GTT launches Pinktober 2023 to boost breast cancer awareness 

The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GTT) on Friday kicked off its Pinktober 2023 activities at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, thereby commencing the month-long awareness and education campaign that coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Guided by the theme “Many Hands, Caring Hearts,” Pinktober 2023 aims to mobilise civil society organisations, the public and private sectors, and the community at large to become more aware of breast cancer, its treatment, and the need for early screening.
“[The theme] reflects our understanding that the battle against cancer cannot be won by a single entity but by the synergy of countless organisations and dedicated individuals all working towards a shared sense of purpose,” Operations Manager at WeSolve CX, Diana Gittens stated.
“Together, we can ensure that every person touched by cancer receives the care, support and resources they need for prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.”
In 2018, Guyana recorded the highest rate of breast cancer in the Caribbean at a staggering 46.9 per cent, with a mortality rate of less than 1 per cent.
Civil society organisations, such as the Cancer Institute Guyana, have been making efforts to reduce these numbers, with representative Pameshwarie Seodat highlighting several initiatives they’ve undertaken.
“Between 2020 and 2023, our company, which houses the only External Beam Radiation Unit in Guyana, which is a non-invasive procedure in delivering radiation to tumours, has effectively treated 172 cases of breast cancer seen in patients,” Seodat explained.
“In 2022, we accommodated over 800 patients through the purposes of mammography and ultrasound screening. This feat was accomplished as a result of the synergy between our company, the many partnerships in the business community, and our shared goals to heighten awareness and further accessible care,” she added.
In addition, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony noted that significant work is also being done on the public sector level. These include procuring and distributing more mammogram machines across the country, introducing telepathology services at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and soon releasing a set of screening guidelines.
In further advancing these efforts, GTT, the Ministry, and a number of other civil society organisations, are on a mission this Pinktober to raise at least $30 million to support cancer awareness, screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
Patrons can contribute by texting “DONATE” to 620-4848, where each text costs $500, or purchasing a Pinktober package available at gttpinktober.com. Meanwhile, business owners can become sponsors by visiting the website and selecting a preferred sponsorship package.
The Pinktober 2023 roster of events include a Prayer Service and Tree Wrapping on October 1, Bartica Medical Outreach on October 8, Berbice Medical Outreach on October 15, A Night of Hope and Fashion on October 21, and a Walk/Run and Health Fair on October 29, starting from Everest Cricket Ground at 6:00h.
“As we launch Pinktober again this year, remember, it’s not only about the events, about the funds, and about the awareness, although those are important parts. It’s about the lives we will touch, the hope we will ignite, and the lasting impact that we will create,” GTT’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Eshwar Thakurdin posited.
Also present at Friday’s launch were a number of breast cancer survivors and representatives from the Giving Hope Foundation, The Periwinkle Club Inc, Guyana Cancer Society, Debra Shipley George Go Care Foundation and Beacon Foundation.