive and medical director, promotes honest discussions about the experience of the disease, with “a respectful, guided space for open dialogue”.

Mr Madeiros’s booklet also addresses the importance of early detection and awareness.

He explained: “It’s not a medical guide, it’s simply a shared experience — if it helps even one person feel more prepared or less alone, then it’s done what I hoped it would do.”

It’s a curious thing is available on Amazon in E-book and paperback form and at cancer.bm.

Part of sales from the latter will support the BCHC’s mission to prevent, detect and treat cancer in Bermuda along with supporting research into the disease.

• Visit cancer.bm or contact dnarraway@chc.bm for more information