Missionary; born in
Saragossa, Spain; became a member of the
Dominican Order.
With two companions and
Magdalena, a converted Indian woman, whom he had brought from
Havana as an interpreter, landed in
Florida in 1549.
By presents and an explanation of his purpose through his interpreter he gained the friendship of the Indians.
After a few days he visited another part of the coast, leaving his companions behind.
When he returned, a canoe containing a survivor of
De Soto's expedition approached and warned
Father Cancer that his companions had been killed.
He declined to believe this and rowed alone to the shore.
Magdalena, his interpreter, told him that his two companions were in the tent of the chief, whereupon he followed her and was almost immediately surrounded by the Indians and put to death.