Cancer is most common cause of premature deaths in Guyana – Health Minister

…remains a ‘taboo’ topic despite high death rate
…National Cancer Control Plan being crafted

The prevalence of cancer is a continuous challenge to Guyana’s healthcare sector. It remains one of the most common causes of premature death affecting people of any age and gender.
For World Cancer Day 2022, Friday, February 4, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony, in his message, shared that despite its effect on the population, cancer remains a taboo topic among Guyanese.
“Sadly, this illness remains a taboo topic among Guyanese, with many persons having a sense of fear, shame and hopelessness at the mere mention of the word cancer, yet alone a diagnosis,” the Minister highlighted.
This year marks the final year of the World Cancer Day global theme “Close the Care Gap”, which speaks to championing the call to fight cancer by raising awareness on prevention, and working to ensure equitable access to early detection, detection, treatment, and palliative care services.
Cancer is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths, which was approximately one in six deaths for 2020. This plague is not just a global problem, but it disproportionately affects lower-middle-income countries like Guyana, where most such deaths occur.
“In Guyana, cancer is among the five most common causes of death. Here, cancers of the breast, cervix, prostate and colorectal regions are too frequently a diagnosis, many of which are in advanced stages,” Dr Anthong has said.
Dr Anthony is encouraging healthy practices for prevention and early detection of cancer. It is said that cancer prevention starts with individuals, their families, and the daily choices which can reduce the risk of developing the illness by 30-40 per cent.
These include avoiding tobacco in all its forms; maintaining a healthy weight; eating healthy diets consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables daily; and avoiding excessive alcohol use.
Vaccinating young girls and boys (aged nine to 16 years) against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been shown to reduce the risk, especially of developing cervical cancer, thus it is also recommended.
Other measures include vaccinating high-risk groups against Hepatitis B virus; reducing exposure to chemicals; decreasing over-exposure to sunlight, and seeking routine screenings at clinics.
The Health Ministry, he said, would continue to work with international partners and local stakeholders to upgrade health facilities and empower healthcare workers to ensure that all Guyanese have equitable access to the highest quality of care. This is aimed at awareness and prevention, early diagnosis, and staging timely access to appropriate treatment and palliative care and support.
On the agenda for this year, the Minister has said, the Ministry would be partnering with key stakeholders to develop a National Cancer Control Plan to better manage and oversee all cancer control activities of the Ministry. The Ministry would continue its work in partnership with non-governmental organisations (NGOs), corporations, and the Presidential National Commission on NCDs to increase awareness through public education, offering increased access to screenings for cervical cancer using VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Pap smear testing), and mammography and ultrasound examinations of the breast.
“As we take the time to observe World Cancer Day 2022, I charge you to make a personal pledge towards the fight against cancer, whether it be helping to raise awareness or lending support to those diagnosed and their family. Every voice and helpful act counts. I encourage those who have survived their battles with cancer and those who have lost loved ones to be bold, courageous, and to share their stories that may inspire us to take a closer look at ourselves. Cancer is real, it is serious, it does not discriminate by age, race, sex, or social or economic status,” the Health Minister has posited. (G12)