Lack of education, screening responsible for growing breast, cervical & prostate cancer diagnosis

Over the years, cancer in the breast along with cervical and prostate cancer have proven to be among the most prevalent types of this disease among the country’s population.

“These have been affecting Guyanese citizens overtime and a lot of it has come from a lack of education and screening… and persons not understanding how they can be bale to make their health a priority,” Coordinator of Cancer Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Shanique Greaves told the News Room during an interview on Friday.

So to provide the necessary support and services, Dr Greaves said the Ministry of Health has rolled out a number of initiatives.

These include the provision of HPV vouchers- to facilitate screening.  Though closed for last year, Dr Greaves said the programme is expected to continue in March 2025.

Also, there is the ongoing installation of mammogram machines at health facilities in regions 2, 6, 9 and 10, expanding access and to allow for early screening.

“That is our hope to encourage early diagnosis and screening,” Dr Greaves said.

Meanwhile a mental health unit is available to provide support for persons battling cancer and their family members.

“We do encourage persons to stay informed…I always like to say prevention is also better than cure.

“With early screening and early detection, it decreases mortality rate and also increases your survival rate,” Dr Greaves said.

Every year, World Cancer Day is observed in February 4. This year the theme is “United by Unique” with key focus on trying to address individual needs of cancer patient so they can have quality care.