Pinktober 2023 commits to over 2500 free mammograms

GTT, in collaboration with the Health Ministry and several non-governmental cancer support organisations, will offer more than 2500 free mammograms to members of the public who qualify.
Mammography is the process of using low-energy X-rays to examine the human breast for diagnosis and screening. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer.
According to GTT, to obtain a free voucher to undergo a mammogram examination, members of the public must first be pre-screened at any of the community health centres across the country or through any of the Champions of Hope NGOs offering pre-screening. A list of the Champions of Hope partners can be found on the GTT Pinktober website (https://www.gttpinktober.com/).
The mammograms will be offered by The Cancer Institute, St Joseph Mercy Hospital, and the Dr Balwant Singh Hospital, GTT said on Wednesday.
Program Director for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health within the Health Ministry, Dr Lachmie Lall lauded the initiative. “We continue to see GTT play an instrumental role in the fight against cancer and that is very commendable. What we are witnessing is the power of collaboration, which is the key to providing comprehensive care and support to individuals affected by cancer,” she is quoted as saying in a release from GTT.
This year’s Pinktober campaign, themed “Many Hands, Caring Hearts”, is poised to make a significant impact on cancer awareness, early detection, and support for those affected by the disease with large and small organisations joining the fight.
Caribbean Surgery Inc has also joined the movement by offering free breast examinations throughout the entire month of October. Chief Operations Officer Naresha Ramnauth expressed the company’s dedication to the cause: “We are honoured to contribute to this important movement. By providing free breast examinations, we aim to encourage more people to take control of their health and get screened early.”
Woodlands Hospital is also offering free assistance. It has provided in excess of 40 cancer screenings to the public through the Pinktober 2023 initiative, inclusive of breast ultrasound, pap smears, H&E, PSAs, and colonoscopy screening, contributing significantly to early detection efforts. Dr Vilas Gobin, Managing Director of Woodlands Ltd, said that the company’s commitment was in keeping with its mission. “Our mission has always been to prioritise the well-being of our community. We are proud to be part of this collective effort, and we will continue to support cancer awareness and early detection in Guyana,” Dr Gobin declared.
Meanwhile, the public is also encouraged to participate in the Pinktober Walk/Run for a Cause and Health Fair on October 29 beginning at 06:00h at the Everest Cricket Ground, and to contribute to the cause by texting “Donate” to 620-2828.