Early detection, early action can save lives – US Ambassador

US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch, and British High Commissioner to Guyana, Jane Miller, recently voiced the need for more cancer awareness in Guyana during the Guyana Cancer Foundation’s Candlelight Vigil.
The vigil was held on February 4 in commemoration of World Cancer Day 2022.
“It really is important to honour this day and I’m very glad to be here. Guyana shares a fact, unfortunately with many nations across the globe and that is that cancer is a leading cause of death here in Guyana, especially breast cancer, cervical cancer, and prostate cancer,” Lynch said.
She further noted that “early detection” and “early action” can save lives, and she also underlined the importance for persons to get screened and perform regular medical check-ups while spreading awareness on the growing issue.
British High Commissioner, Jane Miller stated that the importance of the event is to raise awareness on a growing issue that has not only been affecting Guyana but many other countries across the world. She said though there is amazing research being done to prevent cancer, awareness still needs to be brought towards the issue.

“Remember that each of us has a role in raising awareness. Around the world, there is amazing research happening today. Many more treatments, many more ways to prevent. It’s important that we keep up to date with the research, and we keep the lighter alight in terms of reducing the amount of cancer around the world,” the High Commissioner said.
Both Lynch and Miller congratulated the Guyana Cancer Foundation and its head, Bibi Saeedah Hassan on her hard work over the years of advocating for free medical screening and spreading messages of hope and support for persons dealing with cancer.
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.
Cancer still remains a taboo topic amongst the Guyanese population with the majority of persons having a sense of fear, shame, and hopelessness at the mere mention of the word cancer, let alone a diagnosis. This fear of diagnosis or the lack thereof goes to reflect the high number of cancer deaths in Guyana. (G2)