Cancer Foundation encourages early detection, offering free testing

The Guyana Cancer Foundation (GCF) has partnered with Quest Lab in Queenstown to offer free pap smears in an effort to promote regular screening for early detection of cervical cancer – which saves lives.
The offer will be extended to 100 low-income and underinsured women, and will run for a period of four months, commencing January 14.
A pap smear is a screening procedure for cervical cancer. It tests for the presence of pre-cancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, the opening of the uterus.

Cervical cancer can often be found early and sometimes even prevented entirely by having regular pap smear tests. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers.
Research shows that the most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses, some of which cause a type of growth called papillomas, which are more commonly known as warts.
HPV can infect cells on the surface of the skin and those lining the genitals, anus, mouth and throat, but not blood or internal organs, such as the heart or lungs.
HPV can be spread from one person to another during skin-to-skin contact. Another way HPV is spread is through sex, including vaginal, anal and even oral sex.
The GCF was launched in October last year in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Foundation was registered in June 2016, after several years of conducting cancer awareness programmes through the then Avon Community Help Fund.
The organisation was established for the purpose of providing help and to inspire hope in those affected by cancer through early detection, education, awareness and free medical screening. It will also focus on the medically underserved (low-income and under-insured) population and to make a difference in their lives.
GCF President Bibi Hassan said persons desirous of benefiting from the free screening can contact the following numbers: 618-2085 or 628-1378.