Hundreds benefit from Cancer Society’s free breast cancer screening

The Guyana Cancer Society, a non-profit organization, provided free breast cancer screening and mammograms to hundreds of persons during sensitisaiton outreaches across the country.

Medical Coordinator at the Society, Dr Ejaz Hatim said the organisation which was established last March, has significantly increased the number of persons it assists with free medical aid.

Last October some 100 persons received mammograms and this year, for Breast Cancer Awareness month, Dr Hatim on Thursday said this increased to 300 this time around.

“We have screened at least 400 women, 300 mammograms and 150 pap smears for the month free of cost, in collaboration with Balwant Singh Hospital.

“We have been performing pap smears, free of cost for women in these [Hinterland] regions and assisted to make the lives of persons living with cancer a bit easier and comfortable during that trying time,” Dr Hatim said.

The outreaches were done at the Bartica Hospital and the Skeldon Hospital on October 8 and 15, respectively. Dr Hatim said the outreaches will continue until the end of the month.

But the society also has other initiatives planned to engage the public and assist persons with receiving care to prevent, screen for and treat cancer.

It conducted medical outreaches at the Amerindian Hostel and medical centres across the country, targeting vulnerable persons. Dr Hatim

“We are not taking away from the public system, we know that the public system is doing their part and they are a major contributor to healthcare in this country,” Dr Hatim said.

Meanwhile, 172 persons received breast cancer services at the hospital’s oncology department this month. In January there were 128 persons seeking medical services for breast cancer at the hospital.

The Oncology Registrar at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), Dr Latoya Gooding, said there is an increase of cases but she explained that this is due to more persons being aware of the threats of breast cancer and being screened for it.

“One of the critical factors contributing to the shift has been the increase in cancer awareness sessions throughout the media. These sessions have not only disseminated vital information but have also instilled a sense of urgency in our community. They have empowered individuals to take charge of their health to seek early diagnosis,” Dr Gooding said.