GBTI, Impressions launch “Hope Board” for Breast Cancer Awareness

GBTI and Impressions on Friday teamed up to transform the I Love Guyana Park in Kingston, Georgetown into a Breast Cancer Awareness Site with the launch of a Hope Message Board.

The Board, bearing messages promoting hope for a cure, support and encouragement for those fighting cancer and the call for healthy lifestyles and self-love, will remain for the rest of the month.
Staff of GBTI and Impressions, along with Adviser to the Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, affixed their messages. Members of the public are encouraged to add their messages to the board.
Globally, October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and according to statistics, Guyana ranks highest in the Caribbean with a cancer incidence rate of 46.9% and a mortality rate of 21 per 100,000 persons.
Impressions Marketing Manager Debbie Persaud related at the event that the numbers influenced Friday’s event, and not only stand to heighten awareness, but show support to those affected.
“Today, our bright pink attire represents a hope for survival and the number of lives survived from cancer. So let us continue to use our influence to foster awareness for early detection, so together we CAN give hope and save lives,” she said.
“Our collective goal today through private/public partnership is therefore for all of us to ensure that there is adequate education and sensitization, so that fewer people develop cancer, more people are successfully treated, and that there is a better quality of life for people during their treatment and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Guyana Americas Merchant Bank, Richard Isava, a Director on the GBTI Board of Directors and a leukemia survivor, said the topic is very close to his heart, his having come from a family, many of whose members were cancer patients.
“One of the most important things is a healthy lifestyle. It’s unfortunate that I waited until I am 55 to start eating healthy and living a healthier lifestyle. Thanks to GBTI, we started a wellness programme with a dedicated trainer that comes to us four days a week. I encourage more of my colleagues to join the programme and don’t do like me…,” he urged.
“If there is one thing that makes your body less hospitable to cancer cells, it’s healthy eating and regular exercise,” Isava said of his own experience as he referred to the support and care of family, friends and colleagues, which go a far way.
He noted that GBTI is proud to be part of this initiative to promote cancer awareness, and encouraged everyone to join the fight, including more corporate entities.
Dr Ramsammy reminded that while Breast Cancer is a killer, it does not have to be.
“We can help by preventative measures and by healthy lifestyles,” he said as he noted the dangers of tobacco and similar substances.
According to Dr Ramsammy, there are currently about 700 cases of cancer in Guyana – breast cancer being the highest, reflective of the global trend.
“The Government cannot fight cancer alone,” he said. “It has to be a partnership.” And he lauded the effort of GBTI and Impressions.
“Today we are not alone in this fight, which is a good sign”, he said. He noted that there are still gaps to be filled, but pointed to several initiatives the MoH and Government are implementing to ensure there is greater awareness, access and care.