In an effort to add its voice to promoting cancer awareness, Nestlé Svelty hosted the Pink Ribbon Walk in Georgetown on Sunday morning.
The walk was organised to raise awareness on breast cancer and to raise funds for cancer treatment in Guyana. Participants assembled at the Everest Cricket Ground, Carifesta Avenue, thereafter proceeding along Camp Street, into North Road, then Avenue of the Republic and finally back to the Everest Ground where a health fair was held.
At the assembly point, many participants signed words of encouragement for those who are affected by the disease. “Don’t give up, the beginning is always the hardest,” one participant named Stacy wrote, while another said “Walk the walk”, indicating that those who are suffering need not give up.
Junior Public Health Minister, Dr Karen Cummings, who was invited to speak at the event, reminded that based on a 10-year report
Cancer awareness: Nestlé Svelty hosted the Pink Ribbon Walk in Georgetown on Sunday morning
conducted between 2003and 2013, breast cancer was the leading cause of cancer in Guyana.
“This Pink Ribbon Walk is a very timely intervention and it will do much to highlight the seriousness of this condition,” the Junior Health Minister noted. She added that the initiatives undertaken by the advocacy group will aid in educating women on how to conduct self-examination.
Dr Cummings, while thanking the organisation for its work, pointed out that the Health Ministry was ready to undertake more collaborative efforts to “better the lives of citizens”.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge, who was also present at the event, noted that he was pleased to see the diversity of persons involved, with various nationalities and the young among others in attendance. He also encouraged early screening.
