12,000 women received cervical cancer screening through MoH initiative

Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony has said that 12,000 women benefited from the Ministry of Health’s cervical cancer screening programme last year.

Dr Anthony made the disclosure during the launch of the human papillomavirus (HPV) 9-valent vaccine, a medication used to prevent the cancer. Emphasising the need for screening, the Minister said this is the second most common cancer affecting women in Guyana. The Ministry aims to have at least 40 per cent of the female population screened for cervical cancer.

“Last year, when we first started this programme, we had close to 12,000 women take part in the programme, and of those women, approximately 2,000 tested positive. This year, we have also set aside enough resources and we want to test more women,” the Health Minister said.

The vouchers amount to $8,000 and are available at health centres. They can be used at both private and public healthcare providers.

“The government is paying for those vouchers, and we distribute them at all our different health facilities.

“The private part is that labs and hospitals in the private sector—people can choose to go to any of these places, present the vouchers, and they will be able to have the test or screening done. The results are then collected,” Dr Anthony said.

He said the Ministry is providing follow-ups and treatment for persons who test positive for HPV infections.

Women are urged to visit health centres, where they can collect the vouchers and utilise this service. The vaccine to prevent HPV infections is also available, and the Ministry intends to reach a 90 per cent uptake, up from the current 71 per cent.

Additionally, the Minister said several mammogram machines have been installed at hospitals across the country. This greatly improves access to breast cancer screening, making it possible for early treatment where needed.