In the ongoing fight against cervical cancer, the message from Guyana’s health authorities is loud and clear: early screening saves lives. Yet despite national efforts to make screening accessible and affordable, cervical cancer continues to claim too many lives—largely because detection often comes too late.
Recent statistics released by the Health Ministry offer a sobering view. From March 2025 to present, 1307 women were screened for the human papillomavirus (HPV) – the primary cause of cervical cancer –through the Government’s voucher programme. Of those tested, 208 returned positive results, representing 16 per cent of the total. This mirrors last year’s results when 17 per cent of the 12,000 women screened between the ages of 21 and 65 tested positive. These numbers are not just high—they are alarming.
HPV is a silent threat. Most infections show no symptoms and are cleared by the immune system. However, persistent infection with high-risk strains—such as types 33, 39, 52, and 58, which have been notably prevalent in this year’s findings—can lead to the development of abnormal cervical cells and, eventually, cancer. The good news is that HPV-related cervical cancer is preventable. The bad news is that too many women are not taking advantage of screening opportunities until it is too late.
The Health Ministry, through its Maternal and Child Health Department, has demonstrated strong leadership by expanding access to HPV testing and cervical screening. Voucher programmes help reduce the financial barrier that often prevents women – particularly those in rural and hinterland communities – from seeking preventive care. Scientific forums like last week’s HPV conference at the Ramada Princess Hotel are also essential in aligning national strategy with international best practices. However, while these initiatives are commendable, they must translate into sustained public engagement.
The challenge now is not only to maintain momentum but to radically increase public participation. Guyana has aligned itself with the World Health Organisation’s 2030 targets to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health threat. These include vaccinating 90 per cent of girls against HPV by age 15, screening 70 per cent of women with a high-performance test by age 35 and again by 45, and ensuring 90 per cent of those diagnosed receive appropriate treatment. These targets are achievable – but only if screening becomes a routine part of women’s health care across the country.
There is a cultural hurdle to overcome. For too long, cervical cancer has been a quiet killer, largely because of misinformation, or simple neglect. The reality is that many women still view screening as something optional, or worse, something shameful. That perception must change. Cervical cancer is not a curse; it is a disease that can be caught early and treated successfully. Silence and inaction are its greatest allies.
The role of healthcare workers in this battle cannot be overstated. As was highlighted during the HPV scientific engagement, they are the ones who go into communities, face resistance, and yet continue to do the vital work of testing, vaccinating, and treating. Their efforts must be supported, expanded, and backed by strong policy and consistent funding.
Moreover, the national conversation must also reflect the evolving science. The transition from the quadrivalent HPV vaccine to the more comprehensive 9-valent vaccine marks a significant improvement in coverage against high-risk strains. Boys are now also included in the national vaccination programme, which is an important step toward herd immunity and gender equity in health.
But the responsibility does not lie with Government alone. Every woman in Guyana between the ages of 21 and 65 should take full advantage of the free or subsidised screenings available. These are not just medical tests, they are potentially life-saving interventions. No woman should lose her life to a disease that is 90 per cent preventable with timely screening and treatment.
Ignoring screening is not an option.
