Late-stage breast cancer diagnosis on the decline

Late-stage diagnosis of breast cancer is decreasing in Guyana, and this is a welcome trend that is testimony to the robust campaign to educate people on the importance of early detection and routine screening.
The Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) organized its “Look Good Feel Better” initiative for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Thursday. Medical Registrar Dr Latoya Gooding, during her remarks, said this shift to earlier detection is linked to increased cancer awareness sessions being held throughout the country, and the media disseminating vital information and instilling a sense of urgency among communities to get screened.
“Over the years, the incidence of breast cancer has been on the rise. And while that is a daunting reality, there is also a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The fact that the incidence of late-stage diagnosis has decreased is a testimony to the power of awareness. It is testimony to the strength of a community that has come together to make a difference,” Dr Gooding outlined.
According to her, persons are now taking charge of their health by seeking early diagnosis. However, she said access to quality treatment is paramount, and she pointed to cutting-edge technological resources and medical practitioners.
“The Oncology Department of the GPHC has been a place of solace, a beacon of hope for those affected by cancer. It is a place where our cancer patients can access treatment free of cost,” she explained.
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. If left unchecked, those tumours can spread throughout the body and become fatal. Treatment is based on the person, the type of cancer, and its spread. The treatment combines surgery, radiation therapy, and medications.
As at the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer, she explained.
Head of General Surgery at the GPHC, Dr Shilindra Rajkumar, recognized that, over the years, the Oncology Department has seen greater success, with improvements and a different approach to patient care.
“A lot has changed. As a result of that change, we can see so much difference when it comes to the management of cancer today. If you look at the Oncology Department now, to move from one nurse to a well-outfitted department, we have made tremendous strides, and I think that is something we should salute,” he said.
He added, “From the time when we couldn’t make diagnoses early to the time when we couldn’t manage because we didn’t have radiology and chemotherapy, now we’re having survivors with every aspect of care available.”
Several survivors were honoured, and their feat in overcoming cancer was celebrated. Started eight years ago, the programme has been geared at making patients and survivors feel good in their skin, and to ensure that their mental health is in check.
Those who are battling cancer have also been given hope. Anna DeMorias started her cancer battle in 2009, and is a three-time cancer survivor. Telling her story, she shared that after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she had a rocky struggle with several medical complications. The cancer returned in 2015, and she underwent chemotherapy again. She was diagnosed for a third time in 2018 when she underwent radiation.
From then to now, she admitted, the public health facilities have significantly been improved. She expressed, “Now I have been able to counsel people and tell them that cancer is not a death message, they still have life. From 2009, I am here today. Cancer will not carry me nowhere.”
Several entities have been working collaboratively with the Ministry to enhance patient care locally. Medical Coordinator for the Guyana Cancer Society, Dr Ejaz Hatim, underscored that attention has been placed on the hinterland services, bringing key services to residents there.
Pap smears and mammograms were free of cost during their recent outreaches. This year, they have screened at least 400 women. (G-12)